I bought a FELT last year. The new stock was coming in and knocked 120 quid off. Got mine for £600. Disc brakes, front shocks and generally a good spec. Extreme Sports in Doncaster or a great shop is James Cycles erskine Road Rotherham. massive shop and have most makes that are decent.
To be honest mate the 30 lbs isnt all to do with exercise. Our lass joined slimming world, went to the meetings lost a stone and half. Not that she was fat to start with. I was 19st 2 so followed her regime of healthy eating. I stopped eating my usual ***** - curries, kebabs, chinese - substituted wine and ale for whiskey and the weight started to come off. The cyclings made me fitter though. I do a circuit that takes me 45 minutes most nights and im now quite used to my thighs and lungs screaming for mercy. Ive stopped free wheeling down hills to get my breath back and im pushing myself round the circuit for a better time. Longer trips beckon! Im 43 and thought my days of being fit and mobile were well behind me. Glad to say I was wrong mate.
RE: Go for quality names that have stood the test of time Cheers mate. One Ive got has disc brakes and front suspension - not that you would notice the suspension and thats why I always have it locked out. I had a pretty good idea about price and spec etc. just wanted confirmation from as many as possible.