realskiers

That's right, you're a Canadian...which reminds me of another advantage you have...Horst Link Suspension designs...in the US, Spec holds the patent and for years have blocked a number of small Canadian companies from selling their bikes (unless the redesigned for us specific market) with Horst link designs (like Devinci).  BUt I know in Canada, plenty of brands sport that very excellent suspension design (the reason so many companies eventually developed their own multi-link active design was because they were tired of paying Specialized to sell to an american market, not because the Horst Link wasn't a great design.).

I think most of the Canadian major players make great bikes, too...especially Rocky Mountain and Banshee (the Banshee paradox is my main ride right now).  Yeah, with the exchange rates et al. (plus a nationalist pride) it makes great sense to stay with a Canadian brand.