Gary Turner's i-Drive is an XC full suspension bike that weighs more than your average XC hardtail, but preserves the rider better by taking the sting out of the trails. GT has splashed out on a surprisingly good spec, including a Rock Shox fork and Shimano Deore gearing. Ideal for riders who want to go a bit further in more comfort.

Specialized has been around since the beginning and has always offered great value. The Rockhopper is a serious bike and would struggle to let you down with its Shimano Deore/LX components, Deore Hydraulic disc brakes and bump-eating Manitou Axel Super fork. This bike is fit to be raced and will encourage you to ride harder - perfect for the fitness enthusiast.

Leeds-based Orange is the bike maker of choice for Yorkshire lad and World Cup champion Steve Peat. Made from 7005 Aluminium, the Evo2 is available as just a frame or with a variety of extras. The Deore version offers a whippy yet comfortable ride for the money and will suit the tech-heads as much as the easy riders.

Canadian firm Kona's bikes cope well with our similar (ie, crap) climate and the Caldera just begs to be thrashed straight out of the box. With its Marzocchi fork, Shimano Deore gearing and powerful hydraulic brakes atop a 7005 Aluminium frame, the Caldera has the ride quality typical of Kona bikes.

Named after the infamous trails where mountain biking was born, the Marin Hawk Hill has a lot to live up to - and it delivers. This isan entry-level machine, with cable-operated disc brakes, Shimano Deore components and a budget suspension fork, but there is plenty of room for upgrades.