Hi there,

I am new to this forum. Used to ride a normal BMX back in my childhood. Tempting to get an MTB at a budget not more than $1000.

I went around the LBS and realized that some of them are hardcore Scott supporters. I am new to this brand, and am familiar with GT, HARO, GARY FISHER, and even to a certain extent, Trek (which has acquired GF).

Basically, I do normal road cycling and occasionally, train tracks. Not really a DH fan. My first criteria is weirdly - paint colour, let alone the parts (which requires advice at a later stage). I have done heaps of research on the web, and sad to say, the place I come from, has numerous impatient shop owners, who bull-doze their way through to support or sell their preferred brand.

Hope someone can help advice me. I have some prospects in mind, Scott Tampico, GT IXC1.0, GF Trass....can't remember the model name.

Having looked at the Scott model (similar to Ford cars), there is no colour options, and the existing ones do not give me the "wow" impact, not to mention having to live with it everyday. The paint works looked a little unjustified for the $1000 plus plus league, unlike other brands. I went to another shop mainly selling Scott stuff. The sales girl is very professional, however, I just hope that they sell other brands besides Scott. Not to stereotype or offend any Scott owners, but just can't oblige myself to like it. Maybe it is due to the paint.

ps: I like Pearl white, anodized / matte colour / at least, a billabong blue with white / shiny metal colour.

Appreciate any Samaritans for advice please, thank you.