Mountain Biking - K2 Zed 3.0?

Any opinions on the K2 Zed 3.0 '08 for $550? Link to specs is below.

http://www.k2bike.com/index.php?brand=K2&series=Mountain&type=Hardtail%20Mountain&model=Zed%203.0&2007=false&show=Expanded

Components look par for the price. Opinions on the frame? I'm having a hard time finding any recent reviews.

I own an '06. Like it, solid rig. What are you going to use it for?

I Love K2's geometry, but that said there are better buys out there.
Better components (http://www.rscycle.com/2008-Iron-Horse-Warrior-5-0-Cross-Country?sc=7&category=35695)
Better brakes, better drivetrain, Waaaay better fork.

I own an '06. Like it, solid rig. What are you going to use it for?

Beginner mtn. bike, likely mostly XC. (Long answer: I got a Novara Ponderosa about 6 months ago when it was heavily discounted, so that I could start riding with a friend. It promptly got stolen. Replaced it with a Novara Safari since I thought I'd be doing a mix of road and trail. But, I haven't been real happy with the handlebars and I'm starting to get into shape, so looking at mtn. bikes again)


I Love K2's geometry, but that said there are better buys out there.
Better components (http://www.rscycle.com/2008-Iron-Horse-Warrior-5-0-Cross-Country?sc=7&category=35695)
Better brakes, better drivetrain, Waaaay better fork.

Does the Iron Horse's shocks have lockout? One advantage of the K2 is that I can get it from REI, so if have any major part failures down the road I'm covered. Also, is that price what I'm likely to find in LBSs? Looks like only clearance only.

I don't think the IH fork has lockout. It is a clearance price, I don't think you'll find it in bike stores. ( I believe RS is the only distributor for IH bikes now)

I don't think the IH fork has lockout. It is a clearance price, I don't think you'll find it in bike stores. ( I believe RS is the only distributor for IH bikes now)

And if you live in Canada, Sportchek has them.

[Moved to its own thread]