>>1562721Firstly I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions, I really appreciate all that you have taught me.
This was the bike I ended up getting:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/xc-500-29-12-speed-mountain-bike/_/R-p-304245The suspension is quite nice, the brakes are excellent and since it's a size up from the previous one my posture is much better, the wider handlebar probably helps too.
My main concern was weight - my previous bike was about 15.5 kg (34 lbs), while this one is roughly 12 kg (26.5 lbs). The difference alone, to me, is the best part. So much lighter on climbs, and descents are roughly the same. This, along with the larger 29" wheels make it more maneuverable, at least to me. Overall really good bike.
My biggest problem is the drivetrain.
I've ridden mostly on road so far, and several times I found myself reaching for a higher gear when already in max. It has a 34 tooth chainwheel, and a 12 cog SRAM PG1230 cassette with 11-50 teeth.
Sadly the largest chainwheel the frame supports is 36, so I'm returning the bike - what's the point of it being lighter when I can't even pedal at least as much as before?
I checked the next available hardtail xc model at Decathlon (
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/xc-900-29-carbon-mountain-bike/_/R-p-300807?mc=8558254) and it has has the same problem: carbon fiber frame, so even lighter, but 34 tooth chainwheel (supports up to 36) and PG 1275 10-50 cassette.
Does anyone have any suggestions? A hardtail xc allows me to go offroad safely which I often want, but I also want just a couple more cogs with heavy gears to go faster when on road.
