I just read this to my DH...my component guru...he just picked every one of the components on my new racer X. He said that he would not even consider and entry level bike without disc brakes. The wheel set and the brakes are the two most important thing on your bike. You should be able to get a bike with mechanical disc brakes that is not too expensive.

Now that being said....

It took me one year to out grow my first "real" mountain bike. You get what you pay for, so plan ahead like TerraNik says. You don't have to go crazy, just spend wisely. Take your time, test drive, consider what your future plans are.....

Ruth