If you have a moment, please help me with some recommendations.

Backstory: I used to ride quite a bit between 10-15 years ago. Looking to do mostly HT XC stuff, up hills, then down them. I figure it'll take me a couple months to get back into it but i'm looking for a good bike that will be able to take a beating. I'm 5'11/165 lbs.

I havent decided on the 26/29 debate yet. I've never ridden a 29er but with so many people raving about them, I figure its worth taking a test ride at a shop.

These are the bikes I have looked at online, all received good reviews from people online. Haven't ridden any in person yet. My budget is around $1000. Can be a couple hundred more if it's a really good deal.

26ers:

-Trek 6000 (or maybe 6500 if i can find a good deal). http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/cross_country/6_series/6000/# http://www.trekbikes.com/int/en/bikes/mountain/sport/6_series/6500/

-Kona Cinder Cone

http://2011.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=cinder_cone

29ers:

-Specialized Rockhopper Expert Disc

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=39224&menuItemId=0

-Trek Cobia

http://www.trekbikes.com/int/en/bikes/mountain/cross_country/29er_race/cobia/#

-Trek X-Caliber (If I can find a good deal) http://www.trekbikes.com/int/en/bikes/mountain/cross_country/29er_race/x_caliber/#

If anyone could throw me some advice, it would be much appreciated. If there are any other bikes that would be comparable to those listed above, please let me know. And if you have any input on the 26/29 debate... I'm looking to ride mostly XC trails but something that would be good for anything is ideal.

Many thanks for your help.