be. I have seriously considered just buying a Wal-Mart cheapie (ya I know) just to give some of the easier shared trails a try and see if I like it

Try to borrow a good one, or come out to California and you can ride one of mine. 2 reasons:

1. Cheap bikes are cheap cause they are as heavy and handle like you know what! Which leads to #2

2. Your first experience will leave the lasting impression and if its too hard, uncomfortable and or scarey you'll never experience the joy us mtb'ers feel.

and one more they can be dangerous.