What bike?

[Cycleops]

One more question, a lot of mtb seem to have square taper bbs, is there some reason for this?

Usually found on most budget bikes, it's cheap and reliable and can go on for mega miles without any attention. Higher up the food chain you'll see Hollowtech BBs which have outboard bearings, lighter but will need replacing more often. Try to avoid Octalink which have known problems.

 

[GlenBen]

Ahh ok, so if square taper will have no negative effects, thatll do me.

Another option, top of the budget but i can get spesh on c2w, 10 speed shimano, rockshox airsprung fork thing.

https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/67...-2020-hardtail-mountain-bike--crimsonred.aspx

 

[Spiderweb]

if you want to go full budget then this Canyon reduced to £999 looks excellent. Great spec, Shimano XT/SLX, dropper seatpost, quality Fox Forks and Mavic rims.
Edit - Medium frame, your size I would think, in stock.
https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/grand-canyon-al-sl-8.0/2035.html?dwvar_2035_pv_rahmenfarbe=BK/GY&quantity=1

 

[Pale Rider]

I recently had a dropper post fitted to help my aching bones mount my trekking bike.

That's not you, but the guy who fitted mine is a keen mountain biker.

He said mountain bikers who get a dropper wonder how they ever did without one.

Not my type of riding, but I reckon you would give a dropper plenty of use on the red routes you are aiming at doing.

 

[Cycleops]

Canyon looks good but a pressfit BB? You'll need to be brave to go with one of those.

 

[Pale Rider]

The press fit bottom bracket would rule out the Canyon for me, given there are alternative bikes with an otherwise similar spec.

I suppose it's worth pointing out the worst thing about press fits is some of them creak intermittently - they work OK in other respects.

Creaking would drive me nuts, but the OP may not be so bothered, and the Canyon may not creak.

 

[Grant Fondo]

Well I have spent most of a day looking through different specs etc, there are so many options that I hadnt even considered. Thank you all for the input.

@Cycleops i had considered a gravel bike, but i think id like one of those aswell at somepoint, possibly when i replace the roadbike.

@Spiderweb i do like the look of that scott.

And @froze thank you for the detail, gave me an idea of what to look for.

These are two others ive seen that seem ok spec wise, but the weight is pushing 14kg on both, any thoughts?

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBOOSCSX/on-one-scandal-sram-sx-mountain-bike

https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mounta...menfarbe=RD/BK&dwvar_2455_pv_rahmengroesse=XS

Again, thank you all for the help.

Yes weight would be high on my priority list its why I haven't ever updated my 1995 Cannondale MTB @ 10kg, no suspension, trick brakes, millions of gears etc. Its big bucks to get a 2020 off roader at this weight. Good luck with your search, no shortage of options out there!

 

[froze]

Well I have spent most of a day looking through different specs etc, there are so many options that I hadnt even considered. Thank you all for the input.

@Cycleops i had considered a gravel bike, but i think id like one of those aswell at somepoint, possibly when i replace the roadbike.

@Spiderweb i do like the look of that scott.

And @froze thank you for the detail, gave me an idea of what to look for.

These are two others ive seen that seem ok spec wise, but the weight is pushing 14kg on both, any thoughts?

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBOOSCSX/on-one-scandal-sram-sx-mountain-bike

https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/grand-canyon/grand-canyon-al-6.0/2455.html?dwvar_2455_pv_rahmenfarbe=RD/BK&dwvar_2455_pv_rahmengroesse=XS

Again, thank you all for the help.

The Planetx and the Canyon are more than you wanted to spend, those two are both $100 more than your limit, which is ok if your wanting to go over your budget.

The Planetx bike, that is a what is known as a tattoo'd bike, it's generically made and then they slap on whatever brand decal who wants to sell it...however it got decent reviews, but they use a lot of generic On-One parts which are not known for reliability but those parts can be replaced when the time comes with better brand name stuff. The fork on that bike is however very good and highly rated, so that's a plus, they probably were able to get a better fork due to the list of inexpensive On-One small parts that are all over the bike plus the extra $100 of cost.

Canyon, wow, whenever anyone on the many forums I play on have had warranty issues with the frame Canyon has refused to honor their frame warranty, so I'm a bit leery of that brand, which is too bad because they are sponsoring pro race teams and you would think they would be on top with their customer service and warranty stuff. While I can't find any reviews on that particular bike the others that are one step above got high reviews, however the fork is poorly rated. Me personally, I would stay away, but maybe someone else here can chime in and refute what I've said about Canyon warranty situation.

 

[Spiderweb]

@GlenBen This Kona Cinder cone is worth considering, reduced to £599 with code EXTRA20. Possible 5% Cash back via Quidco too.
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15910016/kona-cinder-cone-15910016

 

[Shadow121]

This new older stock (2018) looks good for £539. Decent Spec with a Manitou Air fork.
https://www.startfitness.co.uk/cycl...mountain-bike-green-mer-big-seven-500-18.html View attachment 508353

And I got a pop up offering 10% off first purchase for registering email address,
that makes a good saving, good components on that bike too.

 

[Shadow121]

One more question, a lot of mtb seem to have square taper bbs, is there some reason for this?

It’s strong, it’s cheap, never had trouble with the ones I had, I would be more than happy with one.

 

[Shadow121]

The Merida looks an excellent bike for the money, and they have medium which is probably the OP's size.

One disadvantage of my clearance bike plan is that such bikes are often only available in less popular sizes.

Ten speed is a good choice from a durability and component replacement cost point of view.

The bike also has plenty of mounts which make it versatile should the OP decide to go in a more trekking style ride direction.

Under 12kg which is good for an MTB at this price.

Would be my choice, great for that price too, another 10% off first purchase for registering an email address.

 

[GlenBen]

A little update.

Thanks for all the suggestions from everybody.

Unfortunately with everything going on at the moment my bike money pot has somewhat dwindled which I think will mean I have to get something on cycle to work scheme later on in the year when things hopefully settle back down.

Just means that I will be limited to specialized or trek.

Again though, thank you all for your input, it is appreciated