Anyone out there ride a 29er?

Long_Time_Lurker

I've decided to take the plunge and go for a 29er, however I haven't got a clue what to go for.
It will be used for XC and trail riding (and the odd coast-to-coast). I have a budget of £1000.

So far I have looked at the...
Giant Talon (with fork upgrade)
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... r-11-40859
GT Karakoram
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... r-11-40924
and the Gary Fisher Cobia (ugly paint job, but good reviews.)
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gar ... gn=froogle

Is there anything else out there that I should consider? Anything I should be looking out for or avoiding when buying my bike?
Cheers.

ride_whenever

The gt is pretty good. Personally I've ridden a few 29rs and my favourite was the scale.

Long_Time_Lurker

Cheers...
*adds Scott Scale 29 Team to the list...*

CycloRos

Scott Scale and Giant XTC 29ers would be on my list