Hard tail recommendation request

hughscott.drilling

Hi, I'm hoping for some advice. After 24 years of riding a classic Bontrager Hard tail. I'm coming to terms with the fact that someone stole my bike over the weekend and the chances of me getting it back are (according to Police Scotland) next to zero. If anyone has ever ridden Bontragers before the Trek take-over they were exceptional hill climbers and very very manouverable, but weren't the sort of bike to launch off big jumps or go full bodyarmour downhill racing on.

The question for the forum is can anyone recommend a hardtail bike sub <£1000 that would have similar qualities - climb like a mountain goat and weave through narrow paths. I'm more interested in 27.5" rather than 29" as I've spent so many years on 26".

Any suggestions hugely appreciated.

Thanks

Hugh