I’m looking for a secondhand hardtail for the winter, but not really sure what’s good & what’s not out there at the moment.

Something with a bit more of a trail bias, not really interested in a head down, arse up, lycra fest.

I guess probably a 29”, dropper post compatible & that’s about as far as my requirements go.

All I seem to have come up with so far is something like a Trek Stache? What else am I missing out on? Genesis steel something or other? Cotic Solaris?

Edit to say – no point in discounting 650b – I have some nice, spare wheels I could use.

I bought a parkwood a few years ago for such reasons. it was ace.

Solaris is great. Banshee Paradox is also a fab bike.

budget?
what material are you are after?

there’s been a few 29ers in the classifieds of late.
The orange clockwork goes for good prices 2nd hand.

Budget is fairly open – it’s hardtail so it’s never going to break the bank.

Maybe 3-4-500 for the frame?

The Bizango is reduced to £480 excluding Topcashback, if its your cup of tea.

If you’re open to 650B in a rate what you ride fashion, I recommend a stanton switchback. Definitely has the trail bias as it’s a blast to ride.

I’m building up a Commencal Meta AM HT over Christmas. Missus bought me the frame from a mate.

Not sure how good they are as I’ve not had a proper hardtail since my Hoodoo 🙂

Looking forward to it as it’ll be nice having a spare bike just in case.

Parkwood and then you have the choice of 27+ and 29er.

If you are thinking 650b then the Bird Zero is worth looking at I’d have thought.

The Zero TR looks pretty much where I was aiming for. The Stantons & that breed of HT is probably not for me – they are taking it too close to me 160mm travel bike in terms of geometry.

The only issue with the Bird is the offensive graphics.

Chromag Wideangle looks sensible too, apart from maybe the weight.

Just ordered an Onza payoff as a 40th present to me. Looks cool, 27.2 post though

The 29in Stache was a good bike but a bit short if you’re used to modern frame geometry.

I replaced mine with a Boardman Pro 29er when Halfords were doing 20% off (plus BC 10% off). It’s got 435mm chainstays, a 68.5deg head angle and reach of about 435mm in large – which I find quite adequate with a 60mm stem and 760mm bar.

More of a trail bike than a hardcore HT, but I only had to upgrade the wheels and bar and it’s a really good bike.

Check out the Whyte 629. Comes in at £1050, long low and slack, 1×11, 120mm fork, tubeless rims etc and stealth dropper compatible. I’ve got last years (which isn’t quite as long low slack) that I then customised somewhat, and it’s been ace!

Or if sticking with 650b then the 901/905/909 series…

If 650 isn’t out of the question, what about a Soul, or the Stanton Slackline which is made for a 120mm fork I think? A bit different and marmite looks wise but the Stif Morph.

Sonder Transmitter – run B+ or straight 650b – or it’ll work as a 29er also according to the Bikeradar review – not super bling, but a really fun bike. And 300 quid frame only.

johnw1984 – Member
I’m building up a Commencal Meta AM HT over Christmas. Missus bought me the frame from a mate.
Not sure how good they are as I’ve not had a proper hardtail since my Hoodoo

Just finished mine ready for the winter (even thought it’s bone dry!) and very happy with it. Just need to cut the steerer down.

The Slackline is a great bike to ride….I’m on my third now!

I borrowed a Slackline for two weeks and it was a lovely thing to ride. Their 853 frames are lovely, so I wouldn’t rule out a Sherpa either…I have a few mates with them and they all love them (including one chap who went Ti back to steel).

Isn’t the Bird pretty darn long and slack?

Utterly shameless, not even remotely stealth ad.

I’m having to sell my Trans AM 29er (need a new front door). 2014 model bought new last October. Only ridden in anger five times and occasionally used for pootling about. Reverb bought and fitted in July along with new SLX brakes and ice tech rotors. Size medium frame. SRAM X5/X7 drivetrain bits, Hope headset. Bloody love it, but left with no option other than to sell.

Shameless advertisement over!

I am having thoughtbud about a ‘trail’ orientated 29+ carbon hardtail. Do they exist?

chromag rootdown or stylus available at good prices in budget here

https://www.shore-lines.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=59

Just taken delivery of a bird zero TR and it’s amazing. Was worried about going 1×11 as I’m not the fittest but I actually feel faster.

2 Souls QuarterHorse,very playful with both 120 or 140 mm forks.

Transition TransAm 29 would be a good shout, it’s a bit fanboy to have 2 Transitions though.

Lots to choose from it looks like.

FWIW I have a trans am 27.5 and came from a soul 26. I too like transitions and have a bandit too.

Anyway, the trans am is really fun to ride. It’s heavier than the soul was and arguably less springy steel feel going on. It climbs fine and it’s pretty damn quick down hill – more stable than the soul for sure although the geometry is still a little “short” by current trends. and it’s easy to chuck around corners too. I can’t fault it and its embarrassed a couple of mates on FS bikes on a few occasions.

I’d imagine the 29er would be good fun too although maybe a bit portly/ bombproof compared to other things

Kona Honzo!! on the lookout for an ally one myself …

Trans AM 29er is definitely bombproof, but is also quick and puts a massive grin on your face.

Recommend what you own.. I built up a Pace RC127 to be a fun winter bike and I’ve ended up riding it a lot more often than I thought I would. Great fun.
Steel and top of your budget but a very nice, no nonsense frame.

Had my zero tr since August and really can’t fault it, love the long tt and short stem, feels great up, down and along, jumps nicely…

Getting the bike already set up tubeless, with no leaks was a real bonus too!

Nukeproof Scout? I have both the 650b and 29er version……ride the 29er the most though. Love it

Niner ROS 9 is rather nice. I’d look ot for one of them.

What about production privee. Oka is 27.5 and the new about to be released Shan GT 29er. Also orange crush got one like it all though am about to go try a 29er hardtail this winter myself.

I’ve just ordered a 29″ Nukeproof Scout, looks very nice!