650b/27.5" Hardtails? Never heard of such a thing…anyone?

So a pal has asked me to recommend him a bike. His brief was something capable of blasting round trail centres, hardtail with 650b wheels. Budget £1000 to £1500. No real expertise in this area sadly, and the only thing that sprung to mind was genesis high latitude. I’d buy that tomorrow if it was me but just wondered if there’s any other bikes he should be looking at?

Vitus Sentier? With a change left for fork upgrade.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/it/en/vitus-bikes-sentier-275-vr-hardtail-bike-2014/rp-prod107047

EDIT – looks like they are sold out

on one 45650b

Whyte 90…something?

Hummer?

Whyte 901/905

kona explosif.

i say that as i am selling a couple cheap as its the end of season.

but I love mine to bits, great bike

Saracen Zen, long travel, dropper post, all for 1200. Bargain, linky…..

http://www.tweekscycles.com/Product.do?method=view&n=3282&g=558644&p=558642&c=215&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Base&utm_campaign=Hardtail%20Mountain%20Bikes&gclid=COK30p7x_L8CFfOhtAod7yMAOA

Bird Zero.

If he’s tall enough

http://www.cycleways.com/store/product/66584/Kona-Explosif-2013/

Whyte 901
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/65390/Whyte_901_650b_2014_Bike_W149014X?gclid=CMWT34Ty_L8CFcSWtAodaDIAag

Wow, that was quick! Thanks chaps. Plenty reading there…

10% finders fee innit 😀

Boardman???

You can get it cheaper than that!!! Mate has one and loves it. I have the HT 29er Pro and I love it (never thought I would say that about a bike from Halfords)

only thing that sprung to mind was genesis high latitude. I’d buy that tomorrow

So would I. That would be right at the top of my list right now. The saturday/part time lad at the shop bought one. It’s a lovely bike, intelligently specced and great value. I’d have one without hesitation.

http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=12501740

Orange Crush?

Soul 27.5?

45650b

Riding one at the moment and very good it is too.

Soul

Orange crush 10 x 1 love it !.

650b hardtails are all bird mtb are doing so they’d get my vote!

Soul, soul, soul

NS Eccentric.

Bird Zero

Those Birds do look nice but above his budget….Soul 27.5″ are sold out everywhere aNd above budget…

^ they have models at £1175, £1275 and £1400 which are all in the range he gave, with plenty of spec options on each model.

The configuratir thing I looked at last night seemed to start at 1600? Ok they’re going on the list…

Where you on your phone by any chance? Site doesn’t work well on mine. Start here and scroll down.

The new Marley from Ragley could be worth waiting for…

if he’s a 19″ frame then the Saracen Zen here is a bargain:
Zen

I may be converting my C456 to 650b next year, just for research purposes.

Kona Explosif 650b ’13- versatile, great warranty and the best looking.

The Bird Zero is definitely worth a look.
They start at £1175 and have an amazing spec.

http://shop.birdmtb.com/zero/zero-4.html