check out felt's q series. i have a q720 and i love it. it is a quality entry level bike at a decent price. i would suggest the 620 or the 720 for the better components.
http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010.../Q-Series.aspx

 

Matt - I checked in at "Goride bikes" in Redwood City and they had some nice gear including a 21" Hardrock for $349 that looked really good. They seemed really nice as well, and I am going to have them build my next couple wheels so we'll see how it goes.

 

At that price point, all the major manufacturers are going to have pretty comparable models.

Just go to some different shops and test ride different brands. Giant, Specialized, Trek, Kona, Felt... They will all have quality AU frames. Buy the one that fits/feels the best.

 

^^ This is great advice. Pick a price, try some bikes, buy one.

 

I worked in 3 bike shops over six years. This aint my first rodeo.

 

from my understanding, since the mid 90's a significant portion of all mass manufactured bicycles come from one source: kinesis, whether it be downhill mtb, freestyle, aluminum/carbon road race/ hybrids. They design frames for a variety of companies too so in my mind you're paying money for a nice sticker.

http://www.kinesis.com.tw/

 

This is true. I don't the know the specifics of the company(s) that do the manufacturing (could be Kinesis), but at the price point the OP is looking at, there is a good chance that the AU frames are all manufactured by the same facility to the individuals bike companies specs.