Well, I'm not a bike snob, but I do ride a full scandium XTR Salsa Caballero and a K2 Evo with high-end parts, each over $2000. So I understand what quality is.
But I am impressed as hell that Ironhorse is offering some long travel bikes this year for cheap cheap cheap. Low-end parts and high weights, but their value as a beginner's bike cannot be overestimated. Their "all-mountain" offering, the "Iron Horse Warrior Pro", has 5 inches of travel, and can be had at Supergo for only $799...
http://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?L...7&lcat_id=7604
Their "Freeride" offering, the "Yakuza Aniki" has 7 inches of travel and is likewise $799...
http://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?L...7&lcat_id=7604
I'm actually thinking of getting one as a "buddy" bike, or as a spare for when one of my other bikes is undergoing upgrades/repairs. With the additrion of a platform shock, and some lightening in the wheels/tires department, these could actually be nice bikes!
Just my $0.02.