New bike dilemma (again!)

jakesurf

Okay I've decided that after five years ownership of a Boardman Pro hardtail it's time for a change. I predominately ride at places like Hamsterley and Cannock Chase with the occassional natural singletrack ride thrown in. I also like to occasionally just get out and ride simple fireroads where I can just ride without having to concentrate on technical features.

I've originally been looking at hardtail 650B bikes as I like the simplicity of hardtails. However one of the main problems I find when I ride places like Cannock Chase is that with all the braking bumps I feel like I'm being shaken to pieces on a hardtail and my knees and back just don't like it anymore.

So this has lead me to change tack from looking for a 650B hardtail to consider either a full suspension bike or a 29er hardtail as I've read a lot of views (mostly on here) that 29ers can smooth out trails quite a bit whilst still maintaining the simplicity of a hardtail.

So I've narrowed down my choice to four potential bikes (but I'm willing to consider any other alternative suggestions, max budget is £1,100). The four bikes are:-

Boardman Pro Hardtail 29er (which I should be able to get for £810)
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/boardman-mountain-bike-pro-hardtail-29er-2014#tab2

Boardman Team Full Suspension (again which I should be able to get for £810)
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/boardman-mountain-bike-team-full-suspension-650b-2014#tab2

Giant Anthem 27.5 3 2014 (£1,100 from Pauls Cycles)
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s1p5522/GIANT-ANTHEM-27-5-3-2014

On One Parkwood (£1,000)
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPWDEO/on-one-parkwood-shimano-deore-mountain-bike

So my dilemma is do I go for the simplicity of a 29er hardtail and if so which one or do I go for a full suspension?

Any advice much appreciated!

rockmonkeysc

Definitely the Anthem. Brilliant bike, superb frame and at that price, good value.
My Anthem was one of the best bikes I have owned, it eats up miles effortlessly and is pretty good on technical trails as well.

jakesurf

Cheers Rockmonkey, what was your anthem like on the climbs? I weigh 15 stones and I'm worried that a full suspension will turn into a pedal bob nightmare when putting some effort in!

The Rookie

The Anthem is an XC FS that can also cope with trail centres just fine, the suspension and shock are well set up and you'll find it climbs just as well as a hardtail, in fact on rougher surface it's easier as it does the suspension work for you.

rockmonkeysc

I think I must have been around 15 stone when I had mine. Pedal bob is just not an issue on the Anthem, the rear suspension is extremely efficient. It climbs very well. As above it is an xc bike but it is quite stable and tough enough to ride pretty much any trail. What I found it was really good for is all day, long distance xc rides.