So looking for my first FS bike and have around £1600. I don’t want to overbike myself or get something just because its on the cheap.

I went and had a look at the Boardman Pro and although a good bike, I’m still not convinced on the sizing!

So two other options I tried for size are:

Trek Fuel EX7 (spare change for dropper):

https://www.evanscycles.com/trek-fuel-ex-7-27-5-2016-mountain-bike-EV251296?esvt=886-GOUKE1046478&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-126384-1&esvcrea=63402922496&esvplace=&esvd=c&esvo=EV251296-19.5-BLK&esvaid=50080&gclid=CKmv2N-yw84CFcIV0wodrKgHkg

Trek Remedy 7

https://www.evanscycles.com/trek-remedy-7-27-5-2016-mountain-bike-EV251312

Whyte T130S was looking good, but just cant stretch that far!

Not sure if Remedy is too much for light trails, red routes etc?

Open to suggestions but like the Treks as local!

Giant Trance 2 is another shout…

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s183p6920/GIANT-TRANCE-27-5-2-2016

Vitus Escarpe?

That new Marin for £1100? Money left for a decent dropper.

I’ll sell ye a yeti sb66 and you’ll still have enough cash for some nice new clothes to go with it!.

Vitus bikes look well equipped but trying to buy local with store support… I know that probably sounds stupid!!

What is your worry about the Boardman’s sizing?

Just didn’t enjoy riding it – cant put my finger on it TBH.

I love the Giant Reign 2 – but I think 160mm is overkill for my more gentle trails!

http://www.giant-shoreham.co.uk/en-gb/bikes/model/reign.27.5.2/25007/90569/#specifications

Another for an escarpe here. Demo ed one a few months back. Would buy one if funds allowed

Guess I should mention I want it for all round types of MTB. Mainly hills, some rocky red routes, long open flat fields and bridle ways.

I’m not doing anything hardcore so don’t want to over bike myself!

Have a look at the Canyon Spectral al 5, which comes to around 1640 with postage.

It has an impressive spec for the money and looks sexy in the red.

This Vitus a good option?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/vitus-bikes-escarpe-vrx-suspension-bike-2016/rp-prod135374

Consider a short travel 29er like a whyte t129 or specialized camber?

Better at covering ground and dealing with the odd bit of gnar.

Will have a look. Short travel might be better option due to rides I do.

The Canyon Nerve is really hard to look past at the moment considering the current discounts – you may be able to grab one in your size before they sell out.

Check out my recent thread… Its 29er short travel specific. But some good ideas on there.
I still haven’t decided. Think my favourites are the hei hei trail and the camber.

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/new-29er-any-different-ideas

Cube Stereo 29 Race

Good options, keep em coming lol. No one likes my suggestions!!

Would like a t130 2016 but all over 2k still.

I’m a bit biased as a Specialized fanboi, but I’d be having a look at the 2016 Camber Comp 29er as most places have it discounted to £1500. Probably get them to chuck in a Command Post dropper for your £1600.

The canyon’s are a great price at the minute, you sound more geared to the Nerve 120mm, definately all round I got the basic one with reverb, monarch and Deore, then upgraded the drivetrain and brakes, , these suspensions pretty much lock out, unlike my spectral although I like it, it is definately enduro downhill orientated with thicker tyres and the 150-140 suspension.
If you have a specialized dealer local, the camber 27.5 wheels version, is a good all rounder 120-130mm suspension, my mate got the carbon fibre for £2250 with 10% back in gear recently, cyclestore also do the aluminium version for £1500 incl 10% back in gear vouchers , lovely bike

I’ve found the 27.5 much fun’er to ride than a 29er, although the 29er is faster it doesn’t feel it

Spectral 29 or Jeffsy are far more capable all rounders than the nerve.

Spectral 5 is in budget:

https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mtb/spectral/spectral-al-5-0.html

Camber 29er and 650B both in budget:

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/specialized-camber-fsr-comp-29-2016-mountain-bike.html?gclid=CJ-g0bm1xc4CFcO4GwodWv8PWg

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Camber-Comp-650b-Mountain-Bike-2016-Full-Suspension-MTB_83866.htm?sku=276501&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=COHyisa1xc4CFfIV0wod4f8KVA

Still really like the Trek Remedy 7…

https://www.evanscycles.com/trek-remedy-7-27-5-2016-mountain-bike-EV251312

Here’s the Marin:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Marin-Hawk-Hill-27-5-650B-Mountain-Bike-2017-Full-Suspension-MTB_94633.htm?gclid=CKvxzabGxc4CFYUK0wodoWcKuA#

Seems to have gone up £100 but still looks decent.

If your Heart says Trek then get it. You don’t want to get one of the others suggested as you will always be thinking ‘I wonder what the Trek would be like’. If you get the trek and feel something is not quite right you can easily change/ upgrade that component. The only part that is stock on my current bike after a few years is the wheels.

Agree with the above. I spent ages looking at the best value this or that before plumping for an Orange as it’s what I really wanted.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s183p6523/CANNONDALE-HABIT-4-2016

Whyte T130 SX: £1700 for the ’16 model with 2×10, or £1900 for the ’17 model with 1×11. Depends on weather you can handle the hot pink.. They are fantastic bikes though. I went from a T129 SCR Works to a T130 RS and couldn’t be happier.

My mate has the T130s (older version with revs) and really likes it. But at £700 odd over budget its a no go. The SX is ok, but would need to add dropper and maybe upgrade fork making it expensive!

I’d probably take the Spectral out of the options you’re considering ATM.

And I’d try to dig deeper for the Spectral 6 for the extra £150.

Giant Trance is a great all-rounder.

The SX is ok, but would need to add dropper

it has a dropper?

Bird aeris should be on the list.

That new Focus looks good value

All-New Focus VICE

Good options to look at thanks. Not going to rush, as loads to look at so far!!

Commencal Meta Trail fits your criteria to a T:

http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=17774255

I bought one this time last year and it’s a brilliant all round trail bike.

If you”re not sure about buying direct from Commencal (I had no problems at all) CRC also stock them, though you’ll pay slightly more.

Bird Aeris

You like the Trek so get that but you will be over biked with a remedy , the fuel is a better all round bike and has enough travel for the riding you say you are doing .

Giant Reign

The Reign looks proper tasty but 160mm is something I wont use sadly, but love that colour combo!!

Bird starting price is already over budget.

Going to have look at the Fuels.

Seen the Fuel close to me on ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222196346108?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I know its only a small one, but asked about the paint and logos and its been repainted in gloss as he didnt like the matt colour, but also said all logos were original – from what I can see the Oakley logo (think thats what it is) is not on trek bikes? I know its only a small thing, but just thats just me!