Great thread and very interesting reading for me because I'm finally going to replace my old Rocky Mtn Fusion (yes - steel frame, cantilever brakes, rigid fork!). Bikes have changed so much over the years that it is overwhelming. One dilema when buying a new bike is where to compromise ... if I get V-brakes (base stumpjumper) I'll get sweeter wheels and awesome front fork ... go for hydraulic brakes (Rocky Vertex 50) and the components are just one step down.