Bike maintanance and Junior starter

Heya guys, Im a newb to MTB but massively into kayaking and the outdoors - Im Looking for some advice, I'm really starting to get the bug and I've two questions I'm looking help on.

1. What does a basic maintenance routine on bikes look like and what Lubes are essential buys. I've started with a hardtail Lapierre and will change up as and when I improve.

2. My daughter (11) looks like she wants to start - what bike would be best ? (looking 2nd hand are they rare to find) she has some money and Ill help out but keeping the cost down is important. I would prefer a hard tail, front sus, thumb shift gears for her - Thoughts ?

HI Chris,
best to get out on spins with the club and you'll get all these answers from the banter you'll have. The one thing everyone will agree on - it's not so much the lube you use but how often you clean the chain - buy something like this from your local bike shop and you wont go wrong:
this pack has lube included - you only need a small amount to keep the chain going

http://www.finishlineusa.com/product...-chain-cleaner

as for the bike- I bought my (then 9 year old) a Merida women's hardtail mtb, they're good, again you'll probably need a small frame - There are lots of shops who give great advice - many club members use Expert Cycles in Rathfarmham as the gentlemen who work there ride their bike (very well) everyday - they'll give you the best free advice you'll find anywhere!

see you on the trails.

Yes I second that Finishline recommendation, I have tried a variety of chain degreasers and lubes and I've always gone back to the finishline products and their wetlube is the job for our climate and conditions. anything other than cleaning and lubing the drive train you're best to drop it to your Local Bike Shop. The other alternative is try the repair yourself, fail and go to your LBS and tell them you just came down to take it out of the shed and found it that way which is weird considering your gears were shifting fine yesterday!