New Mountain bike £600

AgentK88

I've been looking around for a new mountain bike for a while now and have decided to spend around £600 on a new bike. I'm fairly new to mountain biking and will use it for regular weekend rides around the local woods, trail centres like Forest of Dean and Cannock Chase, possibly the Malvern hills and perhaps into Wales.

I think a 26er would be the way to go as I'm small(ish) and would prefer a better handling bike as I've not ridden on rough stuff too much before. Also looking at a 17"-18" frame.

I've found a few offers on the internet and I was hoping for some advice on the list below;

Jamis Durango Race 2013
£590.00
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/durango-race-2013-mountain-bike-ec041500

Carrera Fury 2011/2012
£599.99
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_810735_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

GT ZASKAR SPORT
£599.99
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3844/GT-ZASKAR-SPORT-%282012%29

Merida Matts Trail 500-D 2012
£599.99
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/48732/Merida_Matts_Trail_500D_2012_Bike

Focus Black Forest 4.0 2012
£599.99
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/focus-black-forest-40-mountain-bike-id65659.html#info

Kona Blast Hardtail 2012
£529.99
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=95354

Rockrider 8.1
£549.99
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-81-2012-mountain-bike-grey-id_8168918.html

I'm tempted to go for the Merida as it's a steal at that price and there is a lbs near me that would make it easy to source parts and servicing. I don't think they would match the price though...

But what would you take from these options or is there something else to look at in this price bracket??

supersonic

All look like good value - but the Rockshox forks are the better offerings. I'd be swayed towards the Rockrider though, as it is quality throughout.

AgentK88

I've noticed that my local Halfords has a 2011 Voodoo Bokor still on sale at £575. Would this also be worth considering?

Also would it be worth spending an extra £50-£100 and going for the Boardman Comp at £649.99? Or would I be better placed getting the Rockrider 8.1 and spending the cash on gear or upgrades???

Thanks again

AgentK88

Thanks for the votes. I think I'm going to go with the Boardman Comp.

The Rookie

Shame as the RR 8.1 has better brakes, better gearing and a crankset where the bearings aren't lumps of cottage cheese.

Search for FSA BB failure on here!

MrM

Boardman comp is more money for less quality. Double check the crank as it might fall off!