Bike Forums - After weeks of research

I am looking to fall in love with mountain biking. I am saving for college so I don't have 2 grand to spend on a ride. My lbs has a 06 Rocky Mountain Fusion in my size for $800 Canadian. I love the fact that it is hand made in my home country. The details on their web site about the company blow every other manufacturer out of the water. Here are the specs:

SPECIFICATIONS
Frame RMB 7005 Custom Aluminum
Frame Weight 1.54 kg / 3.4 lb (18.5")
Fork Marzocchi MZ III
Front Travel 100 MM
Head Set FSA
Stem RMB
Handlebar RMB XC Riser
Brakes Shimano BR465
Brake Levers Avid FR5 Ambide Strous
Shifters SRAM Attack
Gearing (RR/FR) Shimano Deore / Deore
Cranks & Chainrings FSA RPM
Bottom Bracket Shimano UN26
Pedals Wellgo Big Flats
Hubs (RR/FR) Shimano M495 Disc
Cog-Set Shimano Deore
Chain Shimano HG53
Spokes DT Champion
Rims Alex DP17
Tires (RR/FR) IRC Mythos XC II
Seat Post RMB
Saddle RMB

I looked at most of the components on the makers web site and they look to be quite decent quality. I am not sure why they chose Shimano brakes over Hayes. I say these because that's all I have seen over the past couple of weeks. Ironically a local guy is selling the frame only for $300 Canadian. I didn't know that you could buy the frame by itself. Anyways if you were in my shoes would you buy it? Either way I am probably going to buy it. Are there any other bikes that are comparable in the same price range? My goal was to buy a 06 on clearance to get a better bike for my target price of $800. Your advice is appreciated.