Hi all!
As ever I expect a typical “I want it all” bike question. I’m looking to cut my teeth for XC riding (and beginner racing) as well as have a bit of fun on trails. After much research, for a budget of \~£1000 (GBP) I have identified the following bikes;
* [VITUS RAPIDE 29 VR](https://vitusbikes.com/collections/rapide/products/vitus-rapide-29-vr-mountain-bike-2022) (\~£900 without c2w)
* Hardtail XC bike
* 100mm front fork ( RockShox Sid SL )
* Shimano Deore 1×11
* \~11kg (w/o pedals)
* Geometry
* 435mm reach
* Seat Angle: 73
* Head tube: 67
* [BOARDMAN MHT 8.9](https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/2182-mht-8.9.html) (\~£850 without c2w)
* Hardtail XC bike
* 120mm front fork (RockShox Reba)
* SRAM SX Eagle 12 speed
* \~13.2 kg (w/o pedals)
* Geometry
* 441mm reach
* Seat Angle: 73.5
* Head tube: 68
It’s a tough ask for this budget, but I want to buy new because I get a heavy discount in the UK \~40% using Cycle 2 Work and I don’t have the knowledge to buy second hand and not get screwed over.
The Vitus looks like a decent XC machine, but is the geometry right? Boardman is more orientated towards downcountry (I guess?) and the extra suspension travel may be more beginner friendly.
Let me know your thoughts
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by fryerrobin