Here's a question for you lot:
I have a mate who's looking to buy a complete new bike. He wants a hardtail, I've told him to think about getting a steel one because it would nicer to ride in the long run, and have that steel feel. Now he's come back to me and asked me for some examples... it has to be complete, IE no faffing, getting custom builds, he basically wants to walk into a shop and leave with the bike.
SO... whats available?
oh and he has about 1000 - 1200 quid to spend
[url= http://www.bikechase.co.uk/index.php?p=173803&o=173827 ]Genesis Altitude?[/url]
Rock Lobster 853?
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Bikes/Mountain+Bikes/Rock+Lobster+Bikes/Rock+Lobster+853+Bike_RL-853-BIKE.htm
CraigW - Member
Rock Lobster 853?
Went in to buy one of those... walked out with one of these...
[IMG] 
[/IMG]
Not really an off the peg bike but worth the effort to spec up.
I know you said no custom builds, but I'd be tempted to throw this lot at a mechanic and get him to build it up... 
[url= http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/MTB++Parts/Bars++Stems/Bar+Stem++Seatpost+Packs/Race+Face+Evolve+Bar+Stem++Seatpost_1499.htm ]Cockpit[/url]
[url= http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/MTB++Parts/Transmission++Gears/Groupsets+-+MTB/Shimano+SLX+Groupset++MT15+Wheels_2559.htm ]Transmission[/url]
[url= http://www.dialledbikes.com/products/mtb/prince-albert.php ]Frame[/url]
[url= http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Frame++Forks/Forks++Shocks/Rockshox+Suspension+Forks/Rockshox+Reba+SL+-+2010_880.htm ]Bounce[/url]
Far nicer than something off the peg IMHO
Kona Buffer?
Charge Duster?
Whyte 19 Steel - awesome bike
Let him look at alu ones as well, it's not fair to blinker him with the steel is real bullshit.
I've an Orange R8, I love it. I've had a few steel bikes in my time, and it rides really sweet.