Motobecane Fantom XTR or Airborne Hobglobin XO
 

Hi I would like some advice on this 2 models they seem to be good spec main difference being the frame design.

On the motobecane it seem they skip on the crank and Brakes, I will upgrade those to shimano XT
crank shimano XT $296
Brakes XT $260 with ice tech rotors
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...9_fs_xtr30.htm

the airborne only seem to need better brakes, since I read so many bad stories about exilir, swap them for shimanos XT
Brakes XT $260 ice tech rotors
http://www.airbornebicycles.com/prod...goblin-x0.aspx

arguable
the airborne have better rims and tires
shimano hollowtech crank is smoother

and maybe the trek rumblefish elite but this one is not full shimano XT
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...mblefish_elite

any clear reason why to go with one over the other.

PS: I was also looking at the trek superfly 100 AL Pro but it seem that local bike shops wont go bellow $3,600 that right there is a deal breaker.

im not interested in any other bike since they are overpriced and dont come with good group spec.

SPeaking of Full Suspension 29er, I would try each one to check which geometry is better and which one fits better.

The Airborne looks nice but there is still no way ide drop 3k on an Airborne. Or a Motebecane for that matter.

Please explain why not? I have been riding a Motobecane since last summer. No LBS could come close to it in spec quality for the same price.

From a component stand point yes you are right. But IMO having awesome components doesnt do a whole lot of good if they are on a subpar frame. You can get a stumpjumper or camber 29er for sub 3k. And i dont care how good the components are you cant tell me an Airborne or a Motobecane is going to be on the same level as a Specialized. Please dont take this as me ragging on Motobecane or Airborne because im not. Ive seen people shred on Motobecanes. They offer decent bikes at good price points. But when you are spending 3k+ I think you can get more for your money elsewhere.

Fair comment - thanks. I would agree that at $3k Id 'probably' go to the LBS so I would get a fitting etc. My MB was sub-$1000 so easier to 'take a chance'.