Help narrowing down Hard Tail choices

strube77

Hey guys, I have not ridden in years but I'm looking to get back out there. Mainly for trail/XC use. I'm trying to stick to an initial budget of £1000 as upgrades are inevitable down the line + my wife can't fathom my reasoning for spending more :roll:

I have narrowed down to a few choices and was hoping for some advice:

GT AVALANCHE 1.0
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.GT-Avalanche-1-0-Mountain-Bike-2013-Hardtail-Race-MTB_56179.htm

Charge Cooker 2 29er
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/cooker-2-29er-2014-mountain-bike-ec053628#features

Trek Elite 8.5
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/elite-85-2013-mountain-bike-ec042075#features

SPECIALIZED ROCKHOPPER COMP 29ER
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Rockhopper-Comp-29er-Mountain-Bike-2014-Hardtail-Race-MTB_64809.htm

Even though I always wanted a Cannondale as a kid, I have ruled out the trail sl series due to the low end setup.

Thanks for your time!

Stu Coops

You might want to check this out on ebay Item 130975353419

strube77

Cheers Stu, a little out of my price range... I'm sure it will go for more than the initial starting bid too

97th choice

Have you checked out pauls cycles?

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p516 ... -SL-1-2013

strube77

Yes I have, especially if I were to go for another GT, can get a lot of bike for my money if I get a 2010/11 model!

slowslowslow

don't always rule out a bike on set-up. If you invest in a good frame then other things can be upgraded at your leisure...

97th choice

strube77 wrote:

Yes I have, especially if I were to go for another GT, can get a lot of bike for my money if I get a 2010/11 model!

Older models tend to have better specs as manufacturers have downgraded spec over the last few years to maintain the price point. 2013 spec were in general pretty poor in this regard. If its a currently produced model you'll be getting the same frame.

strube77

Great advice guys, just had a ride on a friends 29er and did not like so, I'm down to these two:

CANNONDALE TRAIL SL 3 (2011)
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p3694/CANNONDALE-TRAIL-SL-3-2011

or
GIANT XTC 1 (2012)
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s2p4418/GIANT-XTC-1-2012

Although the Giant looks better on paper, I am leaning towards the Cannondale as its the frame I want... and at that price I can swap out the forks instantly and maybe upgrade some bits to XT.