£2500 - 3000: New MTB suggestions?

SuprSi

I'm in the market for a new bike. I haven't cycled for a couple of years but having moved near to the Peak District want to explore it as much as possible on a bike, having done loads on foot.

I'm 6'4" so it'll need to be a big enough bike, full suspension and in the region of £2500 - 3000. I'd ideally like it to be new as I'll be availing of whatever 0% finance deal I can get.

I've been looking at;

Whyte T-129 Works (£2200 - 2700)
Cube Stereo 120 Super HPC Race 29 black flashred 2015 (£3k)

So my first question is whether 120mm of travel on the front is enough for the Peak District? I'm not into just flying down hills but love just taking on whatever is in front of me, sometimes at a more sedate pace

I've been told that the suspension systems on the above bikes are not great, but I haven't a clue to be honest - I just like that they've got nearly all XT stuff on them, which is what I'm familiar with.

One other option is the YT Industries Capra AL-2 (I want more than 11 gears), which I'd have to buy outright, but the reviews are great. It's a good bit cheaper than the other two, which is obviously good, though it's all SRAM stuff.

If someone can convince me that I'd be better off worrying about the quality of the suspension over XT stuff on it, I'll happily listen.

rockmonkeysc

The Capra is completely OTT for what you want, it's a bit of a tank.
120mm suspension will be plenty, I wouldn't go more than 140mm. I would suggest a Specialized Camber Evo, great bike and I know a lad as tall as you who rides one so it should fit.

lawman

I'd perhaps look at the Mondraker Foxy, if you need a big bike they're about as big as they come size wise and the ride is incredible. The Cube is good but the cockpits are incredibly short even on the XL's which are actually shorter than a medium Foxy!! Of all the bikes I've ridden the Foxy is the best all-rounder by a country mile, sure it takes a bit of looking after but the rewards are epic!

Thewaylander

I'm actually with Lawman,

As long as the core of the bike is great, some of the finishing components don't actually matter that much as the will wear out over time and get replaced, and IMO the Foxy is the best riding bike in that kind of category, ( I'm a huge Mondraker fan mind).

Other options I'd consider, specialised as RM suggested and even some of the new rocky mountains are meant to be pretty sweet.

A lot of bikes are wildly different in fit now with the advent of longer cockpits and shorter stems so definitely jump on a few and get a good long test ride on the new longer cockpit bikes, it feels odd at first but when you settle in my word its fast and stable! really confidence inspiring!

SuprSi

Thanks guys, some great feedback there. A couple of basic questions though;

1) When you say the cockpit is long, do you mean the gap between the bars and the seatpost?
2) What makes a great core? Obviously the frame and the suspension, but how can I tell whether one type of suspension is better than the other? Is there anything else?

I know personal experience and word of mouth is key, but the Bikeradar reviews of any of the Whyte bikes is better than the equivalent Giant, Cube or other reviews - should they be taken with a pinch of salt?

I'll go check out the Mondraker & the Giant

lawman

Look at a few geometry charts and you'll see the Mondrakers are big, even taking their super short 30mm stems into account. The Foxy has won numerous awards over the last few years and from owning one I can safely say its the best bike I've ridden and I've ridden my fair share! I actually rode the Whyte a few years back on a demo day and was reasonably impressed. Being a demo bike it had a life, the fork/shock were both knackered, the reverb didn't work and drivetrain had seen better days, but despite that I came away with the feeling that beneth all that it could have been a very good bike, the geometry was pretty good and it felt very agile for a 29er, but it still didn't feel quite as good as the Foxy.

The Mondraker does require a certain adapting period as the ride is very different to a more traditional bike with conventional geometry, but once you've learn its quirks I really don't think there's a more capable bike out there atm. It really is that good.

SuprSi

Ok, thanks again. I'll find a local dealer here and have a go on a Foxy.