Help - how do I choose my next MTB?

[andybz]

I decided in 2011 that I would try a bit of this MTB. Was totally overwhelmed with the choice at the time, and decided to get something cheap to get me started until I had a better idea of what to I needed. I assumed my Carrera Fury would soon break and I would be forced into buying something better, but that did not happen. However, we have been feeding my son too much and he has suddenly caught me up in height, and really needs my old bike (honest) so I have to choose myself something new. The trouble is, two years on I am not really any clearer what I should get.

I do totally realise that there will be a range of opinions, but I thought I would at least ask. I am not saying money is no object, but I am prepared to spend what I need to to get the right machine. I have a few specific questions:

* 29er - is this the way to go?
* Carbon - I want my frame to last and not need too much looking after. My instinct is to avoid carbon, but am I right?
* Gears - is 2 x 10 the right thing?
* Forks - any reason to choose Fox vs Rockshox vs any others?
* Full sus - I thought it was the way to go but now noticing quite a few forumites using their hard tails a bit more
* Make - any to avoid due to reliability, customer service etc.?

I am 6'1" and weigh 80 KG. My riding is not very extreme, trail centres, forum rides etc.

Or is it a case of going to the right shop? In which case who do you suggest?

Thanks to anyone who has the time to read this and respond.

[akasmithy]

Deffo 29er.
Then you need to ask yourself if your prepared to sacrifice comfort for speed. (FS v HT).
The canyon/cannondale Lefty are great ht purchases.
Gaint Anthem/ Trek Rumblefish are good FS CYB/LDG trail centre bikes.
Self build Ht would be my choice if money was no object. Starting with Lynskey Ti frame, Mavic Wheels and carbon everything else.
My 2012 Rumblefish could be for sale for the right price (lol) although I'd hate to see it go. (Rule S-1)

[dyls]

I'd go for a 100mm travel full suss if I were you, something like an anthem.

Up to you about a carbon bike and the extra purchase cost but the aluminium anthems are good. I think the cheapest carbon anthem 29 is £3.5k but a good specced alu version x1 is £2k and there are x2, x3 and x4 versions around.

I've owned a few specalized full suspension bikes before and wasn't keen on their own brand fork and rear shox, much prefer fox. I use a scott carbon hardtail and would recommend that, no problems with the carbon, the only thing scott I cant comment on is the rear shox they use on their full suspension bikes. I've heard reports that they sometimes stick, but I've never owned one so maybe my comment is unfair.

If you want to try more challenging stuff go up in suspension, maybe a trance 29er.

There are plenty of other good makes about as well, trek, cube, lapierre...

[Tarbo]

Lots of good advice already given, but I think the first thing you've got to ask yourself is what sort of terrain you'll be riding and what you want it for. i.e. Do you want to race or just have fun ?

If you want to race, then a 29er hardtail is probably your best bet and there is certainly enough of them on the markt to choose from. As Dyls has said, Giant have a very good reputation, but there also seem to be a lot of Canyons ridden on here.

The other thing to bear in mind is that it is rumoured that Orange are ceasing to produce the Orange 5 in 26 inch format soon. If that happens then you can bet that all the other manufacturers will be keeping an eye on how that goes, with a view to following suit.

Finally, there's the 650cc to consider too which seems to be hitting the market with good reviews. Basically, it's a minefield out there

I think there are a lot more people on here with experience of all tyre sizes than I have, but believe your gut instinct will point you in the right direction.

BTW, Well done on Saturday, a very good time on what I've read to be a difficult course

[andybz]

Thanks for the suggestions - I know it is an impossible one to answer.

I think comfort is going to be more important than speed. I shall take a look at the Giant Anthem to start with. At least I have a benchmark to compare others with.