This is not the first time the issue has been raised.

As far as I know, it is not against forum ruled to make unsolicited suggestions.

Because this person is choosing an unusual and generally impractical commuter bike, one is not unreasonable to wonder if he just looked at bikes he thought looked cool ... and might later regret his decision. Not like that has never happened.

Could just as well be this guy wants to buy an MTB because he wants to bang trails after work, or maybe rides to work on trails.

However, when he listst two brands and not two models ... I tend to think he hasn't done his research. if he asked help in picking between to specific bikes, I would assume he had examined them.

I f I said I wanted a mountain bike, Trek or Cannondale .... I would Hope someone would point out the 2, 27.5, 27.5+, and 29 option, F/S and hardtail, XC and freeride ...

Simply this: since he only listed Brands and not Models, it seems to me that the OP doesn't really know what he is asking. In that case, the Kindest thing one could do would be to ask questions to help him clarify.

But please, to all those who are offended by people not choosing for the OP ... which is it? Cube or Boardman? Which is "better"?

Suddenly it is clear how silly a question that is ... which is why the smart people chose not to answer.