What type of riding? - I don't know yet, i'm new to it all but i supppose trails and downhill would be my bag.
What is your budget? You said tight. How Tight? - about £500 max ($750 US??)
What are you like? - about 14 stone (190 lbs)
Are you a smooth rider or are you hard on equipment? - don't know yet, probably not that hard though.
IOW, are you a newbie, or an experienced rider? - Newbie.
What type of terrain do you ride? - will be trails, downhills (not too fast though), some urban.
Hope this help, thanks.