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Mate of mine has had his bike stolen, looking for a replacement talking through his idea is the same as mine, but I've got the bike he wants and we would look a right pair of numpties on the trails together with the same bikes. I've got this years 29er Camber Comp, its pretty much the same as he wants, 120-130mm travel, 29er.
Had a look at last years camber evo and they have it in the right size, any others to look out for? I did recommend a canyon but for some reason isn't a fan. Budget is around £1500 and last years models isn't an issue.
£1500 is not a budget. £150 is.
Go for the one that rides nice / is ace colour / best deal.
I suggested the Trigger, but he had the Jekyll before and the triple can rear sus was a ball ache he likes to tinker with his own suspension repairs etc which is great but not something he wants this time round.
Bit leftfield...
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-root-miller-1-29-2016/aid:816544
http://www.trekdemosale.co.uk/4819/
or the ralon bikes get a good write up
we would look a right pair of numpties on the trails together with the same bikes
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Doesn't seem to bother pro/team riders 😉 in fact I have a friend who loves his Audi Quattro [i]so[/i] much that he hangs out with other ppl who also drive them! Maybe it's that you don't like yr bikes [i]enough[/i]?
If you're that fashion-conscious maybe try different colour helmets? Then he can still have the bike he claims to want!* 😉
*wait - did *you* put him off buying one, or was impromptu style conference called? Dayum!
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The OP and his pal, pictured yesterday...
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Haha very funny, the rose bike has promise can alter the spec, add some pikes and upgrade the brakes, not a bad choice.