A mate of mine has a budget of £800-£1000, and has his eye on a Genesis Core 40 (hardtail). Any other suggestions for alternatives for a similar or better spec?

he could always build one up from second hand parts. I’d recommend an on-one frame and from there see what you can get for the cash. Mix old and new to keep to budget. I did it for about £800 and it’s turned out ace. I got the summer season

Thanks for the suggestion big chief, but my mate is crap on the spanners, so building a custom is out of the question. He’s also set on a new bike so he does not have to do any repairs, or replace any parts early on.

kidoki, cube have some nice 100mm hardtails that dont seem bad for the cash, never ridden one but i wouldn’t miss the oppurtunity 😀

Boardman – the spec is pretty impressive for the price, and they receive rave reviews. In a similar vein, Halfords now stock Voodoo, which seem to be pretty good value.

Rock Lobster?:
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Bikes/Mountain+Bikes/Rock+Lobster+Bikes/Rock+Lobster+Tig+Team+SL+Bike_RL-TIGTEAMSL-BIKE.htm

or have a browse here:
http://paulscycles.co.uk/

I’d have a charge, purely because they’re aesthetically pleasing.

was over in my mates bike shop yesterday he had saracen zen 3 bikes reduced from 1300 to 875 they have a good spec revelation forks ,syncros wheels(maxle front) , xt rear mech ,slx shifters ,deore brakes,syncros finishing kit ,gobi saddle, there a long travel hard tail with 140mm forks. also had zen 2 but never told me how much they were if your interested il pm you his number or pop over to sprockets in kilmarnock if your local, he also is a genesis dealer.

Cycle Gear (www.ukbikesdepot.com) have some deals on Genesis – 2010 iOiD for £879 – Reynolds steel, Rockshox Recon and Alfine 8 speed – low maintenance and a nice spec’ IMO.

Or if he fancies full-bounce and he’s tall I have a Feb 2010 Specialized Pitch Pro in Large for sale that’s in his budget and is in lovely, fresh, standard condition. Email in profile if you’re interested.