WOW talk about a change of scenery! Alaska to Texas, sounds like a horror reality show. But I hear TX has good trails, should be fun. People have argues the 26 vs 29 and now the phantom 650B has entered the conversation. (Hans Shurter WC Victory on a HT 650B, of course Absalom continues to win on his 26. But they are from a different planet.)

Welcome to the thread. As you mentioned, both bikes are worthy and quality. A rule we have here is nothing is real without a picture. Post what you get.