Looking at replacing my Horsethief with something that can take a bigger/more robust fork -having to admit Fox 130mm/32mm are struggling a little with my bulk and ineptitude. I enjoy varied days out from some of the moderate off-piste in GT/Inners/Golfie to 2-4 day adventures like the Cairngorm circuits. I have a max budget around £3k.
I have tried an Intense Primer which was nice but none in my size at the build I was after. I can find a Whyte S150 RS but am a little between sizes, I also have an option of a Hightower R but spec list is pretty basic (Pike v Revelations, Eagle v NX). Anybody have any idea what the Whyte is like for long climbs and big days out away from trail centres. Also what is the Hightower R like to live with? Finally at 6ft 2 what size of Whyte, one bike shop says L and another XL? Sitting on them doesn't help. Funnily enough the only time I took a demo before buying a bike ended in me buying a bike I never loved!
What is STW's advice....
If your looking at the Whyte S150 then check out the Bird AM9, very similar bike. I rate both Whyte and Bird, they produce really well thought out bikes. Lots of owner reviews are very favourable for the AM9 and you can contact Bird and they will help you with sizing.
If you're after a long-travel 29er that can do big days out, you might want to consider an Orange Stage 6 if you can find one in budget on discount. That's kind-of its speciality.
Otherwise I'd consider a shorter travel slack bike like the Cotic Flaremax. Or just take a punt on the Whyte - it looks like a cracking bike.
AM9 looks similar to Whyte but price not that different when getting similar specs. Might be able to get a shot from a friend. Booked a try out of the Whyte XL for the 2nd. Going out on the 1st as well so hopefully not to knackered to appreciate it.