Genius idea! Well common sense actually but not something I had considered. Cheers timber.

I have wrestled with the canyon scenario and I don’t disagree that they are amazing value and great bikes. It’s just that When spending large amounts on anything I like to get something that little bit different and I feel the Cotic frame + build will fulfil this need. I have never had the opportunity to buy a decent bike Neil now and probably won’t again until the children are independent so I need to buy wisely.

Thinking about it, I have a set of RockShox Recon forks on my 2006 GT iDrive these would probably do fine after a service wouldn’t they?

Daughter is 7.5 and has a cube race 240. It’s just a little big at the moment but she rides well with the seat at its lowest. Our thinking was that it will last well to her teens and avoid constant bike buying.

My daughter has a cube 240 race and she is 7.5. The seat is at its lowest at the moment but won’t be long before it needs to come up a smidge. She loves it!

Brilliant! Thanks to all of you.

I am 70% sold on the HTail option but the LBS has a demo day the week before my 40th so I think the decision will be made then.

@mattbee – what those guys have done to the QE trail should be applauded, it shouldn’t take volunteers initiative to do stuff like this but it’s just the way of the world and I am glad those guys chose to do it.

Wow! I go away for a few hours and come back to loads more advice, cheers you lot.

Budget will be a smidge over 2k, I don’t think I need a full suss for where I ride it’s just a confidence thing. I have always rode a full suss so rely on the rear sus to fix my rubbish skill level when the back wheel whacks a tree root or rock.

I ride mainly onnthebsouthbdowns and the newly made single track at QE Park. I love the idea of being able to cover the rides on a hardtail but feel nervous about it. I think the suspension on my XCR is decent enough but seems to give me issues when climbing as many hardtails pass me by. I end up catching them on the downs though!

Arrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhh this is so hard. One chance to buy right!

I have just realised that now you guys have answered my frame only quandary it has left me back in the place thought I had left. Do I go for a full suss as a one bike fits all solution or a 29er hardtail and just keep the XCR for the odd occasion I think I really need the full suss?

At 40 I think I need all the help I can get to attract the ladies lol. Not sure my wife will let me have one if she reads that though!

You people are talking sense, glad I asked what might have appeared a daft question.

Brilliant, thanks guys. I would love to say I have very specific requirements when it comes to components but I would be lying, I don’t have a clue!

One final question, I have this geek inside me telling me that the Cotic etc frames are things of engineering beauty. Am I kidding myself?