Originally Posted by dtrain

I ask because I just helped my dad select an entry-level bike and he ended up with an Iron Horse. Performance price matched rscycle.com on a 2007 Warrior 3.0, then still gave a 10% discount (plus the membership points I earned). We walked out of there with a (supposedly) $699 bike for under $350. My dad (who is turning 66) is just excited that he got Deore shifters and disc brakes for under $500 or $600. I think it was a decent decision for someone without a mountain bike (and who only needs something just a bit tougher than a hybrid).

While I was tempted by the next model up (with Sram X.7 and Juicy 3's), I just kept thinking the frame, fork, and wheels can't be that great. Just the weight difference is enough to keep me riding my Genesis hardtail until I'm really ready to invest in a quality upgrade.