Shimano has stepped up to the plate, at least IMO. I don't have the money to get all the sweet new bells and whistles usually but shimano is not only going to be offering the major bells and whistles in their slx line up- ice tech brakes and shadow plus on their rear derailleur as well as some other cool features for the trail minded ride: http://www.sicklines.com/2012/03/01/2013-shimano-slx-and-wh-mt66-wh-mt68-26-29er-wheels/

They have also introduced a whole new line up Zee! with pretty reasonable prices for the more gravity driven rider and they also come with all the major bells and whistles that saint comes with, 4 piston ceramic brakes, large flow hoses, ice tech, 10speed and shadow plus to name a few: http://www.sicklines.com/2012/04/18/2013-shimano-zee-new-gravity-m640-components/

ZEE MSRP Pricing:
  • Shifter – $49.99
  • Rear Derailleur – $109.99
  • Pre-Bled Disc Brake – Front $249.99
  • Pre-Bled Disc Brake – Rear – $249.99
  • Crankset – $159.99
  • Front Hub – $69.99
  • Rear Freehub – $89.99