A mate is looking for a hardtail and has about £1000 to spend. What are people saying is good value at the moment?

Point him in the direction of Canyon would be my advice..

What does he want to do on it would be my first question.

Lots or great bikes out there for £1k, pointless me suggesting a lightweight XC machine if he’s into dirt jumping or downhill though if you get me. Plenty of 29ers out there too for this money now so if he’s a tall lad, that might be another option.

Ahh yeah of course that was far to little info. Posted in a hurry and didn’t really think first. 😳

He will be looking at doing some trail riding and XC. Probably the 100-120mm region fork travel. Maybe a frame that could go to 140mm later but not essential. Possibly something that has rack mounts as he is into his back packing and so might be up for some bike packing once he is bike fit enough, again not essential.

He isn’t a big lad at all, maybe 5’8″ish if that makes any difference on the 29er front.

take a look at on one’s 456 evo complete bikes. the x5 comes in at 900 notes which leaves plenty of cash left over for some bad ass pedals…

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FBOO4561X5

Ok cool

Would look at British makes with 120mm forks and 26″ wheels if I were him. The likes of On One, Genesis, Whyte etc. British bikes tend to have better mud clearance, often still have rack mounts etc. Just my personal opinion of course, but I’ve ridden a lot of hardtails and all the British designed ones tend to cope with British conditions the best.

10% off on one bikes this week too with checkout code UKBIKE10

Ragley Piglet

On One. Very good fun.

An Orange Pure 7 can be had for that money. Ticks all the boxes and is just a bloody great bike to ride!

The On One is a slightly better spec, but the Orange is a better frame IMHO

Probably better he get one locally, that way he can demo and ensure its the right size.

Yeah I mentioned to him about checking fit first and to not rush into anything.

This Blue Pig from Chain reaction looks good + they do cycle to work. Thoughts?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=62610

This Kona looks OK to. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75077 Any good?