Right, looking at a new steed (insurance money come through)

Narrowed it down to 2 options, Santa Cruz Nickel R XC or an Orange Blood.

Would like to hear thoughts on anyone who has one or ridden one

Ta

What sort of riding do you do? Not sure how you narrowed it down to those – they’re completely different bikes really…

All these steeds are under £3000 😀

They’re two very different bikes aren’t they? What kind of riding do you do?
edit. beaten to it by ashfanman

Orange site would appear the Blood has been discontinued
Santa Cruz Nickel?

They’re quite different though aren’t they?

Had a Superlight before it was stolen, which was starting to outride in terms of travel, so looking at more travel, mainly XC but riding. My skills are developing but don’t want to lug weight around and die up the hills.

Not bought a bike for years and completely out of the loop in terms of whats available on the marked tbh

James, missed that one (Rookies error), was looking on Stiff cycles….. 😳

Had a Superlight before it was stolen, which was starting to outride in terms of travel, so looking at more travel, mainly XC but riding. My skills are developing but don’t want to lug weight around and die up the hills.

Then you definitely don’t want a Blood. If you want an Orange, try the ST4 – that sounds like it would be better suited for the sort of general XC/trail riding you describe.

There are absolutely loads of bikes that could fit the bill, however, so I’d suggest getting out there and trying lots before spanking £3k on something you might not like.

Lapierre Zesty, Trek EX8, Giant Trance, Specialized Camber or Stumpjumper, etc, etc, etc.

If it’s definitely a ‘steed’ you’re after, then you should be able to pick one of these up used for less than your £3k budget.

slainte 😉 rob

Transition Bandit.

spicey or alpine 160

3k will get you a seriously nice bike. Have you looked at Canyon bikes? The following three are around your budget, in order of increasing travel. They’re gaining popularity here and doing very well in reviews. The main downside is that they are mail order only, so you can’t try before you buy. Although the online sizing tool is pretty good, as is the UK support who can help with sizing.

Nerve XC 9.0SL (£2579):
http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2562

Nerve AM 9.0X (£2759):
http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2567

Strive ESX 9.0SL (£3009):
http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2572