Wow you went all out for your beginner rig. I use to have an iron horse and loved it. I am suprised that you went with a full suspension for your first real mountain bike. Usually people will learn how to handle on a hardtail. I am not trying to dissapoint you in your purchase it is actually a very nice bike! you will love it! oh and by the way, you can sell those Avid BB5 brakes and upgrade to the BB7s but the BB5s are still really good mechanical brakes! Good Buy and good price too.