Ive just got back into playing out on the bikes again after 9 years away so Im in your boat too really. I started riding again between xmas and new year, just local road rides to start with. Then I jumped straight in at the deep end and went to Hamsterly Forest for a very hard 20 miler, I nearly cried.

I had a pretty standard 2nd hand basic GT Avalanche Expert just to see how into it I got. I then changed the stem for a Raceface 120mm item, upgraded the crankset, mechs, chain and casette for XT items. Next was a set of Fox Float RL 32 forks. Then Panaracer Fire XC tyres. Hayes Stroker Ryde brakes and Azonic 28" bars. I have rode around like this for a while and am loving it so I ordered myself a new frame. On One Scandal 26. On my last ride I got some serious clicking and creaking coming from the back end and fast cornering felt floaty and vague, when I got home I checked the wheel and found a couple of snapped spokes and discovered all the nipples are seized. So to go with my new frame I have ordered some new hoops and a Kane Creek headset.

I forgot how bloody addictive it is mate, Im loving it. Its as bad as the cars, always wanting better go faster/upgraded bits.

Have a look on
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/
http://www.woollyhatshop.com/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk
http://www.bikeradar.com/
http://www.cycleworldshop.co.uk/ (these guys are local to me and I know them well, spot on lads always up for helping you out)