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You sure its a spring fork on the saracen? If it is it would tip me towards the Genesis. If it isn't I'd get the Saracen. Gears, shmears - remove some later if you don't need them.
Both look handy bikes. I got the Bizango as a 2nd bike - I've used little else since I bought it!
Spec or Saracen is here:
http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/trail/mantra-trail
And review
No mention of it being air, but doesn't say anything bad about the fork.
Genesis has Suntour Raidon Air XC-LO-R-27.5, 120mm Travel
The Genesis sways me with fork and 2x10. Everything else says Mantra!
Look the same forks on both to me. I have the 15mm 29er version on the Bizango and they are more than decent, relatively light, adjustable for weight and the rebound adjustment does work. They are dead easy to service yourself too.
Sounds to me like you should go Mantra and then if you decide you can do without a chainring or two, just lose them later.
Bizango was my 29er of choice, but prefer the 650b but having the 15mm is nice touch.
Think you sold me on the mantra!
Do it now - your missing riding time!
Yep, it's the same fork on both. Not a bad fork at this level at all.
You won't be disappointed in either of these bikes OP. If you can get a test ride on both then great, but there isn't masses in it. We have/had both Mantras and Cores in our hire fleet and they're a very good starting point - at the level you're looking (£200-£250 more than our hire fleet bikes) then they're very competent MTBs.
Thank you @drovercycles they have both at my local shop so have been on both, but going to have one final look and ride after the bank holiday!
I'm trying to decide if this colour looks nice, or horrible! I couldn't find anyone with a bike on show to have a look at:
http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/trail/mantra-elite
Is your budget going that high?
I'm considering a 1k budget... only because this will be it for a while and no upgrades for a bit so just thinking that little bit extra will make a big difference in the long run.
Was going to look at the Giant Talon 27.5 0 but not heard too many positives online about the Fox Fork
Thing is with something like the Talon you are moving away from fun progressive geometry like the Mantra and Core and more towards traditional XC geo. At £1100 you might be able to pick up a Whyte 901...
I looked at the 901 and sadly I can't find one for 1k and can't go any higher. There is another whyte 650b for 1k. Can't remember model but it was bright green!
The mantra elite may still be an option... The colour might be better in flesh!
If not I will fall back to the core 30 or trial.