depends what your tastes are to be honest, cant really go wrong with a specilased rockhopper but they are a bit dull.

Depends how brave you are really, i found this whilst looking for cheap brakes the other month http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/kS1/a58210/zr-rac... and was sorely tempted. it roughly works out at £850 but the spec is awesome. Assume its a fairly generic Alu frame but it wont be much different to anything with a big brand name on the side.

Alternatives are Canyon, Merida (they do a nice 29er for around £800 which given your intended use makes a lot of sense), Stevens or Corratec http://www.damianharriscycles.co.uk/prod/har_0027_...

All four are Continental brands and have a good reputation but a limited UK presence. It wouldnt put me off but I appreciate some people like to err on the side of caution and will go for a Trek/Giant with big UK presence, its a bike though, its not that complicated and the number of bikes ridden without issue vs the number of warranty claims made is huge. To be honest,to have an issue with a bike that isnt used frequently off road is very unlucky, particularly if the issue is frame based and not a component.

There are serious bargains to be had if you go for a less well known name but as they are all made in the same place, basing the argument on quality is irrelevant really. I've dealt wit hboth Rose and bike discount and they have been great. They are very much used to dealing with UK customers and their service is good. There is good feedback from both on singletrackworld too.

Finally, there is always Merlin Cycles and the Malt series whic hare pretty much bombproof and have been around for years...

We spent a little less at Christmas, but for a similar use.

I ended up with a £750 Giant Talon 29er, and she ended up with a £500 Trek ladies sized 26er.

Both are hard tails, have lock out front forks and have hydraulic disc brakes. Your budget is perfect, and you'll get something nice. When it comes to her bike, let her try a few and find one she's comfortable on, maybe spend £650 on her bike and get her a nice new helmet, gloves shirt and padded shorts so she uses it more.

(If she's a more keen cyclist than my missus, I apologise for stating the obvious.)

I'd second what Pablo said - I have a Merlin Rock Lobster, which is essentially a Malt: tough to fault for value and an excellent ride.

My wife is more sporty than I am!!