i think I'll be going down a similar route, can't really stretch to a new one.
Do you think a 5 spot will be too much bike for mucking about round trail centres?
Stugus: For the trail centres, wouldn't a Turner Flux at 25-26lbs be a slightly better bet?
I have owned both a 5 Spot and Flux and would definitely agree that the Flux is better a bet for XC riding and trail centre's.
Flux is more responsive and nimbler than the 5 Spot, which also is a great bike.