MTB recomendation upto £400

[Kreeeee]

I have been looking at things like this:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60153
and
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60194

I used to do a fair bit of dirt jumping/smooth downhill racing (well prepared courses, no roots and very well flowing fast runs) and would love to get back into it. I would very very occasionally use the bike for 10-15 minute road journeys but that's not really an issue. Disc brakes are very important for me because the terrain can sometimes get very wet and muddy as I also used to do a bit of off road trekking through forest tracks around rainy shropshire.

I'm looking for recomendations on bikes upto £400 and on good places to purchase them. Thanks a lot guys.

 

[SDK^]

Before I checked those links I was going to recommend the Specialized Hardrock.
The 2006 model you linked to is only available with a frame size of 13", the 2007 is model is £370 so still within your budget.

 

[molinari]

I got a Kona FireMountain 2006 from Evans last week; was £399 reduced to £329. My first mountian bike for 14 years . I'm really enjoying it at the moment, especially in this lovely weather .

From my experience Evans seem quite good for a high street seller. The staff are friendly and seem to know what they're on about although I'm sure you can probably get the same bike cheaper from an online shop.

 

[MookJong]

Claud Butler - Cape Wrath

 

[Teifiterror]

For dirt jumping and downhill you will want something pretty rugged, kona do some reasonably priced jump bikes that are capable of handling the downhill courses you describe. A mate had a Kona Stuff which you might be able to get last years model for at that price.