Which bike rides the best?

[LeeDevelopment]

My own 853, goes like the clappers.

 

[otherself]

My DMR Switchback - Reynolds 520 double-butted tubes. 520 is identical to the AISI '4130' standard. On-Ones 'DN6' tubes on their Inbred is another fancy name some companies like to call 4130.

 

[GrahamJohnWallace]

What are the chances a Cleland Aventura pops up on Ebay sometime soon?

They original Cleland' made bikes are as rare as rare as hens teeth. They were made without sealed bearings so are not as low maintenance as the later Highpath' made versions. The last time a good one came up for sale its owner was asking for about £900. However, because the Cleland's geometry is very similar to that of modern mountain bikes it is possible to convert a modern bike to ride like a Cleland.

The best place to inquire about Cleland' style bikes is Highpath Engineering. They do occasionally get old ones back for resale. They may even still be producing a 29er version known as the 'Big Blue'. But because an original 1980s Highpath could cost as much as £2000, I wouldn't expect a 'Big Blue' variant to come cheap.

The budget option would be to find an old frame or incomplete bike, and then restore it.