Hello all,
I am a new member, but have been reading for some time. I am looking for a mtb and have basically decided on a 29er hardtail, as I’ll be doing xc races and the full suspension bikes in my $$$ range (~1500-1800) are much heavier. I have narrowed it down to two bikes: BMC teamelite te29 (shimano slx, retail 2000), and Cannondale flash alloy 29er 2 (sram x7, retail 1900). Both will be 2012 models, as there are no 2011 ones leftover
http://www.bmc-racing.com/us-en/bike.../te29_slx.html
http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes...h-29er-2-20618
After some haggling with the owner of an LBS, he offered to give me 15% off and have the shop pay tax, so 1700 total. There are several c-dale dealers in my area, but I’m not sure if they are willing to do the same.
I have heard many good things about the cannondale, and I have taken a medium on a test ride, and I liked it. It also was pretty light.
However, I could not find many reviews on the BMC, so if anyone rides one your opinion would be helpful. It seems like a great bike, but I would be in between a medium and a small. It has a short wheelbase and nicer parts than the c-dale.
The BMC also has advantage in looks, with the signature BMC tube shapes and simple blk & white paint, while the c-dale is orange and white. Seriously, cannondale? Orange?
Thanks!