I realise I’m at risk of getting hundreds of conflicting pieces of advice, or indeed the unfortunate tumbleweed experience of no replies at all. However, on the assumption that there are plenty of you out there who like offering advice, here’s my question: which hardtail should I buy? Here’s a bit more info on what I’m looking for:
-absolute maximum budget of £1300, however under £1000 means I can get it on bike to work scheme which is a big plus. I can’t afford to test ride loads, because every penny I spend on a test ride is less for me to spend on the actual bike.
-while this will be my my first mtb, it will also be my only mtb. Future component upgrades as things wear out are possible, but a whole new bike really isn’t. So, I need to buy something that will last me as I (hopefully) get better. I am wary of anything billed as ‘entry level’.
-I’m new to mtb, but not to cycling. I’m fit, I like riding up hills. I’ll have a go at pretty much any trail I come across except the vertical downhill stuff.
-I have no idea what all these different XC/enduro/trail genres really mean, but in terms of riding style I’ve been riding a hybrid with rim brakes and cross tyres around the Calder Valley. Bridleway to Blue Pig is the hardest thing I’ve tried – had to push over the dropoffs/big steps, but rode the rest. Did the Lumb Bank zig zags on the hybrid. Managed the Pecket Well-Midgehole bridleway on a borrowed Rockhopper. I want to be able to get down the Blue Pig eventually.
-I’m pretty handy at bike fettling. Ideally I want something with components that I can clean, service, grease etc to prolong their life. I like reliable, quality components where they’re worth it, but don’t mind the cheaper ones where they’re just as satisfactory or are likely to get worn out and replaced anyway.
-I have no strong views on wheel size. My hybrid is effectively a 29er. The Rockhopper was 26. Can’t say I noticed the wheels making a load of difference, although logic tells me the bigger the wheels, the more weight I’m lugging around.
-I don’t want a carbon fibre frame – I don’t trust myself with carbon (my road bike is titanium).
Thanks for any helpful advice anyone can be bothered to offer.