A mate is looking for a bike primarily for commuting, but also possibly starting to do a bit of off-road riding.

He’s 6’1″, though no whippet.

He was looking at a Carerra Voodoo ,I was thinking of something like a 2nd hand Inbred or Specialized Rockhopper as I’ve had both and they have taken all sorts of abuse from me. What would you recommend ?

Merlin Malt 2 ?

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/mountain-bikes/merlin-bikes/merlin-malt-2-bike.html

Check decathlon

2013 specialized 29er for £500

I have a voodoo hoodoo and I am very pleased with it.

For a new bike you will be hard pressed to find something better for the money.
I have changed the tyres as in the thick mud that is a constant at the moment the ardents do skate around a bit.
But in dry/damp they are great and on Tarmac they are pretty fast and easy on the legs compared to their replacements.
Which is good if it will be used for commuting aswell.

Cannondale F1 caffeine large 2008 £500 ??

I am 6ft 2 and it fits well

Great – some food for thought there. That Merlin looks very good value for the cash.

18″ Black On One Scandal (alu) singlespeed with rigid forks etc.
Full build £400 Brighton area.