I'm after a new bike and have a shortlist of the following :-

1) Specialized FSR XC Expert
2) Giant Trance X4
3) Trek Fuel EX 6.5

My riding will be mainly in the Peaks and Cannock with the odd trip to Welsh trail centres thrown in.

Tell me which one I should buy and why please

The FSR.
Cos then you won't have to change your login.

trek (but an ex8)

DezB – Not quite the reason I was looking for 🙂

RocketDog – Well out of my budget I'm afraid 😕

the 6.5 doesn't have the "free floater" suspension or the rear axle pivot does it?, if it doesn't go for one of the others

Rocketdog, I'm coming from the hardtail school so this rear suspension stuff is all new to me.

spesh..find an Orange 5, single pivot = less bearing wear from Peaks grit.
Or a Cannondale Prophet/Rize

Do a bearing replacement costing before you buy.

Peaks thread on bikemagic, riders there may advise on what they ride & find best for the conditions.

FSR every time

Pitch