MTB trying to choose

[YMFB]

I have road & gravel bikes. Many years ago I had an MTB, but it probably weighed 30 kgs and was junk.

Im reasonably fit 62 yo, 6ft tall, 83 kgs.
what I’m looking for is something suitable for bikepacking on rougher surfaces than my gravel bikes 42 mm tyres.

Ive been advised to get something that you can operate the fork lockout from the handlebars.

Handlebars 750 mm or less

i I think I want a hardtail and one by

id rather be < £1k and open to a used bike.

I have seen some ex hire Cubes, model unknown for sale.

Recommendations sought.

 

[ktmbiker58]

I bought a Trek X-Caliber 9 which is a well speccd hardtail 29er and very good value for money secondhand for my son-in-law

Trek X-Caliber 9

I wouldn't worry about having a lockout on the handlebars for bike packing, handlebars are easily cut to whatever length you want, I am small and cut all mine down to about 650mm, I can recommend Old Man Mountain racks, they do front and rear racks plus fork leg mounts

OMM at SJS

You have to buy an axle kit to suit the bike but theres a handy guide.

 

[ktmbiker58]

Forgot to add Size Large is 5ft 10" to 6ft 2", bike weighs 11.75kg, Shimano 12 speed, 100mm travel Rockshox forks, I am 5ft 6" and I rode the Large I bought for SIL with no issues at all so if there's an XL near to you it's worth a test ride

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Without spotting specific sales, the MTBs I keep looking at sub £1k are the two Voodoo Bizango variants and the Carrera Fury.

Both have air forks, iirc the Carrera has dropper post and smaller 27.5" wheels.

A month or so ago the cheaper Bizango was £680 in a sale iirc.