dnfcx

Over the last month I've taken a few bike out for a spin. I've narrowed it down to three

Kona Big Kahuna
Salsa El Mariachi
Giant xtc 1

All about the same price.

I dont know what makes one better than the other. they all seem to have the same level of components. and other than the salsa being steel they seem pretty much the same to me.

i plan to use the bike for 2 hour or less races/rides included the local short track series.

blamp28

Steel will provide a little mor comfort in the hardtail. The adjustable dropouts on the Salsa are also interesting. If the three are otherwise equal as far as you are concerned, think about the shop and your relationship there. You buy the bike once but after the sale treatment will last a long time and has a value.

telebianchi

At any given price point, any bike from the major and mainstream manufacturers will all be of similar overall quality. One might give a bit better fork while another gives you slightly better brakes, but the sum of the frame & components will be pretty much the same.

If you've narrowed it down to these three, pick the one that you have more fun riding.

dnfcx

I've decided on the kona.


my local shop sells them
I like the alu weight over the salsa
I like the sram over the shimano.

and kona generally does not disappoint...

Daspydyr 

Can't go wrong with that choice. Pictures are required.

dminor 

. . . and we don't mean pics out of the online catalog. We mean real shots of your real bike WITH the big wide Serfas tractor seat and the spokey-dokes installed.

theextremist04

And hopefully the pedals have reflectors too.