Cali - I just bought a MTB about 2 mnths ago....no maybe a little longer. I got the Trek 820 steel for under $225. I have taken it on some technical trails but it sounds like we may be very similar in style: roadies that are trying out MTB. I'm finding I like the singletracks with some little fun stuff but nothing really technical awesome! The 820 is a hardtail that has worked perfect for me. It is heavier than Snowtulips but for what I"m doing - it'll last me forever!

and it's STeel!!!