I'm a below-entry-level mountain biker and I bought the Trek 820. It was a price I could afford in case I ended up not doing much MTB'ng, it was steel so I didn't feel worried about ruining it when I crashed - and I Knew I was going to crash - and it was Bright Yellow so the search n rescue ppl could find me if they had to!
I Love that bike and I Just found some entry-level trails close to me so I might just be giving MTB'ng another try!
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "Yeah Baby! What a Ride!"