Help with final decision – narrowed down to three

Hi guys,
this is hopefully the last time that I bother you in this already long trip buying my first mtb. I am looking for something to get back into riding that also gives me some margin to improve and develop some techniques. Also, I would like something that climbs well and it is manageable on single tracks, but no plans on getting into racing or abrupt descends/jumps.
After four agonic weeks reading and test riding I managed to narrow my selection to three bikes. What do you think? (I got scared as some people told me that the scale is too ‘racy’)

1) Cannondale Trail SL 1 2013 Mountain Bike (£1100 – between sizes M and L):

http://www.cannondale.com/gbr/2013/bikes/mountain/hardtail/trail-sl/trail-sl-1-28484

2) Scott Scale 50 2012 (£1000 – more likely in size L – the M felt a tad small buy very manoeuvrable):

http://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/products/221715/scale-50/#.UWw4_ b8ymxo

3) Trek 6300 D 2012 (£650 – also between 18.5 and 19.5, the latter with a shorter stem of 90mm):

http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/bikes/2012/archive/6300

PS. I have also seen the Scott Scale 30 at £1299, which is carbon frame and better components. Is it worth the difference in money?

In that case, I tried that one and cannot decide between sizes (medium/large)… but it might be that I don’t know very well what to look for and expect during a 30 mins test ride.

the cannondale is too expensive

my mate has the trek, its a proper bike. get that. stick the 350 quid away for a helmet/shoes/peggles/camelback.

A 2011 Cannondale is £550 at Paulscycles.
Not sure if the frame has changed, cheaper forks and 9 speed but almost half the price.

Or the 2012 TRAIL SL 1 for £680

the components on the Scale 50 seem better than on the Trek and I just saw it at £850. What about the Scale 30 2012 at £1300? Is the carbon fibre frame recommendable?

I think that, at least for now, I am planning to do longer rides and get to follow some routes until I get back to shape again. .

Actually, after a test ride yesterday (I spent an hour on the Scott Scale Medium and 30 mins on the Large) I feel some pain on my neck/upper back. Could it be because of the more aggressive geometry on the Scale or wrong sizing?

I am thinking that, if I finally go for any of the Scales, I could fit a slightly raised handlebar to see whether that helps with the handling and reducing a bit the virtual top tube length. Would that make sense?

My other option would be the Trek on 18.5 and, as you said, safe some money for further investment (though that carbon fibre frame is very tempting).

scale 30 is in a different league, but it’s almost twice as much.

scott and trek are much of a muchness TBH. see if you can get any more money off/free stuff

both good frames, and you’ll spend money when the bits wear out.

entry level bikes are surprisingly rad.

dont forget you’ll need a bike rack, tools track pump, that sort of thing.

I had the Scale 60 when I started mtb again after 18 years off was a great bike but as others have said more racey a@se up head down sort of thing. Change the bars to wider ones it improves the bike considerably. I sold the scale bought a stumpjumper fsr but wanted another hardtail so bought this. Cost £1050 from Start Cycles in Newcastle and have never looked back. They also stock Scott / Cannondale and seem to be considerably cheaper than above, they also do interest free there web site is here[/url] good luck

I started riding properly about a year ago and bought a Trek 6500D, changed the bars, pedals, tyres and stem. It’s served me really well through trail centres, all day rides, local forest runs and riding around Hope and Ladybower.

I’m an imbecile when it comes to kit, but everything has worked fine. It also climbs exceptionally well. Even had enough money left in my budget to buy pads, helmet, camelback etc.

Hi guys!
I finally went for the Scott Scale 50 for £700. It was only £50 more than the Trek. I was also considering the Whyte 901 that felt great and is a more Trail oriented bike but is was £1200 more. But for the price difference I could get a new fork at some point or even safe for a new bike in the future.
I am going to start fiddling around with the Scott, starting with shortening the stem a bit (currently: 100mm).
I went for a ride yesterday and it felt really nice to be back on the tracks!
Thanks for all your help!