Having had a blast doing the Glentress Red Route on a borrowed Klein a few months ago, I fancy getting a bike that's a bit more up to some XC action. My 10yr old rigid Diamond Back might not last too long off-road.

I've seen the Specialized Rockhopper down to £450 (£100 off) and the disc version also down by £100 to £599 on the web.

Paul's Cycles (http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/giant2003.htm) has some decent looking offers ie the Giant XTC SE3 (£750 down to £500). Also the Scott Elite Racing at £690 but I didn't really want to go over £600.

I've tried a couple of local Specialized dealers and they either sold out of '04 bikes or don't plan to discount yet. Hence mail order looks to be an option but I've not bought a bike this way before...

Merlin (http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/) look to be build good value bikes. The Merlin Malt 2 at £515 got an excellent review in What Mountain Bike. Edit : Sorry, that's £699. Merlin are drivable to collect from too.

Being a bloke who likes spending money on gadgets, I like the idea of disc brakes but I'm not sure I'd ride enough to warrant the extra cost of the them.

Any other suggestions?

Chris.

Basically the way to buy a bike is to get the best frame you can afford with reasonable group set and forks.

Theres a world of difference between lower market forks and disc's and the high end stuff(function, durablity), you get what you pay for.
Then as you get more into it and have more cash upgrade your kit. The frame(most expensive bit) will stand the test of time if it is quality.

Disc's and forks are a must at some point, forks obvious, discs give you so much more control. They a more modular than rim brakes allowing more subtle braking techniques without grabing which you get with a rim(which is never smooth). Plus they work in the wet/mud.