For a friend. She’s tried out a Mondraker Vantage which she really liked but I think it’s got poor spec for the money – http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Mondraker-Vantage-Mountain-Bike-2015-Hardtail-MTB_77670.htm
It’ll be used for fairly gentle off-roading.

Needs to be small / 15″. Second-hand is a definite possibility, but what would you recommend keeping an eye out for? Similar geometry to the Mondraker ‘forward geometry’ thing would be a bonus.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p5410/CANNONDALE-TRAIL-SL-29-1-2014

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p5408/CANNONDALE-TRAIL-SL-29-3-2014

Commencal do a few nice hardtails around that money. e.g

This

I wouldn’t look beyond the Cannondale Edric linked to.

Thanks. That first Cannondale is a bargain! My only concern is it’s a 29er – I know this has been covered many many times but is that going to be a bit unwieldy for a very light, 5’4 rider?

Go on that site Pauls cycles ,loads of bargains

Is she doing some proper mountain biking? That Vantage looks absolutely ace, very aggressive geometry.

If that’s the sort of bike she wants then I wouldn’t bother with that Cannondale which is the absolute opposite of aggressive or froward geomentry it has a head angle of 71 FFS.

That Commencal looks cool I would also add Saracen Mantra Trail, Saracen Kili Pro and Genesis Core 30. I have tried both the Saracen’s and they feel very ‘right’.

Is it not best to get something second-hand off Ebay that’s only had light use ? Seems like the way to get the most for your money

Whyte 802

Reviews are glowing at its got an exceptionally well thought out spec and frame geometry.