I think those bikes may be a little more then you need at this point. I'd look at a decently spec'ed hardtail. They can take quite a bit of abuse, and will still be light enough to commute around on day to day.
I think something like this would be a good fit:
Kona
http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=blast
Specialized
http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bc/...nuItemId=12241
Giant
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/...te/5398/41496/
Trek
http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes...4_series/4500/
Or for the same money, you could pick up something a little better spec'ed used as other have mentioned
If you find your progressing out of one of these bikes in a couple of years keep it in your stable for daily commuting duty and pick up something a little more robust for the more challenging stuff.