Mr Marco and Mr Gilly thanks for the final bits of info and offers. I've only just spotted them in resurrecting this thread to let you know...
I'LL HAVE A MOUNTAIN BIKE SOON! (The stable'll be up to 4 now )
Remembered my brother had one that's hardly been used. It's been on semi-permanent loan to a friend for rolling down the hill to work for the last 3 years, it was bought 2nd hand as an ex-rental bike from Cyprus(I think) from another friend who worked there so I know it's pretty well looked after. A ton and it's mine
It's a Marin Palisades and I borrowed it once for my one and only foray in to cyclo cross (the ACC promoted event 2 years ago) so I know it'll fit. I just need to get some proper pedals to replace the platforms and some MTB shoes, oh and baggy shorts obviously .
There you go, once I've collected it you should see me at ECBR one Sunday to enjoy some of your summer forays
PS May try and blag some help with setting up the forks and V-brakes (I seem to remember they were a bit lopsided and draggy).
Who'd a thunk in the space of a couple of weeks Marco would buy a new road bike and I'd buy a new mountain bike.