Mountain Biking - Cross Country Bikes

Right i need a cross country bike that will take a beating as i'm one of those people who has a knack of breaking things. I'm looking to spend about $700-$1000 so nothing too flashy. Hardtail and disc brakes would be prefered. I've been having a look and i like the Giant XTC 3/4 but haven't done too much research. Can anyone recommend anything. O and it's got to look good. Thanks

O and it's got to look good.

Why is that? You may have your priorities backwards if you have $1K to blow on a MTB, and one of your main priorities is looks. How are we supposed to know what you think looks good, anyway?

Cannondale F600 http://cannondale.com/bikes/05/cusa/model-5FS6.html
It's a great looking bike in my opinion, is a hardtail with disc brakes, but is toward the top of your price range.
For starters, go read the MTBR.com reviews on any bike you're considering. For example, the F600 is reviewed at http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2003_hardtail/product_121463.shtml
BTW, Cannondale has a great frame warranty, and they have a trade up program if you wish to upgrade your frame at a latter date.

The F600 is good, but definitely check out Specliazed Rockhopper and Stumpjumper, they are awesome bikes and will come very highly recommended on this site... good luck :beer:

i like the Giant XTC 3/4 but haven't done too much research. Can anyone recommend anything.

Do more research.

stumpy, i almost bought one. the bike felt great and it has a good component package on it. it also comes with the word 'specialized' on it so, you know it is good :)

For a beating, any Cannondale, Kona or Rocky Mountain hardtail will do you right. A Stumpy is a lightweight XC machine, not really designed to take the abuse of a larger rider or abuse in general. I know for a fact the Cannondale Dual Assault frame and the Kona hardtail frame is pretty bomb proof.