My mate has the T130s (older version with revs) and really likes it. But at £700 odd over budget its a no go. The SX is ok, but would need to add dropper and maybe upgrade fork making it expensive!

Spectral 5 is in budget:

https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mtb/spectral/spectral-al-5-0.html

Camber 29er and 650B both in budget:

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/specialized-camber-fsr-comp-29-2016-mountain-bike.html?gclid=CJ-g0bm1xc4CFcO4GwodWv8PWg

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Camber-Comp-650b-Mountain-Bike-2016-Full-Suspension-MTB_83866.htm?sku=276501&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=COHyisa1xc4CFfIV0wod4f8KVA

Still really like the Trek Remedy 7…

https://www.evanscycles.com/trek-remedy-7-27-5-2016-mountain-bike-EV251312

Would like a t130 2016 but all over 2k still.

Good options, keep em coming lol. No one likes my suggestions!!

Will have a look. Short travel might be better option due to rides I do.

This Vitus a good option?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/vitus-bikes-escarpe-vrx-suspension-bike-2016/rp-prod135374

Guess I should mention I want it for all round types of MTB. Mainly hills, some rocky red routes, long open flat fields and bridle ways.

I’m not doing anything hardcore so don’t want to over bike myself!

Just didn’t enjoy riding it – cant put my finger on it TBH.

I love the Giant Reign 2 – but I think 160mm is overkill for my more gentle trails!

http://www.giant-shoreham.co.uk/en-gb/bikes/model/reign.27.5.2/25007/90569/#specifications

Vitus bikes look well equipped but trying to buy local with store support… I know that probably sounds stupid!!

I copied and pasted from profile lol

Tried sending email chief but saying address not working! Is there a dot between your names?

Yeah I ride out from Jevington and usually get lost around Friston (or be found resting as my fitness levels are -50% lol)

@chiefgrooveguru might be good if could come see your bird for sizing at some point?

I’m in Eastbourne so not far. Nothing I spec is in stock so no rush. Riding the AM might be a mistake lol!

Mantra fits fine apart from having zero nuts stand over! It’s for general riding over south downs, nothing too heavy, just red routes and bridle paths. Couple of hours max I guess.

I did email Bird and got 2 emails back saying different things!

Guess only way is to ride one, but not local at all!

Intend to get a dropper at a later date – thinking the medium might be just a little small, but don’t want to feel like a stretched out bastard on the large!

Its SLX, or pay £50 for the XT cranks.

I looked at the 901 and sadly I can’t find one for 1k and can’t go any higher. There is another whyte 650b for 1k. Can’t remember model but it was bright green!

The mantra elite may still be an option… The colour might be better in flesh!

If not I will fall back to the core 30 or trial.

I’m considering a 1k budget… only because this will be it for a while and no upgrades for a bit so just thinking that little bit extra will make a big difference in the long run.

Was going to look at the Giant Talon 27.5 0 but not heard too many positives online about the Fox Fork

I’m trying to decide if this colour looks nice, or horrible! I couldn’t find anyone with a bike on show to have a look at:

http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/trail/mantra-elite

Thank you @drovercycles they have both at my local shop so have been on both, but going to have one final look and ride after the bank holiday!

Bizango was my 29er of choice, but prefer the 650b but having the 15mm is nice touch.

Think you sold me on the mantra!

Spec or Saracen is here:

http://www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/trail/mantra-trail

And review

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/hardtail/product/review-saracen-mantra-trail-14-48766/

No mention of it being air, but doesn’t say anything bad about the fork.

Genesis has Suntour Raidon Air XC-LO-R-27.5, 120mm Travel

The Genesis sways me with fork and 2×10. Everything else says Mantra!

I like honest! It really helps me choose. If I’m being honest with myself I really should only spend £800.

The mantra trail was my first choice until reading about 2×10 and then doing google searches that mostly say 3×10 is pointless and 2×10 is better. Then reviews of the Mantra online say its such a fun ride, which I can’t agree/disagree as rode one on tarmac only.

Then that sways me to the genesis core 30 with its 2×10 and very similar spec, but I’m not sure I like it as much as the Saracen. But the Genesis has the air version of the fork which I presume is better.

In other words… I’m a bloody nightmare!

Now also looking at the Boardman Team. The thought of Halfords scares me, but the spec for the price is superb.

Core 30 has the 2×10, the Mantra Trial is 3×10, both have clutch mech so guess it comes down to what feels right.

Will ride them both next week and make the decision!

Lol. I thought that. Will send him the parkwood details now. Any particular model circa £900?

Quick rides on Cube and Trek today have confirmed that the choice is either Core 30 or Mantra Trail.

Both very similar in spec bar the 2×10 vs 3×10 set up.

This is going to be a tough one! Going to give both a go again and make the decision.

Shop can order a new one in for me whatever I choose so crunch time. I know £800 is not the biggest amount of cash on a bike, but I need to get this right!

I’m trying to find out the reach of my Calibre Two Two, but can’t find the stats anywhere!

Ahh thanks. Not a huge deal in it bwtween the Core and Mantra, so will go try them all!

Yeah, will go try both. The Mantra has a longer top tube length, but cant find the stem length.

I think I need to sit on the 19″ as most size guides point in that direction for someone of my height (5ft 11, inside leg 32″)

I’m using 5 10 vxi with the semi smooth sole. Can’t fault them, not bulky at all. Sometimes wish I had bought the elements version though!

That’s a pretty decent price! I think the 19″ might be too big for me. Will try one out and see.

I’m going to try the 19″ in the Mantra too, just to make sure I’m getting the right size.

So just popped in to my local shop on route home and they stock both Saracen and Genesis.

The Core 20 was ok but didn’t really sell itself even when on board.

They had the standard Mantra in 17″ and it felt really good. Was expecting it to feel small but the cockpit was rather roomy for a medium.

I think I’m going to go for the Trail but going to look at a cube first.

The thing I like about the Core is that it will leave me cash to spend on some extras (New shoes, clothes etc) and the frame is the same as the top spec model.

I think after reading through posts, reviews etc I will go check out the Mantra Pro (or the Trial – wife dependant lol) and the Core 20 with the view to upgrading the forks at some point.

As mentioned, it’s not for anything super heavy right now so either should fit the bill.

Yeah really dont want to make that mistake again! Was looking at Giant (thre is a small giant store like 20 miles away), but seems only one really in my range is the 2015 Talon 2 27.5 but struggling to find any sort of reviews on it.

Bloody miles and miless away!!

I might go look at the Mantra after work as the guys who service my bike are Saracen dealer and think they have the pro in stock so can see what its like for size and get the Trail if its the right bike.

I like the look of the Kili, but the pro seems to have a worse fork than the Mantra.

Lastly, the Genesis, and although the spec is not great, I have been hearing good things about the frames.