Looking for an entry level bike as a birthday present. Think XC more than jump. What is good atm? Budget £500 or so.

I know I could get something decent building it up from parts bought on here, out of my spares bin etc but that is not in the project spec!

Thanks in advance.

Hard pushed to beat this for VFM

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/81-2011-id_8168695.html

Looks like it’s worth checking out!

Definately, it’s a great budget bike. Slightly ropey wheels but that’s all that’s wrong with it. Another good contender, when it’s at the right point in its erratic price cycle, is the carrera fury- it makes its price cuts in the drivetrain instead.

Voodoo Hoodoo and Saracen Mantra are also worth checking out (as well as those mentioned above), in this price range.