It sounds to me like sykerocker is looking for a rider, not an investment.
I like the Bridgestone MB-1 and MB-2. I also think that the early rigid Treks are under rated. They made a lot of them, so you can get them cheap. I have a Bridgestone MB-2, a Trek 850 and a Trek 930. I think that the cheapest one, the 850 is the best ride.