Which one, confused.

golfergmc

Can someone help me choose between these four bikes, totally confused as to which would be the best spec`d for xc and a small amount of dh,
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=59000
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/12658/specialized-stumpjumper-fsr-comp-medium-2011/
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lapierre/zesty-314-2011-mountain-bike-ec024838?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle
http://www.atb-sales.co.uk/atbshop/step_7.php?ModNo=10MV8&BikeSize=X-LARGE&Price=1695&BikeID=377
thanks.

mikeysickalrigh

All look like good bikes, I like the Marin but it is less travel than the rest. Probably give the spesh a miss. All similar really though. Marin or Zesty for me. Although the Sunn seems nice. I can see why you're in this quandary!

omegas

the Stumpjumper would be my choice

awebber

have considered this one
http://hotlines-uk.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=64552

cat_with_no_tail

They're pretty evenly matched spec wise, it would really boil down to which side of the RS/Fox and Shimano/SRAM debate you come down on.

Of course, in an ideal world, you'd test an example of each to find out which one feels best to you.

If you can only find 1 to test, try that, and if you like it, get that one.

Personally, I'd choose between the Spesh and the Zesty as they're the only 2 with 10sp drivetrains. Zesty takes it on spec imho, but then again, I'm no fan of Fox forks.

golfergmc

Don`t know the pro`s and cons of the different shocks/forks as i`m more of a roadie so if anyone can help me it would be much appreciated.

cat_with_no_tail

I think it really is just personal preference.
In my personal experience, Fox forks don't work well with big fatties like me (16st+). I've always found their longer travel forks to suffer horribly from brake dive, and blow through all the travel far too quickly no matter how they are set up. I just find RS easier to set to my heft.
I also prefer the fact that you can service your rockshox forks at home, without having to pay mojo or TFT eleventy millions to do it for you three times a year.
Fox certainly make the better looking forks though, I'll give them that much.

Other than that, they both have similar types of adjustment available over the ranges, both weigh about the same for the comparable models, both built to a (generally) very high standard, both have spares readily available (although that links back to Fox not letting you work on your own forks without voiding warranties).