New 29er Hardtail for ~£500 - Rockhopper Comp?

cyclinghaggis

I've been using a 15 year old Specialized Hardrock for the occasional jaunts though my local forest paths but I'd like to get back into mountain biking. The Hardrock has seen better days and I don't feel that it's worth trying to repair/upgrade it.

I was contemplating replacing it with a new Specialized Rockhopper Comp which is onsale from my local Bike Shop at £520. I can also get Cyclescheme discount from my employer at the store which should take the price to around £400. I have a test ride on a 17" (I'm 5"9) booked for later this week.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... comp-29-15

I quite like the idea of a 29er as most of the trails I ride are fairy open forest paths, gravel paths and tarmac lanes so I think a 29" wheel would make more sense as I'm not really into anything overly downhill/technical. Could be tempted by the idea of a 650b as an alternative though.

The only real gotcha is that I'd like to buy it from my local store so I can get discount through my work, test ride it and get support from them if anything goes wrong with the bike. Is there anything else worth considering from them around the £500 price point?

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/browse/ ... tain-bikes

I could up my budget by a couple of hundred quid if there was something that really warranted the extra.

Any suggestions?

cyclinghaggis

I realise it's kind of a boring question asking what Hardtail for £500 but would appreciate any thoughts!

Especially from any Rockhopper owners!