First suggestion would be to check out the what hardtail and what full suspension threads at the top of this forum, should give you some idea of what people round here think is good.
Are you looking for full suspension (perhaps a little dodgy at the £500 mark) or hardtail? What type of riding are you looking at? General off-road trail riding, whippet-like XC or something different?
Just taking a wild guess, take a look at the Kona Blast Deluxe and see if you can get a discounted '08 model.
look out for offers on 2008 bikes, bike prices have gone up on the 2009 bikes so there are bargains to be had, just check out the net, look for reviews and get a few bikes to try out at your local shop
2007 SPECIALIZED FSR XC COMP - sold
2008 CANNONDALE F6 - CUSTOM BUILD - sold
2008 TREK EX 9.5 - sold
2010 SPECIALIZED ALLEZ ELITE
2011 On One 456
more coming soon!
Posts
Are you looking for full suspension (perhaps a little dodgy at the £500 mark) or hardtail? What type of riding are you looking at? General off-road trail riding, whippet-like XC or something different?
Just taking a wild guess, take a look at the Kona Blast Deluxe and see if you can get a discounted '08 model.
http://www.tankslap.co.uk
2008 CANNONDALE F6 - CUSTOM BUILD - sold
2008 TREK EX 9.5 - sold
2010 SPECIALIZED ALLEZ ELITE
2011 On One 456
more coming soon!