Hi just a note to say if you can stretch to £1,500 price range you will find there are some fairly decent bikes out there. I bought my 2007 290 sherco for that sort of money, i have used it nearly every weekend for past two years and have found it more capable for a novice like myself. I ride for Ipswich club so am also close for you , is it the trial on the 29th at raydon you are thinking of coming to? If so its a good venue for watching might see you there.