the best cheap enduro bike

I'm always looking in that "cheap but capable" range myself. So far, I like the Commencal stuff the best for that particular angle, at least here in the U.S., where they go consumer-direct.

Well, AU throws a wrench in anything I know. I'd be checking out the Giant Reign. Can probably talk them down to $3000 for the base model.

How much do the Canyon Strive and Whyte G160 run?

You're at a bad price point for what you seek, people ask a lot of Enduro bikes and at the cheaper price points for a new bike somethings gotta give. A friend bought one of those Norcos, and while the frame is good enough (apart from some squeeking from the linkage) it's an awkward mix of low end parts. Cheap brakes with 180mm discs paired with a 170mm fork? 1x10 speed, a cheap external dropper, cheap wheels and a cheap shock. You'd be much better off saving more and getting something that's got a much better package. For example

http://au.yt-industries.com/detail/index/sArticle/552/sCategory/342 - you can sometimes get good Outlet deals on these

or

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/27-5-dual-suspension-mountain-bikes/t…

or at least for similar money, single ring one of these suckers:

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/27-5-dual-suspension-mountain-bikes/g…

If you're comfortable with direct sales, I'd suggest a Vitus Sommet direct from CRC. $3000AUD gets componentry and frame, that on virtually all shop sold brands would cost nearly half as much again. I guess you'd have import duty to pay on this many dollars though?



Also, if you're a member of British Cycling (costs £20), you get a 10% discount code every month. Not sure it would work on an Australian CRC account though.

Depending on your size RobJC could be right, if I had a budget of $3000k AUD I'd probably go with this:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/nz/en/vitus-bikes-sommet-suspension-…

and spend the remaining balance after tax and fees on a set of better brakes (SLX is good for a budget, Guide R good for power). If you're after an great descender it's worth having an excellent non-lockout shock, rather than a crap lock-out shock. I've got a non-lockout Float X2 on my Capra and don't even notice anymore.

Commençal is reissuing the Meta SX V3 with a killer price, though I'm not sure how much it will cost in Australia:
http://m.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/Commencals-2017-Range,1330

Damn, how times have changed. When we think $3,000 is cheap or rather $3k is a lot but it won't get you much. Spend an extra 2-3k more you got yourself a proper bike. Spend over 6k and you got yourself an elite level bike.

....still can't believe it.

Let's back up a bit....

What is your current "all mountain" bike?

Canyon!