recommended beginners mtn bike

copacetic

Hi Guys,
Need to get a bike for commuting a couple of miles or so every day (just to avoid bringing the car into sandyford). Was looking at a hybrid, but i already have a medium spec road bike so was thinking I should get a basic mtn bike that would be good enough for the trails around stepaside and sandyford as I am moving into my new place in the next month or so.
Any recommendations? never going to race it or anything and want to stay below say 500, so not looking for a piece of crap either, my road bike is a giant and it is decent quality and got it for a good price in belfast, so am thinking a gian or a trek but am open to any decent brand..

any ideas/bargains would be much appreciated

Johnny Jukebox

I was walking by Cycleways this morning and noticed that they were having a sale of some 2004 models.

If I recall rightly there is a Specialized hardrock for about 500 yoyo in the window.

Alkers

http://www.mtbireland.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=3580.0 - very good starter bike. Should be able to get it for less than the €500.

copacetic

cheers guys,
will check both out, cycelways always seem very expensive though, sale
will prob just bring them down to normal prices!