Recommended MTB Hardtail £1000

[Matt230]

Hi all

My old Specialised hardtail is getting a little long in the tooth and the cycles to work is now open, I have an itch for a new hardtail for around the £1000 mark. I have a limited choice as our scheme has changed to cycle solutions website but there is still quite a selection. Thinking about going to 29" as being in Essex its mostly trails and despite the odd trip to the South Downs and wales its mostly just trail riding in woods round here so the 29" seems to suit better.

Liking the look of the:
Nukeproof Scout 290 29
La Pierre Pro race 229
Orange Clockwork 100
Orbea Alma H30

Some of these have one gear on the front which kind of appeals for maintenance.

Any thoughts please? Its been a while since I have been looking at mountain bikes as been road biking but an injury to my back has prevented me road biking yet MTB is ok as keep moving around on the bike

Matt

[The Rookie]

Links to the bikes help as it saves everyone searching and maybe getting the wrong model, there are 3 models of Scout 290 for example (Comp, Race and Sport).

Consider also the Voodoo Bizango, well in Budget, 1x11 gearing and the latest Raidon Boost fitment fork (Better than anything with Recon/XC32) up front (Boost rear as well), always scored highly in tests/reviews and now improved this year with 1x and Boost fitments.