Circa £1000 Hardtail

Tarqy

Hi folks.

I am looking to upgrade my mountain bike. I've got an old Ridgeback at the moment but its dead on its wheels so looking for something new!

Generally do tow paths and dirt roads and the likes but interested in hitting some trails (Hamsterley Forrest) once I've gotten back in to the swing of things

I'm in the Newcastle area so looking for somewhere local to purchase from, I've been looking at the Cube bikes from http://cubebikesnortheast.co.uk.

I was thinking about one of the below, Is it worth splashing the extra 200 for the SL?

http://cubebikesnortheast.co.uk/CUBE-LTD-PRO-27.5
http://cubebikesnortheast.co.uk/CUBE-LTD-SL-27.5

Also not sure on the rim size since I see things have moved on from the 26" days of old. I've done some reading and see the 650b as the best of both worlds.

Would appreciate any guidance or alternative suggestions

Long_Time_Lurker

Don't get hung up on the wheel sizes - go for the bike that feels right for you. I have a Cube Race SL (26") - I don't think they do the smaller wheel size of that model anymore. (Which is a good thing if you are looking for a bargain - you can pick up an old model for relatively cheap.)
It's a good lightweight xc bike, but is easily capable of handling anything in Hamsterly Forest.
Look in the Cycle Centre in Byker too - they are a Cube dealer.

Should also take a look at the Boardman range in Halfords too.