Hi, I can't help with any of those links but you may want to find out if your employer is involved in the cycle to work scheme.
Mine is and I got a specialized hard rock 29" 18 months back, it was in your price range and because the repayments are taken out of your pay prior to tax it can work out at better deals than most places.
Just a thought. Good luck
Oh and Steve, that looks awesome
Thanks mate. Been there a few times now. We stay at a barn conversion that's run by a mountain bike guide and his wife. Google Mudtrek, if interested. Cheap, lovely accommodation.
I want to go back that way later in the year, and also see if I can go to Bike Park Wales too.
Oh, btw, I got my bike and gear on the Cycle to Work scheme too