^ That bike just gave my cancer.
Regarding my options, hopefully better ones, I think I've narrowed it down to 3 bikes:
There are some geometry differences:
Apart from the differences in the drivetain,the Cannondale has a Judy Gold fork, the Cube Reaction Race a Judy Silver, and the Race One a Recon Silver. I'm not sure how much better the Judy Gold is, since it seems it has the TK damper, like the other two.
What about Judy Silver vs Recon Silver ?