The sub-thousand mark is very strongly contested in the UK. It’s the cutoff point for many cycle to work schemes and it’s probably the upper limit for a justifiable second, winter or commuting bike for many riders. In many cases, though, it’s someone’s only bike and so needs to be the best bike for many jobs. It’s a tough category! Here are the 2016 finalists:
Orange Clockwork 120
The Orange Clockwork name is virtually as old as the mountain bike in the UK. The 2016 Clockwork comes in four sizes, with a RockShox fork, 120mm of travel at the front and 27.5in wheels. For many riders, it’s the only bike they’ll need. For others, it’s a path towards a lifetime of Orange ownership.
Sonder Transmitter SRAM NX1 Sektor
The Sonder Transmitter, from Alpkit’s bike range combines many recent trends into one bike. A long and slack geometry frame will accept 27+ wheels and with Boost hubs and 1×11 gearing, it’s pretty bang on trend. Whether used for bikepacking adventures or woodland blasting, it’s a great value all rounder.
Voodoo Bizango 29er
A very popular nomination, this, the Voodoo Bizango comes from the company that mountain bike legend Joe Murray is still closely involved with. Despite costing less than some suspension forks, this no nonsense 29er has won over many readers with its simply competent outlook and rugged design.
