If you want Raiyn's attention start typing in Aolese. *Just kidding* *Just kidding.* He is knowledgeable and a lot of the stuff on my bike and my choice in bike is based on his posts and recommendations. What he has posted several times is that for the money ($500), the base Rockhopper is a good bike. The geometry and frame are good and solid and it has a good series of components. The bike is a good one to build up as well. The final bit of recommendation is that you should ride the bikes and see which one feels the best.

If you look around page 18 of this thread you'll see a chart I put up. I highlighted components that I was recommended to avoid and others that were desirable. That's a good place to start. Taking your list of bikes post up what front shock, what rear derailleur and what brakes they have. Then post that up here and cross reference with the chart I mentioned.

jamietodd, looks like you got a good series of components for the price point. I know nothing of Iron Horse bikes but I like the list of components you have there.