The Ridgeback Cyclone is a bike that is a dying breed nowadays -
reasonable quality non-suspension. I was very attached to mine. It is road
oriented, but it is more than happy as an offroader. Up until a few years
ago, suspension wasn't available for mountain bikes - it never stopped
people using them. The only problem I would see with it is that the
26x1.5's fitted to it don't grip mud and gravel very well, so you will
probably want gnarly (proper mountain bike) tyres and tubes fitted. You
might be able to get the shop you buy them from to swap them over for free
(or for a small fee).
I've never ridden one of these, but the Dawes Shuniah
(http://www.dawescycles.com/) looks promising. The specification seems
very similar to the Ridgeback, but it has gnarlies. And its £70 cheaper.
They also have a "comfort" version at the same price, the Saratoga, which
has a more "upright" riding position, which you might prefer. Personally,
I think the Shuniah looks like a better bike for the money. I actually
feel a bit tempted to flog my MTB and get one of these.
Also bear in mind that 2005 bikes are coming out from now to christmas, so
if you look around you can get some fantastic deals on 2004 models.
Ultimately, though, you would do well as a new rider to find a shop and
stick with them. Better to have a relationship with a good local shop,
even if you pay slightly more for the bike to begin with.
Good luck!
Chris.
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