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Hi
I'm looking at getting a 29er hardtail, more XC biased than trail. Looking at all the major brands Giant Trek etc but am I missing anything from a lesser known brand, priority will be weight and more upgradeable standards ie thru axles over qr.
Any suggestions? TIA
Given your budget the big brands are probably* the least likely to offer you something at a good weight.
Boardman or voodoo via Halfords are likely to offer you a good bike at that budget. Also look at calibre and sonder**
*it's a while since I looked at that end but, back then you were definitely paying for a badge more than anything else.
**see above, may be out of budget since I last looked
The Vitus Sentier (previous season model) can be bought at that price and is as good as you can get for the money
As above, I'd be looking closely at Vitus. Canyon may well have something if XC bias is what you're after also.
Consider the so called budget brands like cube and merida too.
Onza are selling their 29er half price for £699. Decent kit for the money.
Go second hand!
For example - https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2691665/ and you have £200 for new tyres or drivetrain. You are then on a half decent fork, 1x shimano, good frame and wheels...
You can even get a decent FS:
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2661183/
Fill yer boots.
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/list/?location=193-*-*&category=75&price=..700&wheelsize=10
I'd be looking Vitus and the bike from Decathlon as a start point, and maybe seeing if there were any bargains at On-One too.
I was going to suggest Whyte 603 as I just got one for my kid. It's a trail style bike rather than a pootler like most at that price, e.g. a 67 degree HA instead of 70 - but it's got QR wheels.
Second hand, you will get some top spec bikes for that money.
I've got a Voodoo Bizango and it's great.
The risk with going 2nd hand (you already know, just got to spell it out) is that if you have to add on shop rates for suspension service* (£100), shock service* (£100) and a new drivetrains and tyres, then you're quickly in to New Bike money.
*Proper service, not just an oil change. If you're not happy doing an oil change and bleeding brakes then you're paying shop rates for lots and lots....