a mate of mine is looking for his first mountain bike, anyone got any suggestions?

My brother is currently looking for a bike in same price bracket. Leisure lakes have commencal disc combi for 420. Looks a good deAl

Errr, my Orange P7?

It's 19" so good for 5'8-6'2" and a perfect first bike, sure footed I think is the best way to describe handling. It was my previous XC bike which I renovated for my brother in law, although 2 rides and he's decided he's not man enough…

Anyway spec is here
http://www.orangebikes.com/2006bikes/p7-s.php
but I just put on a new SRAM970 cassette and Shimano HG73 chain.

Condition is good but used, scrapes but no dents/bends/tears/holes. She's been really solid and reliable for me. They're £995 new so I was looking for £400-450. Where are you, I'm up in Manchester?

My mate is selling his rockhopper disc at around that price or a chunk less – he is bringing it round tomorrow so I can check it out before putting it on the classifieds

I am not sure exactly which model – but it has a rockshok tora fork so not the basic one. Hardly used

E mail me if interested jeremyDOTpascoeATbtinternetDOTcom

cheers guys

TJ and JohnFB. I'll ask him what he thinks about 2nd hand. they both sound ideal and you get a lot more bike for your money that way!

I'd recommend second hand – much more for the money

Carrera Fury AM – great forks for the price and the rest of the kit is not too bad either. Rides, really well. I had mine powder coated white and branded a pub bike to hide its true identity. It is probably the only bike I have at the moment that will never get sold.

Just converted the standard wheels to tubeless too! Bargain