ok last question before I go plunk down a sizeable investment for a college kid like me. I spoke one more time w/ the guy at Bicycles Inc. in Fort Worth and he said he could get a me an '06 rockhopper for $500 vs. $450 for the '05 model. As far as I can tell the only differences are.

2005
Manitou Axle Comp
Shimano Alivio mostly


2006
Rock Shox J3SL w/ lockout
Shimano LX & Deore all around

Is this worth 50 buck more? The lockout might be nice for riding paved trails up and down the river, but only if you the Manitou is seriously soft?