Whoa, necropost!

How are you riding this bike? The Crosstrail isn't really a mountain bike won't handle singletrack the way a mountain bike will. It's more of a hybrid, so this might not be the best forum to ask this question on. That said, take both bikes out and test ride them, then decide which one feels better. We can't tell you which one is better for you...that's something you have to decide. Sounds like either one will work for you, but how do you like your bikes to feel? I prefer my bikes on the smaller side, others like their bikes bigger.