Might be slightly concerned if it was carbon but with alloy should be no problems, dab a bit of clear nail varnish on the chip and that should sort it and make it cosmetically better.

seems pinky got his new bike and took it on a field test

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7095134.stm At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Got to be honest, it would put me off.

I spent £4k on a special edition Cube Elite hard tail MTB. Lovely bike, light as a feather, lift it with one finger. The welding is a work of art, so is the paint job. Best of everything components. It's perfect. Even got Ice Tyres at £65 a shot. But it was the biggest mistake I made. It's been sitting on the bike stand in the garage for 3 years, unused because I don't like to get it dirty, so I use my old faithful. Sort of defeats the purpose.

no need to worry now

its already sold, so time to keep my eye out for a similar deal

Hi Nick, do you really need a full suspension bike, there are some quality hardtails out there with top spec for that sort of money.What sort of riding are you looking at, if its mostly flat and not too adventurous then a hard tail will suit you fine, also what wheel size are you looking at. The old standard used to be 26" dis but theres 29er Wheels and now 650b (27.5inch) wheels. Also are you looking at Shimano for gears or SRAM

Stiff bikes used to be on the Otley Road, think they have moved , but are still in the Leeds area They used to be very good at giving good old-fashioned advice, if they are too far away, try and find a good one in your local area. If you ever pop up this way, i can point you in the direction of Westbrooke Cycles at Stoksley

Do not i repeat do not go to Halfords for advice, they sell some good bikes,but do your homework first

Bought my current bike from Stif 20 years ago

Hard tail and forks Orange C16r great bike in its day

Planing on road, trail and up and down the mountains so after full suspension with switch/lever lock out to harden the ride at a flick of a switch

Not sure on wheel size or benefits of different sizes

Can't beat the old Clock works