I've recently been looking to spend a grand as well. I have serious obsessive tendencies and managed to research it down to 5 bikes! You might want to consider my shortlist. The nerve was one of them. The others are;
2011 saracen ariel 1 (online for £990)
Merida 140 (Online in the sale for £1k)
Boardman Team FS (£1050 @ Halfords)
Voodoo Zobop (£1170 on sale @ Halfords)
They all have pros and cons, travel vs weight, componants vs frame etc. Everything Canyon make seems to get excellent reviews and because of their direct sales model the spec is insane for the money. Unfortunatley I then lost my job and couldn't buy one!! Since then I took a Merida 140 around sherwood pines and it was amazing. Hope this helps
2011 saracen ariel 1 (online for £990)
Merida 140 (Online in the sale for £1k)
Boardman Team FS (£1050 @ Halfords)
Voodoo Zobop (£1170 on sale @ Halfords)
They all have pros and cons, travel vs weight, componants vs frame etc. Everything Canyon make seems to get excellent reviews and because of their direct sales model the spec is insane for the money. Unfortunatley I then lost my job and couldn't buy one!! Since then I took a Merida 140 around sherwood pines and it was amazing. Hope this helps
