OK, after months of driving by, I finally stopped at the LBS. I looked around and testdrove an entry level specialized. It felt pretty cool. It's $500, which I don't mind spening, but I just want to hear from someone who knows more about bikes than I (other than the salesman). BTW- I went to another bike shop and all they carried was specialized, too. Any comments? I am a beginner (making the step up from my k mart bike). I am looking for a mountain bike but nothing fancy (yet).