Bargain XC bike

The Rookie

A Reba and GX gearing at a price point when XC30's and NX are the norm!
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-9 ... 66869.html

supersonic

Looks a great buy! I know many will raise eyebrows about the 'old schoo'l geo and stuff, but for a lot people, this sort of thing is going to work really well.

I've also seen this:

https://www.merlincycles.com/diamondbac ... 05250.html

I'd prefer the Rockrider, but if you can't stretch to it, again has a classic xc stance and would be perfect for those wanting to dip their toes a little beyond 'gravel'.