Hi all,
I have been offered a chance to take part in the cyclescheme at work, up to £1000 to spend on a new bike from a LBS (near Aberdeen), not including Halfords so no Voodoo or Boardmans!

I have narrowed the search down to 4 options, what do you guys think would be the best choice? If not these then what else would you go for in the same price range?

Trek Cobia – http://www.alpinebikes.com/shop/bikes/mountain-bikes/cobia-2013/

Cannondale Trail SL 2 – http://www.alpinebikes.com/shop/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-sl-2/

Whyte 805 – http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/whyte-805-13

Whyte 629 – http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/whyte-629-29er-13

Background: I’ve never ridden a 29er so not sure what to make of them, I am 6 foot, have an iron horse DH and recently sold my old (2003) specialized epic. I’m looking for an all rounder that will handle the occasional shred. Basically something that will replace the epic.

Confused and in need of opinions!

Cheers 🙂

As a owner of a trek fs I can say that unless you like fettling then go for the whyte. I ended up drilling out my cable stops add I got annoyed with the crud filled cables from the open sections and the x5 rear mech is crap. And I changed a few other things too. Trek frames are fantastic but it’s the low spec components you’ll find yourself changing sooner than you think. I love mine now it’s getting to how I want it.

Thanks dibboid,

Last thing I want to do is start upgrading parts so I will rule that one out!

I ended up drilling out my cable stops add I got annoyed with the crud filled cables from the open sections

er? hardly the bikes fault, plenty of people manage without full runs of outer cable.

Pretty much everything else on those bikes is the same, so the fact the trek has a good frame (in your eyes) should put it above the others, no?

Going to be riding this over the weekend. It’s in your budget.

More pics here:
Fresh Goods 114

Liking the suggestion, available at LBS too….

It looks like i may be adding this one to the list of possibles too. Have you ridden it already or is this going to be the test?

5 minute ride along the canal at lunchtime only so far. First impressions are good
There will be a full review as some stage. You need to get yourself a subscription 😉