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I really would recommend the trail geometry, because I don't think it really disadvantages you anywhere, but it will be definitely make it easier to get into more technical trails.
I'm leaning towards the Trek of those two for the reasons you suggested, but also because (in Oz at least) the Trek comes with the XT derailleur. I've had issues with two 12-speed SLX derailleurs and would definitely avoid them.
I think decide on the most likely riding that you want to do / would be capable of right now, then choose the bike best suited to that, maybe slightly preferring a bit of versatility in the frame/fork/componentry mix.
Don't buy the bike you think you might want after 'growing into it'
Best case scenario is you love it, your riding evolves, and at that point then I'm sure some money will turn up from somewhere easily enough (sacrifice heating for a month or whatever 🙂 ) when you need to prioritise a new bike to add
😉
Carbon frame,
SID forks
Only a slight stretch of the budget.
www.halfords.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/voodoo-bizango-carbon-pro-mens-mountain-bike---s-m-l-xl-frames-456526.html
I think decide on the most likely riding that you want to do / would be capable of right now, then choose the bike best suited to that, maybe slightly preferring a bit of versatility in the frame/fork/componentry mix.
Don’t buy the bike you think you might want after ‘growing into it’
+1
You can stick some bags on any bike, it just needs a cheap fixed seat post. And TBH* off-road a backpack is better than frame bags.
*shhhhh don't tell anyone, the cult members will tell you they'd rather push their 50lb bikes up a slight grassy incline than ride with a sweaty back.
Thanks for the wise thoughts!
I'd kind of been ignoring carbon, but thisisnotaspoon makes some good points.
The Roscoe looks decent for the price you’re quoting tbh. Reviews suggest perhaps the frame is a little overbuilt and stiff.
Sonder Signal NX? Group set is ok - fork is a Pike which is ok. Personally I’d take trail geometry over xc. More of an allrounder then rather then so head down. Although xc headangles are gradually getting a bit slacker.
https://alpkit.com/products/sonder-signal-st-nx-eagle?variant=32544284246121
On One Scandal is extremely cheap at the moment if they take C2W vouchers -£899. Rockshox 35 Gold isn’t the best fork in the world but it also isn’t the worst tbh. Better than the recon that seems to be on a lot of cheaper hardtails.
https://planetx.co.uk/products/on-one-scandal-sram-gx-mountain-bike
New Calibre Bossnut? I'm kinda tempted to get one on C2W, looks like a decent trail 29er for the money.
Trek Procaliber 🙂
What would Louise Haigh ride to work on?
Received press wisdom would say Calibre Bossnut. Get it now rather than c2w and I think I heard it was discounted already to less than £1k.