Which sub sub £1000 aggressive hardtail?

[Willber]

Looking to get another bike after a break from riding. Previously have ridden a lot of BMX, some DH, dirt jumping, street and obviously cross country!

My last bike was a Specialized Pitch Pro but this time around i'm fancying an aggressive hardtail with slack angles that can take a bit of stick.

I've seen some Ragley which look cool, like the look of the Commencal Meta HT, Whyte 901.

Any suggestions of a sub £1000 bike? Ideally less. Not fussed for the newest model would take last years at a discount.

Thanks

[Willber]

Yeah the 901 looks very nice, never ridden a 29er but would imagine 27.5 does not take much getting used to.

There are lots of 2014 ones for £999 on the net!

The on one does look a good bike but can't find much info around about it and would have to ride a 29er before hand.

[Willber]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I went and had a look at a Whyte 901 at the weekend and took it for a spin around the block, nice bike!

I'm considering the Kona Explosif also:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281352619243?ssPageName=...

This appeals slightly more as it's cro-mo and not alloy so will be a slightly more compliant ride but possible at the expense of some BB flex - at a guess?

Also looking at this as a cheaper option:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221521398659?var=5203727...

The Commencal has a shorter top tube than both the Whyte and the Kona, the Whyte's being the longest. I did feel a little bit stretched out on the Whyte but probably just because I am not used to being on a bike anymore, but it didn't give me that instant feeling that it fits you just right.

[Willber]

The Kona is actually available at £999 in a shop near me, so it would be rude not to pop in and have a look on the way home!