The bronson I demoed on tamer trails seemed slower than my v1 megatower and my v2 to that end . It felt sluggish un weighted and un impressive . The sentinal and hightower are much better all rounders.
Stif have brand new Hightowers and Bronsons for 50% off... can get an XO AXS build for less than 4 grand with a full warranty...
https://www.stifmtb.com/products/santa-cruz-hightower-carbon-cc-xo-axs-kit
https://www.stifmtb.com/products/santa-cruz-bronson-carbon-cc-xo-axs-kit
Those SCs look amazing vfm. Assuming you're not an Audi driving dentist, Orange have some closeout models on their website which I think have an additional 20% off with a code too.
Left field choice - Saracen have 15% off the Aerial 30 - Elite Spec then under £3.5k.
My wife just got a specialized status 2, you'd have plenty of change and it's a great bike.
Think the saracen is a great shout, and decent review on here a month or so ago.
I'd also look at the sonder evol. You'd get dream kit for that budget.
Wish them all the best, and nothing personal, but that second hand dealer offers on the first page, seem really keenly priced. I get the margins selling second hand are tight if a business and they look immaculate and great spec, but regardless of that, most value second hand is the age and model of the frame (in my opinion) and their prices compared to random Facebook marketplace or pinkbike seems optimistic
Rocky mountain?
Megatower 4k at leisure lakes…
That's a pretty good answer to the OP's brief TBF.
Nicely judged spec. Just get some inserts in them RF rims, the ones I had were a touch fragile.
Really Cant get passed the Atherton s150 for just above your budget
Or one of many oranges in the sale
I really do like to support brittish where I can and to see a small yorkshire business struggling is heartbreaking so I'd put my money there.
Yes there questionable ugly yes there's better performing bikes out there but just like my terrier ,he's an absolute flute 90% of the time but I wouldn't swap him for any other dog.
