Recomendations on a sub £1000 XC hardtail?

Douche

In the new year im looking at purchasing a XC hardtail, the top end of my budget is £1000. Essentially im getting it via the "CycleScheme", although the bike wont be used for any commuting (my old Kona will be used for that.

Im after a quality hardtail. For many years i have always had a thing for Orange, though ive never owned one. Consequently im currently drifting towards purchasing a '08 Orange Evo8 (£950), ive also had the '08 Marin RockyRidge suggested to me though i fear that was more because its a sub £1000 machine that has Fox forks as standard (my freind raves about them on his 'Five').

I dont need a bike for big drops or jumps, i want a machine that is wholly practicle for its purpose, which will be running trails hard and fast, i want a bike that isnt short on quality components (Like Konas often are ... im slightly biased towards them since owning one), and also a bike that is relatively comfortable ... 70+ mile day rides for me are not unheard of.

Any suggestions please? i'll probably end up getting the Evo8 anyway but i at least want to try and consider options and alternatives.

Thanks

gregsd

How about an On-One Scandal. A nice and light frame with full XT and RS Reba forks:



Okay I'm not sure about those yellow wheels, but you can get an upgrade for £50!

zero303

Those wheels look kinda fresh!!!

Jaba666

Nice... just loose the tractor tyres... and you have a nice budget XC'er

FOGcp

I have a Scandal which I built up myself, e.g. normal coloured wheels and I have to say it has been excellent. It is certainly a hell of a lot better than I am!

The Big Cheese

those wheels are totally out of place on an otherwise nice and understated build.

They come highly recommended (scandals)

stevieboy

Looking in LeisureLakes yesterday I must say I love the look of the new Marin HT's, the frames are out of this world!

benneally

I strongly suggest a Marin Eldridge grade. The RRP is £1045...im sure u can find the £45 somewhere :P

passout

Merlins / Rock Lobsters are hard to beat.

Matteeboy

My Stumpy was £1200 but I'm sure it can be picked up for £1000ish now (it's 2007).
Fox forks, good SRAM kit, great frame, decent wheels, Juicy 5s and very nice Specialized finishing kit. Looks cool in black too. 8)

gthang

Cheesey wrote:

those wheels are totally out of place on an otherwise nice and understated build.

I think the wheels look good! me likes things a bit different