cross country then freeride then down hill it depends on what you want. I could for sure give you some tips though if you want.
It all depends on how much money you want to spend how much suspension and travel where you live and how often you'll ride it. If you want to spend like 1000 to 3000 go for a kona next would be rocky mountain then yeti.(price wise)
www.konaworld.com
www.bike.com