Any recommendations for a hardtail for a 13 year old ? He’s not a young Josh Bryceland but he’s capable of taking a bike round his local forest, so it doesn’t have to be Ti built super bike with carbon wheels and Eagle XX1. Just robust enough for some quick pootles with his dad.

Preferably 27.5 and single speed at the front and it would obviously have to be available in a small size.

Thinking £600 budget.

Cheers

The boardman hardtail bikes are quite good value. Perhaps not much cred for a 13 year old.

I picked one up second hand a few months ago for a lot less than your budget.

Its a decent weight has Rockshox forks and Deore brakes etc.

Our 13 year old lad is enjoying it

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s182p8676/MARIN-BOBCAT-TRAIL-5-27-5-2018

Whatever you do pay close attention to the fork as some decent quality, reputable branded junior bikes** in that category have coil forks which are more than likely useless for lightweight people. Make sure you get something with an air fork that maybe whilst not being lightest will have the necessary adjustability as they grow in both stature and confidence.

** I’m looking at you Whyte and your 604. EDIT Marin up there ^^ also has a coil.