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My BiL is after a new bike and looking to spend up to £600. Having looked around it seems most of the offerings are quite similar, shimano M315 brakes, Acera drive train and a suntour or rockshox fork. He's a 6'2" so I'm thinking a 29er could be more appropriate, I really liked the look of the pinnacle ramin 1 but theres only smaller ones left. It'll be used for more family orientated stuff (cycle paths and estate tracks) rather than anything crazy. Almost tempted to suggest a hybrid like my Kona Dr Dew but I think a MTB is the most versatile option. I don't think he'll wind up wanting to do loads of upgrades so I don't think I need to worry about modern standards (headtube, droppers, axle standards etc...)
Saracen Matra seems to look pretty good so far.
Voodoo Bizango also seems well spec'ed
Can STW reccomend any better deals?
Second hand.
I know what you mean Matt - that's what I'd be doing if it was my money but I think he's after something new...
Voodoo Bizango, Vitus Nucleus. If all he's riding is family fire roads etc then he won't need anything special.
TBF for that sort of usage his budget's massive- Calibre Saw would do the job nicely for £330, or a Voodoo Aizan or Hoodoo. It falls into the awkward gap in decathlon's range though
He shouldn't be scared of buying second hand though
There are some genuinely good bikes out there that have been miss sold or the buyer given inappropriate advice on suitability. I've just picked up a ridden once or twice Mondraker Vantage R+ with Rockshox Yari for exactly £600 - it's like new but you wouldn't get that spec new for that price.
Have a look around at the usual places and ask loads of questions before you buy
If he's absolutely set on new, then you really can't beat the Bizango (I had the previous yellow one, it was excellent - there might be some still available at a discount if you phone a few Halfords stores?)
We seem to be nudging his budget up a bit (the Bizango is £650 at Halfords at present), and I'm about to do it again, but the Voodoo Bokor is £680 at Halfords (so £30 over the Bizango) with £170 off; available in 22" frames too.
Thanks all, some good stuff to consider. That bokor does seem a great deal, it seems a step up in componentry from the others (fork & drive train)
Halfords often have sales and there are various discounts you can use, like BC.
Also worth doing a google for Halfords discount codes, or vouchers as there are several sites that list the current codes, such as
https://www.vouchercodes.co.uk/halfords.co.uk
https://www.groupon.co.uk/discount-codes/shops/halfords
Should look at the Giant XTC 29er I'm selling for £300...
I'd be tempted to steer him towards something like a Pinnacle Lithium.
It'll be lighter and an easier ride with less to go wrong over most of the terrain that he's likely to encounter, based on your description.
Specialized Concept Stores have the Rockhopper Expert 29 in the sale in his size XL £650.
https://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/product/5579/2017-rockhopper-expert-29/
Winstanleys have the Marin Nail Trail 6 29 in 19 or 20", notably 1x11 Sram NX, on sale at £700.
https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/marin-nail-trail-6-29er-2017-bike
For this type of thing I always look at Paul's Cycles.
This was a £1250 bike - assuming he can find an extra £24, doesn't mind a model from a couple of years ago and can fit on a Large rather than an XL;
https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p5700/CANNONDALE-TRAIL-SL-2-29-2015
Even if he starts off thinking it will be used for family rides and towpaths, there is a fair chance that the bug will bite. So I would spec a bike that can handle 'proper' trail riding without needing too many upgrades.