Well I've been thinking about a new bike - a short travel bike and I had just plumped on a Giant Anthem X1. Guess what Giant has run out of them.  So I have no idea now over to you guys for some sensible suggestions. After a quick 3/4 inch travel suspension bike for 2 hour blasting over cross country.  Lots of roots and drop off's here in the south but not a lot of rock gardens.  So comfort is key but slack head angles are not.

The Anthem's are proving extremely popular at XC races this year, probably the single most popular bike I'd say.

You'll struggle to get an Epic, a Top Fuel or a Spark, unless you can find dealers with stock so you may just have to wait...

Commencal super 4.2

Merlin cycles seem to be doing a good deal on them at the moment

You need to test one as I found that they come up quite small - are there none left, or just none in the size you 'thought' you wanted?

Remember its the same frame on all the Anthem X models.

I'm normally a small being 5.5 but was going for a medium because it fitted me. No medium's left. Very few smalls and I don't want to be further over the front wheel. The X0 is eye wateringly expensive and available in medium and small.  Maybe a frame and build it up.

 Tried the Spec but they are too burly. Commencal not quick enough. Lapierre is poor.  Cannondale look great but there are no independent dealers in the south so maintenance is a nightmare (I used to ride them).  Santa Cruz are expensive as are Titus, Nicolai and all the other contenders. That's why I went for the Giant X1. Great ride and great spec for the money and a medium fits me.