I am in sort of a similar situation, trying to choose between a Kona Kahuna Deluxe HT and a Kona Hei Hei FS. Both seem to be decent bikes, but the Kahuna is a couple hundred bucks less and has a better fork and component group. I guess that is the trade off for the FS. While I wouldn't call either bike entry level, is it better to get the better spec'ed HT? My riding terrain is similar to the OP.