I'm after a lightweight carbon hardtail with a budget of £2k

looking at either a Scott scale 20 or Cube Reaction SL at the mo', any opinions on each – or any others I could consider?

Cheers

Any reason you wouldn't put the carbon On One 456 on the list?

He's looking for an XC bike I guess, so a wippet might be closer to his needs, although its not particualrly light, it is cheep. Not 100% carbon but the maxlight pro 3 is really good looking in the flesh.

yeah after a race xc bike, got a superlight as my fun bike

Whyte 19
Stumpjumper

Those Tomac bikes on CRC look pretty tasty with big discounts

Pretty sure hargroves have uber stock of nice cubes that fit the bill. Good bikes them.

Orbea Alma, I've not heard a single negative comment about the Alma and love mine. I'm not sure what spec you'd get for 2k but the frame is AWESOME and perfect for future upgrades, and has a lifetime warranty.

Giant XTC Advanced 3 is another.

Those Orbeas look really tasty too…

New Ghost HTX Lector frame is lovely. Full builds are very good VFM too.

I'd get the 2011 Scale 35, its better than the 2010 Scale 20, or the 2011 Scale 30 if you want XT, better frame and I prefer the Reba to the Fox.