I need to get fit and as my shins are knackered running is kind of out. Looking to take up biking; probably off-road on Salisbury Plain more than on road.
I've been looking on here at the MTB Thread and on a forum (something Raider?) but I haven't got a clue. Some have said the Carrera Kraken is good from Halfords but it's...well from Halfords

Others have said the GT Avalanche (I think).
I haven't got a clue, don't even know which makes to go for/avoid. I'd spend more but this may be a hobby that I don't take to so it'll just sit in the garage for years