Best Hardtail MTB circa £650?

[giger]

I'm on the look out for a new hardtail to replace my 12 year old Specialised Hardrock sport.

Budget is circa £650, must be a hardtail with 1x gears, 27.5 or 29er and best kit for the price. I was very tempted with the Voodoo Bizango (as lots of people seem to be) which is currently on offer so can be had for circa £550, but i've just seen a Marin Nail Trail 6 2019 29er reduced from £1100 to around £660, very similar spec but with Rockshox Recon forks.

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bi...
https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/2204/products/marin-...

I had a quick blast on the Bizango and TBH it felt great; seemed to fit me well and was a blast to ride. The Marin I would be buying without trying (no local dealers). I'm 6ft so looking for a 20" or large frame.

Any thoughts or other recommendations on what's out there right now?

Edited by giger on Friday 14th June 12:08

[Daveyraveygravey]

The Go Outdoors brand Calibre get great write ups for their full suss "Bossnut" bikes which start at a grand. The Line 10 is £750 at the moment, but I haven't seen any reviews of that.

https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/mountain-b...

[giger]

Thanks for that - looks great but slightly above my budget. I was all set to pull the trigger on the Marin TBH but the thread below on refunds and poorr customer service from Chain Reaction cycles (who have the best deal on it) are not exactly inspiring!

Swinging towards Halfords as I can get the Bozango for around £520 right now (possibly less).

Any other options up to around 650?

Is the Boardman 8.6 or 8.8 worth a look? 8.8 might be just over budget

Edited by giger on Friday 14th June 14:37

[knk]

Tried to buy a bozango today. None available in 18" frame.
Disappointed. it looks a great bike for the price.

[giger]

An offer had started and they are out of stock at the warehouse, it's down to individual store what is available.

I think I've narrowed it down to the Boardman 8.8 or the Marin Nail Trail. Would appreciate comments on the Marin (positive or negative) as reviews seem scarce.

[wobert]

I bought a Whyte 529 brand new just before Christmas direct from the UK agent for £550.....

They have one a little over your budget on eBay at the moment and were open to an offer.

Pretty much meets your spec assuming the frame size is good?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whyte-529-Hardtail-29er...

[giger]

Thanks, I would be all over that but it is a medium frame. Being 6ft I think I need a large

Can I ask how you get in touch with the UK agent?

Edited by giger on Saturday 15th June 18:05

[wobert]

Thought as much, I’m 5’11” and have a large frame

[wobert]

giger said:

Thanks, I would be all over that but it is a medium frame. Being 6ft I think I need a large

Can I ask how you get in touch with the UK agent?

Edited by giger on Saturday 15th June 18:05

Via the eBay link..... the bike I bought was originally up for £100 more than I paid, they had a small and medium up for the same price so I made an offer....

[giger]

Great deal

[wobert]

giger said:

Great deal

[giger]

Ok, just fine me one in large

Currently swinging back towards the Marin unless anything else crops up. Spec looks good for price & bike looks good

[wobert]

How about this...

https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/whyte-529-29er-2018...

[giger]

I'm tapping out at £650 sadly, good find though!

[giger]

Went with the Marin Nail Trail 6 2019 in the end - £640 all in, lot of bike for the money.

Thanks for the pointers, was very tempted by the whyte