Afternoon,
Still looking at new frames at the min and am going round in circles.
It's going to be used mostly for 4 hour peak District rides and the occasional trail centre visit. I can't afford another bike on top of it either so will be used for an alp trip maybe the summer after next.. or 2017 if the wife is feeling generous. I've got a very lightweight xc hardtail for lightweight duties.
Putting a 160mm pike and 27.5 stans arch on hope wheels so needs to fit those.
Considered at the minute
1) Banshee Spitfire (fits the bill for all of the above, alps not as much as others)
2) Banshee Rune (Might be overkill for all but the alps trips)
3) Yeti SB6c (credit card not be that happy but some deals around 2k appearing) also worried about reliability.
4) Cove Hustler 27.5 (found some for cheap as chips but I don't like them that much).
5) Intense Tracer 275c (can't afford one at the min but looking out for deals).
Not a fan of Specialized, Giant or Cannondale.
What else is out there frame of options for good deals at the min?
Airdrop Edit looks nice.
http://www.airdropbikes.com/collections/frames/products/airdrop-edit-frame-with-rockshox-monarch-rt3
There's a thread on here somewhere.
Or an Alpine
Spitfire if Alps occasionally, and even then I'm sure it'd cope.
Buy the bike best for the majority of your riding. Bronson or hightower here?
http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2056086/
SB5C's can be had for around £2K same as the SB6C.
Devinci Troy might fit the bill?
http://www.freeborn.co.uk/devinci-troy-carbon-frameset-2015
Mondraker foxy maybe? I've got the older version and it's the best bike I've owned
Aeris
Thanks guys. Especially the troy carbon link. Need to do some reading.
Keep them coming
Cotic
Transition
Orange
Are a few names that spring to mind
See links below for Banshee Paradox 29er in medium; full build; reduced to £700.
May not fit your requirements in that it's hardtail and fully built but could free up some £££ for upgrades etc.
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/banshee-paradox-29er-size-medium-900-full-build
pics at http://bikepics.posthaven.com/banshee-paradox-29er-size-medium-900-pounds-full-build
A good mechanic would give it a full service for £75 - based on a Cytech level 3 with loads of experience in Leeds.
I haven't taken my Spitfire to the Alps but the gnarlier the uplift venue it's visited, the better it's performed.