I see that defining an entry level bike is really challenging. although, we use this terms so often. now it may be helpful to solve one category at a time. So, how about starting with

Entry Level Hardtail - For XC and Trail riding. Can we also add the All mountain Hardtail with this category?

Now, I would imagine that the following features may be important in defining this category.

1. Price Point
2. Components, Specially the drive train (suppose anything below Deore is entry level to some one)
3. Frame material (dont know how important it is) and geometry - is there any obvious feature that signals that a bike is entry level (I heard that the stem angle, head and seat tube angle can sometime give important clue)
4. ????
5. ????

add more if you wish.

I thougth it might be helpful. If not, I am open to different/new ideas.

thanks.