I've got a mate who is coming from Austrailia to the UK for a few years and he wants to replace his 20 yr old Marin with a 29er, plans to purchase whilst in the U.K. Not too fussed on cost initially as it'd be good to see a cross section of what you get for your money. Thinking off the shelf, but self build is an option. Needs gears.
Cheers.
swift........win
OO Inbred, they are incredible vfm (especially at the moment) the geometry is spot on with a rigid fork and they are really versatile, can you tell I like mine?!
Swift +1
Swift +1
It's not perfect but it is very good.
Swift or most Niner frames are great rigid, especially a Sir.9
In case your looking second hand don't forget the GT Peace. I really like mine.
Not ridden a swift but I love my Surly Karate Monkey.
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I've ridden a few but the Jones spaceframe is the best I've tried. Not ridden the Ti, just the steel with truss fork.
Love my Ragley Td1
But we are on STW so I feel compelled to say Swift.
Gt Peace
Niner
Swift
Salsa
Kona
Ridden them all and liked them all, I settled on the Niner One 9
But would recommend any of the above
Jones - any one will be good. You can even buy them in the UK now!
Swift especially as they have Australian heritage 😉
Oh and there damn fine bikes too
[url= http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6210/6049010981_4dc35a47d0.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/36574813@N06/6049010981/ ]SSSSMidge[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/36574813@N06/ ]Birdage[/url], on Flickr
Boring! Changed the bars since.