Asking for a workmate who’s wanting to start mountain biking. He’s got a grand to spend on a hardtail.
He’s a very capable roadie and did well in CX as a junior at national level, so he’s got the fitness just no idea about the world of mountain bikes.
My first thought was a Boardman Pro 29er, what else should go on his shortlist?

Have a look at the Cube LTD Race. Retails at £1100 and dealers will discount. Full XT group, Recon and light well made frame.

Ragley Marley Simon.

http://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/27-5-hardtail-bikes/ragley-marley-2017-review

And spare change for a brand x dropper.

Marin Nail Trail from Rutland – Yari, light wide wheels, 1×11 Slx.

No spare change needed as it has a dropper…

I’d buy a Ragley Mmmbop frame and go custom build. May need to use the classifieds to keep below£1000 though.

There’s another 10% of Vitus Sentier VRS on CRC at the mo, so with a BC membership you’re looking at less than £750. That’d leave him with cash for a dropper, pedals, shoes and gubbins.

Bird Zero, can’t be far off that kinda budget?

I know it’s not a hardtail but at the very least I’d go have a look at one of these.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-bossnut-v2-mountain-bike-p403001

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/calibre-bossnut-v2-review.html

If he’s good at cx, maybe a xc hard tail won’t be much of a change?

What/where riding does he intend on doing on the hard tail?

Maybe a budget full suspension bike might be a better contrast if they want to do more challenging bumpy stuff?

Thanks for the suggestions. I’m on holiday at the moment and he messaged me wanting some advice/ideas. I need to find out if he’s after a trail bike or something more xc.

The Boardman is a very good option for XC/trail crossover, you could race on it and it’s great for riding round the woods, trail centres etc.

One thing I’d say is that it’s probably best to size up if possible, I’m 5ft 8in and the large was spot-on. No issues with standover or seat tube length.

I did a review of mine here: http://unduro.co.uk/mtb/review-boardman-pro-29er/

Selling the frame, fork & stuff now – if that’s of interest at all…
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-boardman-pro-29er-frame-fork-parts-large-price-drop-1

Orange P7 from Sunset comes in not far off with the 10% code added.

http://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_id=4660&5831=28390

Superb bike.

Narrowed the choice down to an XC orientated 29er like the Cube or Boardman.
Keep the ideas coming!

@chakaping – think he wants new and ready to ride and I think a large would be too big anyway

Buying new makes a lot of sense as the groupset is great.

Wait until they are doing a discount on them and then get another 10pc off with BC membership.

Get the Boardman, of you’re near one of the 3 stores that have them, the 2016 one for £680 add BC discount and it’s a total bargain at £612

Alpkit worth a look (Sonder?) for £999 which looks really nice, but haven’t scrutinised the specs.

Love my Boardman Pro. A very versatile bike and fast too.
Fur reference I’m 6ft and on a large.

Love my Boardman Pro. A very versatile bike and fast too.
For reference I’m 6ft and on a large.
Chakaping are you confident an a large at 5ft 8?

I often ride large bikes as I have a long torso for my height, the Boardman was still shorter than I’d want in an enduro bike – but OK for an XC bike.