Caleb, I doubt you'll notice a difference in components between the taro and the honzo.
I can tell a huge difference between steel and aluminum hardtails, but you actually pay more for a good steel frame.
I think I'm so ademate about steel is because so many people say how much they hate hardtails, but they've never ridden a good steel or ti hardtail. To me, it's an entirely different experience from aluminum. They're both super fun, but once I switched to steel, it was night and day for me. Even a noob will be able to feel a noticeable difference.
That being said, you can have a ton of fun on an aluminum hardtail. If you don't feel beat up at the end, and your calves can take the vibration from the rear triangle, go for it! Personally, I'd hold out for a slightly used honzo or explosif or otherwise great steel hardtail. Also, some steel hardtails are more forgiving than others, not all steel is created equal.
