Second hand 'do it all' mountain bike

[HenryBee]

I made a thread before asking for advice about which new mountain bike I should buy. I've decided I'd quite like a bird zero 3 and would probably get it on cyclescheme. This means it would come to a grand total of about £845 by the time i own the bike...

This seems good value, BUT, I'm just worried that its a lot of money to be spending for someone getting into mountain biking. So, I've been hunting for second hand bikes to see if that would be a better option. I want something that's fairly good for trail centre riding but also good for xc as well. This has led me to look at fairly long travel hardtails. Main ones I've seen so far are on ones, ragleys etc.

As I'm 6'3 I've mainly been looking at XL frames, but there aren't that many for sale! Can anyone find any bikes that meet the criteria for sub £700? Ideally sub £600...

Thanks

[deadtom]

sounds like you are on the right track already, long travel hardtails are a hoot.

at 6'3" You would probably be fine on a size 19"/20" ish frame, just put the saddle all the way back on the rails, and maybe run a 60 mm stem rather than 50 mm

Edited by deadtom on Sunday 8th February 16:07

[deadtom]

something like this perhaps

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cotic-Soul-Steel-Hardtai...