MTB hardtail £1000.00 spend

I bought a Trek 6500 for a grand last October-ish and haven't regretted it for a second. Fits your bill too, Reba (air) shocks, lockout front suspension.

That said, Cube are fantastic value for money, and I wouldn't overlook them.

....and a happy new year to you sir, Hope to catch up with you soon.

What about the Boardman MTB Pro at £999? Reba lockout forks, great spec otherwise and if you can look beyond a Halfords guy building it (or better still build it yourself), it seems a pretty good set up. Mate of mine has one and love it.

On One 456 steel (2012 ones in next week) or Whyte 901 both about £1000

Check out Canyon and Rose bikes, both german on-line online...if you're happy to buy online and not test ride first though! I've own a Canyon road bike for >5 years and it's still going strong. Their customer service was not that great a few years ago, but maybe they've improved since then.