hi STD (SnglTrackDufus),
thanks for your input. you are right, i am not going to do anything crazy on it. I have my K2 Zed 4.0 for that and thats a 19" (although K2 frames are little smaller than some other brands like GaryFisher, Giant, or Trake; specially interms of Standover and top tube length).

what I have noticed with the GT 21" frame is that, the long top tube makes me a little uncomfortable on longer rides (10+ miles). It currently has 90mm stem and a 20mm riser handle bar. Do you think a shorter stem and a 1.5" riser bar would make a difference? or any other suggestions? please let me know.