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I'd try to borrow a bike and see what you like and don't like about it.
If you just want something that's more capable than a cross bike, there are good bikes to be had for £500 if you shop around, and great ones if you forsake suspension (I'm of the opinion that steel forks are better than shit suspension forks, but I may be in the minority)
TvH
Since I'm here, I figure I may as well ask a little advice...
Where does a complete beginner start with trying to choose an mtb? I've got 10years experience building riding and racing road, tt and track bikes but I've only ridden rental mtbs one or two times since I was a kid but it was massive fun. I loved my CX bike but that's since been build into a commuter bike and it also felt a bit limited on some trails.
I live in the flatlands of the Thames Vally so almost all riding would be confined to footpaths and bridleways... plenty of mud but nothing even vaguely resembling anything gnarly without getting in the car. Going for a spin along the Ridgeway also sounds pretty fun.
How do I know what kind of bike I need/want? I'm pretty sure I don't want a downhill bike, a cross country bike sounds vaguely appealing and I don't even know what enduro means... I sort of guess I might want something with a rigid rear end and front suspension, but no idea about wheel sizes or types of suspension or anything...
That calibre bossnut seems like good value but I was sort of hoping for a budget nearer £500 since I've no idea what I'm doing... where on earth am I supposed to start?