Originally Posted by rudyr

As you'd expect, looking for a pavement bike that can do light trails as well. I've narrowed it down to two (open to others if I'm missing a good choice) and curious to get outside opinion from people who x-shopped these in the past. High level impression is that the Trek has a slightly (maybe SLX rear der. is a big upgrade?) better component group, and possibly the OEM/branded components are nicer (not sure?). Just trying to understand if the price differential seems appropriate for the upgraded components and generally 'worth it' if cost isn't a factor?

Trek DS4:
Frame: 'gold' frame
Components: SR/SLX
Fork: SR Suntour NRX, ATB rated, coil spring, preload, hydraulic remote lockout, 63mm travel
MSRP: $1150

DS 4 | Trek Bikes


Marin San Rafael DS4:
Frame: 'series 3' frame
Components: Deore group across the board
Fork: SR Suntour NCXD LO, Hydraulic Lockout, Adjustable Damping, 63mm Travel
MSRP: $879

http://www.marinbikes.com/us/bikes/d...san-rafael-ds4