Large with rock shox and juicey 3's or equivalents. That sort of spec or would consider second hand. What have you seen. Cheers.

Carrera Fury.

you could build ihm something on the cheap. One-one frame, juicy 3's, revelations or dart's etc. etc.

Its what im doing for myself and its turning out nicley 😀

pauls cycles are normally good for that kind of thing.

I recommended my boss a bike on wiggle, he is happy with it and I got 10% of the purchase price in vouchers. 😀 Depends what you pal likes though.

+1 for Carrera Fury. Amazing bike for the price. I bought one and no regrets (though will admit to considering swapping most bits over to an on-one frame, but that's the fashion police for you…).
😕

Paulscycles.co.uk always have a good selection of new older models heavily discounted

My local shop's got their January sale on. Clicky for the page that's about your price range.

What about a large black chameleon from your shed? or has that been sold already!

Have to second/third pauls cycles can, pick up high spec 08 and 09 bikes heavily discounted. Just need to sometimes be lucky with sizing.

please please please buy manwells spesh off him.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p1539

Not a recommendation, just an example of some of the possible savings.

This would be nice for £599…

Edinburgh bike co op stuff is great value for money

Cannot believe how good value this is:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=10831&f%5FFullProductVersion=1&f%5FSupersetQRY=C416&f%5FSortOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=c012372c012370

Buy it, swap all the bits onto an Inbred frame and you're laughing…

I've got one already. Why do you say swap over to an inbred frame?

well I found him a brand new marin on ebay. 2010 model eldridge. rrp is £999. £600. Hes well chuffed. Hes grown a beard and is on the hunt for some spd sandles.