Which 29er and little help w/componet diffs

[Wannabemtb'er]

Alright so here's my list so far on the search for my new Hardtail:

Giant XTC
G F Cobia
Specialized Stumpjumper Comp

All of these bikes are pretty close in price range and all the reviews I have read have said very little bad about the bikes. I've read about comparing componet packages but to be honest I'm not really sure if this is better than that if ya know what I mean . . . I've ridden a Cobia around a parking lot and have ridden a Giant Rainer and figure the xtc can't be all that different . . . still need to ride the stumpjumper . . .

So my question to you more knowledgeable folks than I is:

which one has the best componets?

Any one out of these three stand out as a no-brainer to buy?

Any other help/advice is appreciated :) and thanks in advance :D

[rhfactor]

Well both are very nice bikes-but the Specialized definately has the upper hand in my opinion is far as componetry goes. But isnt there about a $700 difference in the bikes? In the GF line up the x-caliber is more of an equal to the stumpjumper.

[jimithng23]

the "no-brainer" is to make sure you are comfortable on the bike you choose to spend your money on.

if you are looking across the 3 manf's - GF, Giant, Specialized - compare the bikes at equivalent MSRP's and component groups. then, test ride each and whichever "fits" and feels best to you is the one you should buy. all 3 of these manufacturers make great bikes, so either way you go you will have a very nice ride.

take online reviews for what they are worth....if you go to mtbr.com and read reviews on these three manufacturers, you are going to be hard pressed to find negative reviews - think about it: if you dropped $1000+ on a new bike, you would probably think that it was the best thing you've ever had, especially if this is your first MTB with that kind of price tag....that's my point about the online review community - take 'em for what they are worth, learn a few things, and test the bikes out on your own so you can form your own opinion.

....just my $.02

by the way, up until recently the closest Specialized dealer was Geoff's Bike and Ski in Iowa City. In fact, that's where I bought my first "nice" bike. Now we have a Specialized dealer locally at Healthy Habits in Bettendorf. Check em out for a test ride.

[ludiplace9]

Trek all the way!!!!!!!!

[Slim3]

That one right there......

[Wannabemtb'er]

That one right there......

Which one ? ? ? Awe crap I missed it

Anyway last post I swear before I pull the trigger . . .
My question comes now to frame size I'm 5'9" and 32" inseam . . . correct me if I'm wrong but conventional wisdom says I should have a 19" frame correct ? ?

Well I went for a ride on a 19" gary fisher and on a 17" gary fisher and I have to say I felt better on the paragon than I did on the Cobia . . . the cobia felt like i was reaching for the handle bars. So I'm pretty sure I know what you guys are gonna say but I just wanted a little more advice before I spend this kinda money . . .

[Rage]

To paraphrase my main man Eddy Merckx: It doesn't matter which 29er you ride, it only matters that you ride.

These bikes are all so similar, you really won't go wrong. Just pick the shop you feel comfortable with, the one that feels right when you tool around the area, the one with the best color, whatever.

Rg.