Folks,
In an attempt to get fit in good time for the cross season, and to get me back out on the mtb, I'm going to sell my well-loved 2000 P7 and will replace it with something lighter and stiffer.
After having seen too many snapped carbon frames in cross races, the questionable durability of carbon coupled with the expense is leading me to seriously consider an aluminium hardtail.
My budget is £2K and the bike will be used for XC races, hacking round local trails and the occasional trip to real hills.
I've had a look at the Trek 8500 and that looks fairly well specced. Otherwise, at around that price point, most suppliers seem now to selling lower specced carbon bikes.
Can anyone recommend a good alu hardtail for £2K? Any views on the Trek 8500?
Thanks,
Tom.

