Well, I’ve finally achieved a milestone. In fact, 3500 milestones as I’ve just racked up that figure on my 2003 Rift Zone.

It’s been a while coming and should strictly speaking have arrived sometime last year (or even the year before) but I have now managed to cross the 3500 mile mark with my Marin.

Some people may consider this the height in sado-masochism while others would just shrug and think ‘that’s not very far’. For me though it’s a significant event.

Despite the achievement, my Rift Zone looks as though its heading toward retirement. Not because there’s anything signifcantly wrong with it but because I’ve decided it’s time to replace the bike. It’s still a very capable XC machine and XC is still basically what I do, but the industry has moved on and it’s time I joined the 5″ plus travel brigade (there’s no other rationale than that!).

Do I need it? Truthfully, probably not, but since when has rationality got in the way of a good old-fashioned heart follow head decision?

I’m considering the following but until I’ve tried them I won’t know which is for me:

• Marin Mount Vision 2007
• Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 2007
• Orange Five Pro 2007 with upgrades
• Intense 5.5 EVP 2007 frame with buildkit
• Whyte E5 XT

You may think from looking at the list that I don’t have a budget, but I do. I’d like to fit a Hope HID in somewhere since that would be the single most contributing factor to year round riding. Another must is carbon bars and a carbon post ideally, for comfort.

I’m starting a series of reviews here as I try each one, so watch this space.