best "all-mountain" bike under or around $2500?

Well, it looks like you want to stick with a more "trail" geometry versus an "XC race", much like road bikes have "performance" and "endurance" types. So, just to toss it out there before the community lynches me... YES, you should go to a local bike shop and differentiate. So there are all-mountain specific rigs, but I'm guessing you'll be happier to start out, continue on a Trail geometry full suspension given your explanation.

SO... Trek hits this right on the head and makes versatile, all arounders, the Fuel 7 (8, 9, increases in price as you go up). They have more travel (front and back) and place your weight more on the back wheel rather than the middle of the bike, so you have more stability and can ride more techy, rooty stuff.

To illustrate, a specialized stumpjumper fsr comp would also be up your alley, however, an epic would not.

A giant anthem would probably not be good, but a Trance would.

A Cannondale Scalpel may not be good, but a RZ would... unless you prefer a prophet... which is a ground up all arounder, but they weigh a bit more and get into things you don't really need.

Why not try a pair of these and see what I mean first hand ( I tried to cover what your local bike shops may have in stock), you'll want a slacker head tube (angle LESS than the next), travel OVER 110mm, not 110, not 100 on your fork. This is generally the tipping point between an XC race and trail bike, so you get about 4.25 inches of travel front and rear. If you're looking at or around 2500, you're allotting enough money... try to squeeze a fox fork into it for that amount. I did hear another call for the Camber, but imho, they are the poor man's stumpjumper... just get the stumpjumper :) I own a Cannondale Rush, which was kind of a mixed breed (Marathon xc, 100mm front, 120mm rear travel), it would be nice around there, but it's a bit of an aggressive stance for starters. Their current Prophet would be the all mountain you talk about, but you don't want one.. too slow.

Best All Around Mountain Bike

Everyone has individual selections and loyalties but i would endorse getting maintain of some magazines and checking reviews. I have alsways been keen on specialized bikes and have just a few street and xc models but my friend has just bought a Boardman and it dealt with higher IMHO than my specialised and has some relatively just right studies

Go to the local bike shop and talk with them. You do not want a down hill bike for climbing. I would get shocks that lock out at both ends.

http://www.bicycling.com/gearfinderproductlist?gfp...

If you're on the tall side I'd say get a Giant Trance X 29er 1. Friend of mine just got one and he's loving it.

The Banshee Rune Comp or Spitfire Comp---jensonusa.com have great features!

Specialized camber my uncle has one and it is a real nice bike

I often end up writing the same question on other sites