How about this
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/mtb/2010-d440
My primary mountain bike is a Moncog 29er, but spinning 32/20 on roads gets old real quick. An 8 speed would work for most trails and still be able to spin 17 or 18mph down the road for short stretches. It is a basic bike, but upgradable to disks(it has the tabs on the frame and hubs) and a good suspension for later if you want to.