Thanks for the input, not many comments on the Trance x  i thought ot looked a pretty good deal?

I read a few comments on a Commencal owners web site about frames cracking on the Meta should I be worried?

I like the look of the Trek, I need to get a test ride of one to get an idea of size.

I would like to avoid the Spesh only because i fancy trying something from a different company.

Turner won't be happening nor any other custom build, funds won't allow it.

Andrew - they are all so predictable in the replies.

Karlos - prophet (what a surprise)

XC man - specialised (even bigger surprise)

Try them for yourself - everyone thinks that their bike make is the best.

Me? I'd naturally go for the giant trance cause I got one and its the best bike ever made........

I think the Trance is a dull ride, so did my mate. So much so he just flogged his after six months and got a Yeti 575, strangely he thinks it's the best bike ever. Of the original three choices the Prophet is the most adaptable with it's adjustable geometry, it can be lightened up significantly should you wish or it can pretty burly for the rough stuff, all imo obviously

If I was buying now however I might go for a Orange 5, just for a change. Or a 575, or summat else, but they weren't in Andrew's list.....You're right though, try them all and see what feels best.

I had a quick go on a Prophet sl tonight, It felt pretty good but it was a fairly light build up , not a true reflection of the Prophet 1 09 I had my eye on.

 I have ridden the 06 Trance, that felt good but a little heavy (it was the base model)

As for the Commencal I am a little concerned by the frame cracking reports.

I shall try and test a couple of new ones this week.

 Thanks again for your comments. 

Is there a big difference between the SL and an 09 Prophet 1 frame wise that is?

I was wondering about sizes really, The SL was a medium and felt about right for length, I would have to have the saddle well up though to accomadate my stupidly long legs.

Nah the frame on the SL is exactly the same as a regular Prophet, it's just that it uses a shock with a shorter length and stroke. This lowers the bottom bracket too much for my liking. Besides there are plenty of other lighter weight bikes around that are 120mm travel than the Prophet SL. I'm 6'1" with a 34" inseam and a Large fitted me really well.

One thing puzzles me though, If you already have a Heckler why do you fancy a Prophet? I have ridden both and they are very similar. I reckon the Prophet could be built up a bit lighter than the Heckler but if you're buying a stock one??

"I had a Heckler etc"

Thanks for the info on the SL.

The magazine testers reckon you can do an awful lot on the Anthem-X and it's by no means just a race bike so that's a thought. I'm very pleased with my Superlight - I got the frame for £600 on ebay and swapped the bits from my hardtail. Why not buy and £1000 hardtail with nice spec (you get all the kit far cheaper on a complete bike than if you bought it separately)and then get your frame of choice 2nd hand? You can also sell your brand new hardtail frame to offset the cost even further. 575 and Flux - gorgeous but pricey.