Help with new mountain bike options

[CrazyDogLady]

Hi,

After trawling the internet for quite some time, I've come up with a few options for a new bike.My old town bike is very heavy and has been better days. After building up my fitness level I am ready to move on to something else. My criteria is; I'd like it to be as light as possible. I'm using it for long distance leisure ride at the weekends and will be riding along river paths and forest areas.

Specialised Rockhopper Expert 29.http://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-rockhopper-expert-29-2016-mountain-bike-EV244880
Specialised Rockhopper Sport 29. http://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-rockhopper-sport-29-2016-mountain-bike-EV244882
Scott Contessa Scale 720.http://www.evanscycles.com/scott-contessa-scale-720-2016-womens-mountain-bike-EV253466
Trek X-Caliber 9. http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CTRK1001BG
Cube Access WLS SL. http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0747BB
Cube Access WLS Race. http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0746GK
Cube Access SL 29er. http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/UniqueProductKey.ice?ProductID=CCUB0692ER

I just wondered if anyone has any of these or can help me whittle it down..."I wouldn't go for that one when you could have that one" kind of thing.

Thank you.

[Trail Beater]

Don't get a 29er.
There,whittled it down quite a bit.
The Scott Contessa Scale 720 at 699 seems a reasonable buy to me

[sbcoombs]

If you will ride mainly river paths and fire roads, a 29er should be your weapon of choice. As the tiding gets technical, I would agree a smaller wheel may be better.
In terms of your choices, I always go for the best frame, forks and wheels combination. The drivetrain will wear and need replacing quickly. In reality anything from Deore or X9 upwards is good enough to start with.


I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my wobbly bog brush using hovercraft full of eels