Looking at up gradeing my hardtail.
Current bike is Marin with v brakes n just upgraded dart shocks, but that is getting well tired now ,ok as hacker but would like discs n improved shift n drive train etc.
Budget max at £600.

Mainly looking at GIANT REVEL 1 LTD 2013 which comes in at £579.
or found on crc
COMMENCAL HD4 OR premier HD2 with similar specs .

My loyaly to local shop swing in their favour for service n continued support etc and supporting local trade. etc
plus i test rode revel so got the feel of it ,which i like.

Any thoughts on the commencal v the giant here atall.

My rideing is mixture of trail centres, n native singletrack, open ground,moors etc

just bought a trek 6900 with reba fork love it

Still trying to decide Commencal or giant ?

What about a Cube Analog – Cube Analog

Better fork than the Suntour. Better groupset too.
Link is just so you can see spec – site allows you to compare it directly with your Giant.

The spec on this GT looks good for the money.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-avalanche-10-disc-2012/

Those Decathlon Rockriders always do well in tests.
I bet Merlin could build you something nice for that money too.

Oh, Pauls cycles usually have some great older bargains knocking around, or how about a rigid On One?

Hoodoo voodoo from halfords, for about £439 until Thursday?

Think about 2nd hand, should be able to put something very nice together.

That GT furher up, looks great for the money.

amazed at the c456 I’ve just built up(only bought frame and installed old components) Never thought I’d ride a hardtail again but really liking it. choice was the c456 or a Voodoo for me.

My loyaly to local shop swing in their favour for service n continued support etc and supporting local trade. etc

That’s a good thing.. try them out and buy the bike you like best from what they sell. You’ll probably get ‘better vfm’ spec elsewhere, but unlikely anything that really makes a big difference to the ride and even if so, weigh it up against the cost and faff if anything goes wrong. Getting a bike that is basically sound and fun to ride is way more important than the exact spec of the rear mech or brakes.

That hoodoo looks great value for money…hydraulic discs and an air fork for less than £500!

And if the geometry is anything like my Wanga it’ll ride f’king sweet