Mountain Biking - Help with components

I have a 1998 Trek 7000. There's a guy at work who wants to trade bikes because his 7000 is 18 inches and mine is 19.5. I agree the size is better for me but there's some component differences and want to make sure they're at least equal.

On mine, the stem and handlebar are Onyx, the brakes are Shimano deore LX, the fork is a Manitou SX, the seat post is Onyx, and the wheels are Bontrager Superstock.

On his, the stem and handlebar are Icon, the brakes are Avid AD-1-0L, the fork is a RS Judy XC hypercoil, the seat post is Icon, and the wheels are Kra-rim.

Both bikes are stock from Trek and his is one year newer.

Also, I'm 5'11". Does an 18" Mountain bike "sound" like the right size. It feels about the same to me as the 19.5" but I like the idea of having some extra clearance.

Thanks

As far as parts, I'm not really sure - the forks sound equal (well, maybe the Judy is bit better).

for sizing - my husband has an 18.5 and he's 5' 10" - but know Treks run a little longer top tube so that could be a fine size for you.

Hope that helps.

Sounds like a fair trade. I personally prefer Manitou over Rockshox, but that's just my preference. I think the internals of the RS would be "considered" better over the SX.

I think the rest of the components are pretty equal. I would always prefer Avid over a generic, but the Shimano LX are very good, so that an even trade.

I think ICON is Trek's old "House Brand" components which were decent, I'm not familiar with Oynx, so that's a plus for you!(In my book!)

The most important thing regarding the size, is how does it "Feel"? Take the thing for a ride and swap back and forth. Keep the one you like best!

L8R

Thanks for the replies. I have both bikes in my posession so I will switch back and forth over the next couple days and see.