Comparing two used bikes
 

I don't know if I'm asking a question or just putting my thoughts down.

1. 2011 Specialized Stumpjumper hardtail. Converted into a SS. Has a Fox 32 fork. DT 350 rear hub. Better than stock crank, bars, and stem. This is a very aesthetically pleasing bike. That curved top tube and polished aluminum is great. It would cost me $200 to bring it back to where I want it, 1x11 SLX + new der hanger.

2. 2014 Trek X caliber 9. Dead stock and not used much. Lower end looking Bontrager wheels, not sure I'd notice. 3x10 XT, should be able to get it 1x10 for the cost of a new cassette if I use a spare parts crank I already have. $200 less than the stumpy.

My use would be cross country with the occasional technical section. The longer the climb, the happier I am. No racing, mostly just messing around.

Thoughts.
-Would I even notice the difference between wheels and cockpit parts?

-The Fox seems like a better fork than the Rockshox (Reba I think, lime green thing). But the RS is certainly a functional piece.

-My impression is that the Trek will take wider tires. 2.4 vs 2.1 or something like that but I may be wrong.

-The Trek seems very functional, the Specialized is pretty.

-The Specialized has DT rims that I'm fairly certain are tubeless compatible. No idea on the Trek but ghetto seems to work just fine for mountain bikes.

It's hard to get in my head I know. I'm going to go see both rides today. Anything else I should think of?

both older bikes and a wash to me
I've had a number of Reba forks which worked great, test ride both and get whichever gives you a bigger smile.
Even 7 year old mtbs are considered dated nowadays

Overall condition in my mind, that's what I would look for. The worst thing would to get the bike and have missed a problem in the frame or that there are mechanical issues or fork hasn't been serviced in years.

I ended up with the Trek. The specialized, while pretty, was too much of a project.

I converted the Trek to 1x using a NW setup from my parts bin. I'll be removing the tubes next.

​​​​​​It's overall a great low priced hardtail. I think Bontrager as a house brand is even heavier than Matrix was. It'll work though.