Mountain Biking - New Bike Dilemma

ok
so there are two bikes that i could buy for quite cheap ~$520

one is a used 06 17" rockhopper comp disc with bb5's a fox fork( i think its an RL) and an XT/LX drivetrain and mavic wheels

the other is a stock 06 19" rockhopper with bb5's , a tora, and a deore drivetrain

the problem is im about 6 foot 1 and i feel a little crapmed on the 17", but it has much better components
and i dont know if i feel cramped because the bike is too small or if im used to my overly huge XL hardrock

any thoughts are welcome

do you have the funds to buy both, do a switcheroo, and sell the 17" bike?

If not, i would stick with the 19".

nope
not enough $$

the problem is im about 6 foot 1 and i feel a little crapmed on the 17", but it has much better components and i dont know if i feel cramped because the bike is too small or if im used to my overly huge XL hardrock

any thoughts are welcome

Bike fit is a deal breaker. I'd continue to look for a similar set-up (as the 17" bike).

i'm 6 foot and i ride a 17" stumpy.
i personally like a smaller frame. give it a test ride, see how you get on. it could be a case of trying a different stem/handle bar/seat height set up to get it right though.

check it out on the "my new bike" thread. ;)

yea
im not sure that the bike is small or it just feels small because my other bike is so big
and i dont know what a longer stem or a set back seatpost would do for the fit either
im going to go back and see if i can test ride it some more, in the parking lot

Is there any way you can test the bike (or a similar 17" bike) on a trail? That would probably be the best way to know if it fits you well. Which ever one you go with, good luck.

no trails within 30 minutes of the store
and as of now the parking lot is covered in 1-2 inches of slush so a test ride is a no-go for the next few days...

i know you wont like this but if i dont buy the bike im getting shoes/pedals/wheels for the roadie
i know you dont want to make me do that

The 17" is likely way to small for you. The 19 should be a better fit. I am 6'3" and the 19 is way too small and have been riding one for several years now. I never realized how small it was until I got on a bike that was the correct size.

If you can wait, I would look around for other bikes. If not, get the 19" and upgrade parts as you want. Unless you are doing some crazy drops or hard-core XC racing, the set-up on the 19 should suit you fine.