29er XC Hardtail recommendations

[warp9]

Hi. I'm looking to get back into mountain biking and would like a 29er Hardtail. I'm not looking to do anything too serious - around the likes of Cannock Chase for an afternoon a couple of times a month.

I've got around £1K to spend give to take a few hundred quid, this has caught my eye as it appears to be decent spec for the money:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/fathom-29er-2-20...

Willing to buy second hand. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Cheers

[warp9]

Hi All. Thanks for your comments and suggestions, some food for thought there.

Can anyone expand on the degree HA and length of stem from a practical and performance perspective? The implications of this are a bit beyond me.

Cheers

[warp9]

Hi guys. Thanks for your input, some really useful advice. I think I really need to try an XC Vs trail and 29 Vs 27.5 as I'm now leaning towards a trail bike. Planning to head up to Cannock Chase next Friday and hire one (or both if possible!?). Open offer if anyone fancies joining me.

BTW, I'm 45, 6ft and 15 stone if that helps! Also, the chances of me doing anything competitive are a long way off!

[warp9]

Well I think I might be spoiling myself as I've just booked Friday afternoon on a 2018 Orange Stage 5 29er! It's FS and significantly out of my original budget but should give me a good feel of a slacker setup and larger wheels. Bring it on!

[warp9]

troc said:

At least you have retained ONE of your original requirements - XC Hardtail with 29" wheels

I'm viewing it as an educational experience!

[warp9]

nickfrog said:

having a simpler / more intuitive tranny.

I thought Eddie Izzard was into running?

[warp9]

Hi all. Thought I'd give you an update of my excellent adventures last Friday afternoon. So I took out a 2018 Orange Stage 5 29er (it did get some admiring glances) and rather felt like tubby middle aged bloke in all the gear but no idea. Fortunately I wasn't wearing any lycra. The bike was definitely more capable than me! I also met an 81 year old bloke called Alf who offered to show me round The Dog. I was a bit hesitant at first, but he was a great guide and was good to have the company. I was also taking it fairly steady as I haven't done anything like this in a good few years.

Anyway, the bike was fantastic. The larger wheels took some getting used to round the twistier technical stuff but it was easier on my second run round The Dog (familiarity I suppose) although it felt like I had to wrestle with it a bit. However on more open ground the wheels really flowed well.

The slacker front end felt great, difficult to compare it ATM, but I certainly wouldn't have an issue with it going forward.

So next step is to try a 27.5" hardtail which I'm planning to do next week. Given that I've just been spoilt on the Orange, I hope that doesn't encourage me to consider FS. Is that the sound of budget creep over there in the corner....

[warp9]

Thread update - I ended up buying a Vitus Escarpe 29 VR. It's proving to be a lovely bit of kit, I just need to up my game! Thanks for everyone's input, it really helped me understand what I wanted and am currently a happy bunny! Going to attempt to get out every couple of weeks.

Here's me on my opening blast round Sutton Park last Friday.

[warp9]

gazza285 said:

Will you be racing it at Cannock Chase this weekend then?

I've taken in all the advice given on this thread, so I'll be there on my rigid single speed.

That looks like a fun event at Cannock Chase. Away with the family, might have considered it otherwise. Good luck getting your laps in!