Where’s your £4k going? New bike…

If I didn’t already have a carbon Raze, I’d definitely be looking at this Mondraker Foxy for £3.7k

https://www.freeborn.co.uk/mondraker-foxy-carbon-rr-2023-trail-bike

It sounds like you want a Santa Cruz with a bling spec – I’d just buy one of those in that case. The frame quality and hardware is very good on them and they work / have good warranty support if it’s new.

The Genius has a great spec for the money but the headset routing / hidden shock etc would put me off tbh.

“Another one is this ’22 Bronson for less money. Yes, I know it’s not a trail bike”

If it’s not a trail bike, what is it?

I reckon the Bronson is also in that long travel trail / enduro light sort of area with the Stumpie Evo, Sentinel, Ripmo etc etc

If it’s not a trail bike, what is it?

Pinkbike recently asked exactly that.  All Mountain whatever that is.

The bronson I demoed  on tamer trails  seemed slower than my v1 megatower and   my v2 to that end .  It felt sluggish  un weighted and un impressive  .  The sentinal and hightower are much better all rounders.

Stif have brand new Hightowers and Bronsons for 50% off… can get an XO AXS build for less than 4 grand with a full warranty…

Santa Cruz Hightower Carbon CC – XO AXS Kit

Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon CC – XO AXS Kit