Time to upgrade my mountain bike, advice req'd

[Dan Stanley]

Hi
Im not into the cycling scene as much as some of you guys on here, so I could do with some advice.
Im looking at buying a new bike. I mainly ride through off road, through the forest and stuff. No mental jumping though. I ride as often as I can so I do get the use out of the bike. I currently have a GT Avalanche 2 that I bought new 3 years ago for just short of £600 (which is now for sale, anyone?).
So....
Where's the best place to get a replacement bike and which one to choose? Do I go to a reputable shop, take their advice and then find it cheaper on the internet? Or just buy it from the shop?
I don't mind increasing the budget, but dont want to get into the four figures for a bike.

[Timmy]

Go see evanscycles in lakeside, there look after you

[joshy]

Have a look at the decent bikes at halfords, you can't argue that you'll get so much more bike for your money on a voodoo or a Boardman.

All Boardman mtb's come with hydrolic brakes and air forks. With the team models getting rockshox recon's. Even the 499.99 voodoo hoodoo gets an air fork, 3x9 gearing and a mid range set of hydrolic brakes. And maxxis ardent tyres.

[Dan Stanley]

Ive found a couple of bikes at opposite ends of my budget, anyone got any views on them?
Cycle surgery are doing a Cube Acid 2012 model for £549 down from £769 and Evan's cycles are doing a Jamis D29 Dakots at £960 down from £1160.
I still have plenty more bikes to search through though.
Ive ridden my brother in laws Cube acid and was impressed. Its lighter than my current bike and the 29 inch wheels make it faster on my usual routes. I know I wouldn't be disappointed with this bike, but can I find something better?
Any genuine help is appreciated, please.