i have 9 bikes i am looking at now. I need a strong frame to last through heavy abuse b/c of jumping and big trails, but the conponents have to at least be decent (above Acera) because they need to last about 2 years before they get upgraded. This are the bikes so far:
1. Ironhorse Warrior Sport or Comp
2. K2 Zed
3. Giant Rainier
4. Ironhorse maverick SE
5. Kona Scrap
6. Norco Katmandu
7. Norco Wolverine
8. Gary Fisher Opie
9. Fuji Panic

I am also unable to spend more than $450-500. Does anyone have any opinions about these bikes (e.g. which is the best?) or anyothers to suggest?