Returning Rider: Canyon Spectral 125 vs Commencal Meta TR

I am looking in getting a new bike, I am returning to riding after about 10 years.

I am looking at the [Spectral 125 CF9](https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/outlet-bikes/mountain-bikes/spectral-125-cf-9/3427.html?dwvar_3427_pv_rahmenfarbe=SR) and the [Commencal Meta TR V4 Ohlins Edition](https://www.commencal.com/uk/en/22METATROH.html) \– I feel like I get the most value out of the Commencal, but they are both lovely bikes. The Commencal is 1K GBP cheaper, but obviously there is a bit of spec lost. Carbon adds little value for me, I’m too fat to worry about weight.

I used to be a *somewhat* hard rider, but always favoured hardtails for the trails (I rode a Ti Litespeed Obed, and didn’t really like the Intense Tracer 2 I had). However, I will probably be a much more cautious rider now I’m older and fatter (considerably). I want to get my fitness up, smash some climbs and flow down the downs (I still want to be able to hit stuff though, this ruled out the Canyon Neuron for me).

I’m not actually crazy about the idea of 29″, I tend to prefer a more nimble bike. I briefly rode a 29″ Stanton many years ago and it felt like a boat, however, I have been assured that modern geometry has fixed this.

Which bike should I go for? I’m open to other suggestions too, so long as they are available in the UK and I can get in a small (5’10 with a 28″ leg…. \*sigh\*). I know asking for an “everything” bike is unreasonable, but I just want a bike that can pedal but also take a bit of beating. I am climbing for fitness, so it doesn’t need to be crazy efficient on the climbs but I don’t want something that will fight against me (which I have experienced with previously bikes before)

Cheers.

by Dr-Rjinswand