Have a look at the Giant Iguana.
Better rear Derailleur, better brakes, better shox...
Specs for IGUANA:
Frame-6061 ALUXX Aluminium SE Geometry
Fork-Rockshox PILOT C 80mm Travel
Headset-Cane Creek 1 1/8’ Ahead Integrated
F. Derailleur-Shimano Alivio 34.9
R. Derailleur-Shimano Deore 9 Speed
Crankset-Shimano Alivio 22x32x42 170/175mm
Shifters-Shimano Deore 27 Speed
Cassette-SRAM 7.0 11-34T 9 Speed
Chain-Shimano Deore 9 Speed
B. Bracket-Sealed Cartridge
Hubs-Formula Front/Shimano Acera Rear 9 Speed Cassette
Rims-Alex Ace-18 CNC Sidewalls 32H
Tyres-Hutchinson Mosquito 26x2.0
Brakes-Tektro TB07AL Alloy V-Brakes
B. Levers-Avid AD3
Pedals-VP992
Stem-HL Corp Alloy Riser 15 degree 1 1/8
H. Bar-Alloy Shotpeen Black Riser
Seat-Post-Kalloy Alloy Black 30.8
Saddle- Velo VL1021 colour coded
Grips- Velo G-16
(RRP $995)
You could also go for the Kona Fire Mountain for $849 with basically the same as above but with a decidedly average fork.