Some advice on new bike...

maattttyy

Hi,
I'm wanting to get into MTB I've been riding bmx for around 5 years but I'm wanting to change and move up. Mainly because I don't ride park/street anymore and I'm only using the bmx for trail riding - not so great.

What I'm looking for is a bike that will be suited for to a bit of smooth trail riding but also freeriding/downhill and the occasional mountain run. A nice all rounder that is swaying towards a bit of freeride. I still want to be able to ride it as a day bike (cycle paths and smooth trails) but I also want to go off the track into the woods, do some jumps etc.
I've been looking online but I need some advice on the one that I've been drawn too -

NS core 1 (2011) -http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=58199
Marin rocky ridge (2011) - http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/35216/Marin_Rocky_Ridge_Bike_2011
(Or if its better value for money the 2010 model - http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/25850/Marin_Rocky_Ridge_Bike_2010

And

Orange crush (2011) - http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/orange-crush-mountain-item162732.html

Thanks
Matt

suggestions welcome budget of £1000, looking at hardtails because of this.

supersonic

To be blunt, there is not a bike at this price that will not be a compromise for you. The Marin's and Crush are in no way freeriding bikes - the BS1 is a lot tougher, but will handle like a barge on XC trails.

Prescient

To throw something else into the mix, you can get a Medium 2010 Rocky Ridge from atb-sales.co.uk (the distributor) for £710 brand new at the moment (brand new boxed and not the small ex-demo one they have @ £849).

You buy from them and they have the bike sent to your local bike shop who is on their distribution channel. The 2010 RR is much better specced than the 2011 and at that price, it is a no brainer.

Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to find a link to the part of the site where you can buy the new bikes from as a member of the public (not just the old ex-demo/photoshoot stock).