even something like a trek 820 or 3700 can be had new for $2-300. Much better buy. If you can though, get a good deal on a used bike. You'll get a lot more bike for the money. Oh and my personal rule for dual suspension is that I wont buy one unless I can afford to drop at least a grand. Cheap dual suspension bikes really really suck, I'd rather ride a fully ridgid singlespeed beater.