Started riding a year ago after I got a Boardman Pro HT via the bike to work scheme. Got the bug bad and have been changing pedals, tyres, chain rings, seat etc ever since. Want to get a FS bike this Summer but not sure what to go for. Is the Orange 5 as good as everyone says or is it just cool because it's built in the UK. I worry a 5 might seem very heavy compared with the Boradman. I ride mostly in the Mendips, Quantocks and round local trails in Bristol plus the odd trip to Cwmcarn. Any advice? Thanks

You got a Budget in mind?

And how much travel do you want?

Orange 5 pretty much as good as any, if a little pricey in my mind. Also check out…

Boardman FS
Giant Trance X
Trek Fuel EX
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
Lapierre Zesty

To name a few!

Personally I'm a big fan of the Giant's, they are immense value for money, they ride brilliantly, and the suspension design is very active yet also amazingly resistant to pedal bob…

I was thinking maybe £2k up to £2.5 if I really push the boat out. The Boardman HT is really light which I love. I worry the 5 might seem a bit heavy by comparison. The Zesty seems to have good reviews.

£2.5k? …get yerself a sc superlight, middle of the road spec will keep you in budget, and come in around 25lb.

fastest bike on the planet!

don't listen to anyone else… they're all liars 😯

Interesting. Hadn't considered that before. LBS in Bristol has a carbon Blur XC which I keep stroking every time I go in. Way too much money for me though. Perhaps I'll buy a lottery ticket this week.
I'll have a close look at the superlight – thanks

go for a 5 they do everything. my boss has one coming in at 26lbs. it has many many minty bits on it. 5 pro would do you right. and orange have an awesome warranty.

Anthem X obviously. Very light, very fast and very very versatile. £2000 will get you an X2 with very decent but not brilliant kit.

At £2k-£2.5k though I'd get the frame, I'd get a pair of Stans wheels, a nice 100-120mm fork, a full XT group set from the likes of Merlin and cherry pick the finishing kit (which is what I've done :)). That would cost you just over £2 depending on forks and leave you enough for chocolate biscuits for the nice chap that will put it all together for you 🙂

Don't make the mistake and see it as a race only bike cause of its 4" of travel because it isn't. Give it 120mm on the front and it rides like a great trail bike that causes you no trouble on the ups. Also setup the back correctly and you will see no pedal bob either.

I know there is a mint condition second hand, and I mean absolutely mint, Whyte E120 in my local shop for £1650. They bought a Nomad shortly after as they wanted a more downhill.alps type bike. So it has hardly been riden. Save some dosh. It's at The Bike Place in Newcastle.

Anthem X is a good call, though you'll need to spend money to get it as light as your Boardman – why not look at the Boardman FS?

Thanks all for your thoughts. Feel drawn to the 5 like a month to a light but can't work out why. Is it lame to want a particular bike just because I think it looks good? Simplicity of the single pivot is a big attraction too. Got 2 small kids so time available for bike fiddling is limited. If I could build one to come in around 26lbs that would be a result. LBS has a demo bike available. Will give it a try I think.

dont forget a Zesty, just got mine and I love it fast and easy to boss about.

5's are just uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuggggggggggggglyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Any pics Valleydaddy? Must admit, pics I've seen of the zesty in mags look nice. Still love the agricultural look of the 5 though.

ahem… Could build you one these for around 2K 🙂

Mmm. Nice kit. Is that the XCL frame? Are there any demo bikes in the South West?

I have seen that Whyte that BillyBull is talking about and it is very nice! Good build and light weight-could fit the bill if your used to a light hardtail as-well.

Thanks for the heads-up on the E120. I won't have the cash until the Summer though.

18" Stock Anthem X2 is 25.6lb without pedals, so probably not a huge amount more than your HT. Ive made a few mods to mine and got it down to 24.05 with pedals.

If you can try before you buy. if you will not have the cash for a bit get on as many bikes as you can and for a long as you can.

Is that the XCL frame?

it is indeed. I dont have a demo bike locally to you, but i should be able to sort something out. Mail me for details, Si

just go big (but not too big) and get a marin quake 🙂 But, if you want something for those long rides, a 5 is fantastic. Have you considered any of Rocky Mountain's offerings?

Maverick Boy's list looks pretty good to me but it depends on your budget. You might get a fairly good one for under a grand if it's cycle scheme. I'd look into that. I got a Trance X5 last spring under the scheme and I've hardly been off it since it's a great bike. The new Boardman got a good review and has great components. The Zesty's had good reviews too and looks like a work of art in my opinion but will probably cost you a fair bit more.