Bet there’s been threads like this plenty before so apologies in advance. I did do a search! Feel free to link to old threads..

After a go-anywhere-do-anything UK trail hardtail for mostly southern riding and occasional foray to North Wales. Have a salary exchange bike loan through work for £1000. Previously owned a Genesis Core 30 120mm travel bike which got nicked. Liked it. But would like something a bit more solid on the downs.

Currently thinking a Vitus Sentier at £829 on CRC which would leave bit extra for new shoes/pedals etc. orspend the lot on an OnOne 45650b 1×11 at £999 direct from PlanetX.

Should I consider anything else??

Cheers!

Sam

I suspect the default answer is a bird zero TR @ £999

Build up second hand – it’s a buyer’s market these days ..

This:

I suspect the default answer is a bird zero TR @ £999

I’ve just built up a frame with a Revelation, Reverb, Renthal Carbon Bars, SRAM ROAM 40 wheels and X1 gears and it’s a fantastic ride.

I think I have to prove purchase from a shop to qualify for the salary exchange loan though unfortunately. If I had the money ready, I’d certainly go second hand. I’ll check out the bird zero, cheers!

I’ve got a Bird Zero. Absolutely love it. It seems like they have a couple of clearance models available so you maybe able to get a bargain. The blue looks a lot better in the flesh than in the pictures.

I had a 45650b, it’s a steamroller of a machine. I ran 150mm Revs and with the bigger wheels and slack angles it made easy work of BPW, Antur Stiniog etc….initially loved it, however after a few months it got boring and I went back to a 26inch Ragley….for me HTs are all about small wheels and fast handling, others disagree and there are loads of 29er HT fans to state the case but for me they don’t feel right.

I’d happily recommend to someone else however as it was brutally effective at what it did, just didn’t float my boat.

How tall are you op? If the answer is “not very” or you like a small bike, then….

https://www.orangebikes.co.uk/shop/factory/refurb/2015_crush_am_small_viper_green

Given your criteria and budget I’d buy this… http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1912724/ (if it fits)

I have no affiliation just saw it on PB, I have the Ti version and it’s very very good, I wanted the steel but I got a steal on the Ti. This has duel position Pikes too (like mine) so 130mm forks but 160 if you want to go ‘core’ in Wales.

I know it’s ‘recommend’ what you ride but it really is an all rounder canal ride with the kids/XC/trail/DH/4X does the lot…

http://www.pinkbike.com/video/223469/

http://www.pinkbike.com/video/230591/

Ragley Marley?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ragley-marley-hardtail-bike-2016/rp-prod135051

It’s a Hotlines brand so most shops would be able to get one for you

Bird Zero or Whyte 901

Don’t know the cost yet but the new Orange P7 looks mint and will be. Coming soon if the internet is right. Google for pics. Save up if it’s more than £1k.

http://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/1887213/

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPW29GX1/on-one-parkwood-29-sram-gx1-mountain-bike

adsbatts89 – Member
http://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/1887213/

Probably way over priced

Ah that Orange is a bargain but sadly a little too small I think. I’m 5’8 and 30 inside leg.

Thanks for the other suggestions. Second hand is unlikely at the mo.
Going to have a serious gander at the Bird Zeros.