6Tops wrote:.
I've used all three types but with (1) and (2) you get pretty battered on rougher tracks or may need to get off and walk. So (3) is the most versatile solution. Within the 'mtb' category the most suitable bikes are those described as 'xc' (cross country) rather than 'trail' (most mtbs are designed for downhill fun at trail centres). Xc mtbs typically have aluminium frames, 100mm of front suspension, 29" wheels with tyres a bit wider than 2 inches, and disk brakes. You can get decent ones for ~£600 but moving up to £800-900 gets you better components (e.g. air suspension rather than coil spring, hydraulic rather than mechanical brakes) and a slightly lighter bike. Examples include Trek Marlin, Specialized Rockhopper, Voodoo Bizango (Halfords), Sonder Dial (Alpkit) -- there must be plenty more.
^ that's great advice.
I'm hardtail owner, it does everything I need of it. Mines a higher budget - £1500 or so, but then I mountain bike as one of my other hobbies. It gets me into hills to walk, slithers around local single-track and allows me to watch my son's disappear into the distance at trail centres. It's even carried me around the Alps.
There's starting to be some bargains - Sonder have a demo sale on, and even local LBS's have a couple of modest discounts on in my area.