I bought a mtn bike from Bike Island 3 yrs ago. It was a one of their mid priced hardtails, that had the lowest level of components out of three different builds on the same frame. I've had three years to figure out what I want, and I've been upgrading it (new fork, new wheels and tires, new Deore drivetrain next) into what I think is a nice riding mtn bike.

Good luck, and ride it like you stole it.