This is not for me I might add, I am 49 !!!
A friend asked me & I found I kept recommending inappropiate bikes.
He wants XC comfort but no yee Haaa is involved so a light weight short travel full suss I guess. Cash is probably not an issue although he would start to baulk at anything much over £2500 I am guessing.
What do you suggest ?
something from specialized. cant go wrong for the cash.
Really! Tell him to MTFU. 😉
Superlight.
In the absence of middle-aged bikes being available. 😉
over 50 c_g
A nice Ti hardtail 29er? Check out what Van Nicholas could do for that budget http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/664645/products/van-nicholas-zion-29er-slx-disc-titanium-mountain-bike-2013.aspx
Specialised 🙂
I'm nearing 60 and they work for me 🙂
[img] 
[/img]
There are a vast range of bikes that come into that category of lightweight XC for under 2.5k.
Without him going out and getting a feel for the sort of geo he likes it's almost impossible to decide if he'll enjoy riding the bike or even be comfortable on it.
Something from Giant. Can't go wrong for the cash.
....like the Giant Anthem. Mine was an X4 26er, but has been seriously upgraded over the last 6 months and is now 24.5 lb and is so easy to ride but eminently chuckable. Age 50 is history for me (61) but this bike makes me feel young again (gee that sounds naff!!) The Anthem 29er is getting great reviews at the moment.
in no order
Giant anthem
Rocky mountain ...i think evans have them in the sale
sant cruz superlight
cannondale rush or rize
turner flux
all very good and lightish bikes and some available in 26 and 29 sizes
I was thinking superlight too.
On the anthem, I always thought it be better with a 120mm fork just to make it a little less racey.
[img] 
[/img]
😉
Edit: on a serious note, I would echo scotroute's recommendation for Ti. Mine is extremely comfy for all day rides.
it is one of those try the suspension design before committing
i am not a fan of dw link but
like single pivot with a link
horst link design
mastreo/maverick link
so try if possible
also
ibis nice
nicolia..
yeti asr/5
have a look at cube too, i have an ams130, the difference in comfort compared to my P7 is easily noticable.
2.5k is a good whack of cash, he should easily get a really nice bike for that (or a lot less).
MadBillMcMad - Member
I was thinking superlight too.
On the anthem, I always thought it be better with a 120mm fork just to make it a little less racey.
My Spesh Stumpie is a tad under 24 pounds which aint bad for a 120 full susser.
With the Horst link it gives a good ride in all conditions, better than a single pivot and Faux bar stuff. Never ridden a DW link so not sure on them.
So maybe buy a frame and build it to the spec you want.