So... interesting day.
Background - Mum volunteers at a local charity shop. Today they had a bike donated, and knowing I'm kinda interested mum text me. Sent me a picture and figured I'd go take a look, although still slightly too small for me its actually quite a nice bike.
So after work I nipped to the shop to take a look in person and was quite happy, some odds and ends need doing but otherwise it was more or less good to go. And this is what I picked up...
Couple of minor issues to sort. So although the tyres are Continentals, They're clearly a bit aged and probably good for swapping, I'll swap them for some Schwalbe Marathon MTB's. Also the front inner tube valve failed and needed a new tube. Finally the largest gear on the groupset seems to keep skipping, i'll give it an good oiling to see if if just needs bedding in or a new cog is required, but I can live with that. The front wheel is slightly out of true, but I think that can be fixed at the local shop too.
When I can be bothered, I'll fit new cable sets for the gears and brakes. I paid £80, which I don't think is too bad considering the condition of the frame, forks, seat etc. It also weight nearly half what my other one does.
Riding the hard-tail after riding a full suspension is certainly different. I'll be in a better position next year to buy a new bike measured to my size, but in the meantime the two I have will do, and means I've got a loaner too.