Hi,

I've been out of Mt. biking for a few years since my Specialized Enduro was stolen. I want a good all-around bike for mostly XC riding and efficient climbing. I'm considering the following: (and or others)

1 - 09 Fisher HiFi Carbon full XT $2999

2 - 09 Giant Trance X1 Full XT $2799

3 - 09 Trek Fuel 9.8 Carbon w/ XT $3199

4 - 09 Scott Genius 20 Carbon w/ XT $3499

I'm leaning towards carbon because I know I will be doing a lot of fire roads and climbing. I do want a mid travel bike though for when it gets bumpy and steep. Anyways, I've been out of the loop for several years and would be curious what people think. I've read just about everything I can find on here and other sights as well about all of these bikes. Most have very favorable reviews and since they are all pretty well speced out I wouldn't expect them to be bad just different. Thanks!!!

They're all good bikes, so go with what ever feels best to you.

To confuse you further, I submit the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite. Cheaper than most on your list, although it's aluminum. It's the one I'd buy for purely emotional reasons. Dannihilator's advice is correct.

Test rides are the best way to determine which bike to buy.

I have a Giant Trance X2 and I could not be happier with the bike. I can't say anything bad about it. The Maestro suspension does everything well.

Personally I am not sure you could make a mistake with any of the bikes on that list!

I've test riden all of the bikes on the list and they all felt very good with some subtle differences of course. It's hard to get a true feel for how a bike is going to perform on the measly little test rides the bike shops in my area allow for mountain bikes. I did look at the SJ's of course and they seemed very nice. In my area they seem to be a fair bit higher priced for similar builds than many other bikes though. The 09 Elites are $2599 with a an SLR/XT w/ a mix w/ a Talas fork which is a step down for about the same price. I don't enough about the different designs to tell which system is going to be better, FSR vs. Maestro vs. Full Floater vs. G2. I know they all do pretty much the same stuff but am still looking for some advice. Thanks!!!

Well, the 2010 Elite model is equipped with an XTR RD, SLX shifters and FD. The Fox Talas RL is a $750 fork, so I think $2800 is a good deal at that price. You can no doubt find a closeout 09 Stumpy for much less.

The SJ has a great reputation and was one of the first bikes I went to look at. No doubt the SLX shifter and Talas fork are quality but it does seem like you get more for your money on some of the other bikes in regards to components though.