Help with final decision - narrowed down to three

Ono

Hi guys,
this is hopefully the last time that I bother you in this already long trip buying my first mtb. I am looking for something to get back into riding that also gives me some margin to improve and develop some techniques. Also, I would like something that climbs well and it is manageable on single tracks, but no plans on getting into racing or abrupt descends/jumps.
After four agonic weeks reading and test riding I managed to narrow my selection to three bikes. What do you think? (I got scared as some people told me that the scale is too 'racy'???)

1) Cannondale Trail SL 1 2013 Mountain Bike (£1100 - between sizes M and L):

http://www.cannondale.com/gbr/2013/bike ... sl-1-28484

2) Scott Scale 50 2012 (£1000 - more likely in size L - the M felt a tad small buy very manoeuvrable):

http://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/p ... /scale-50/

3) Trek 6300 D 2012 (£650 - also between 18.5 and 19.5, the latter with a shorter stem of 90mm):

http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/bikes/2012/archive/6300

cooldad

Your links don't work

Ono

Sorry! I edited the links and they should be working now.
I forgot to say that I have tried them all and though they feel different I could happily go with any of the three.

Barrelmaker

Go for the best you can afford. Personally I think there are better specced bikes out there for the money but if you like all of the ones you posted then go for it.

Ono

Yes! I have also seen the scale 30 at £1299 in both large and medium. I am torn because the medium felt ok but I am afraid that in a longer ride I might end up feeling slightly cramped. I am 6' and 33.5 inseam.

Barrelmaker

My hardtail is an 18 inch and I'm 6'1. The top tube is long on mine though so reach is just right. I do have to run a long seatpost though. Have you had a look at cubes, I'm not trying to throw a spanner in the works but they are very well specced for the money, if you get last years models they are even better vfm.

Ono

Hi guys!
I finally went for the Scott Scale 50 for £700. It was only £50 more than the Trek. I was also considering the Whyte 901 that felt great and is a more Trail oriented bike but is was £1200 more. But for the price difference I could get a new fork at some point or even safe for a new bike in the future.
I am going to start fiddling around with the Scott, starting with shortening the stem a bit (currently: 100mm).
I went for a ride yesterday and it felt really nice to be back on the tracks!
Thanks for all your help!