flip a coin.
they each have slight advantages, depending on how you want to pick nits.

for wide tires and overall versatility, a XC - for on road, dirt road, and mild offroad.
for a rando rig, commuter, light tourer - on dirt or paved roads, casseroll.

i have a xc. have tested a casseroll and have several friends with them. will be building one up for the wife end of this summer.


and watch the fit on the xc. mine has been tricky to get setup for comfort. by the numbers it is 'close' to my other main rides... but the geometry gets a bit odd at the smaller sizes. if i were to buy again, i'd probably buy a size UP, as i'm using it as a fixed geared road / dirt machine. for cross or woods / rough dirt, sizing should be fine as is. not sure i'd size down... try it before you buy it, for sure.