Let's talk MTBs...

If you are not part of the downhill set, I SWEAR by my 29er.  LOVE IT.  Revolutionized moutain biking for me and I go my first MTB in 96.

I have the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 29er.  So a full suspension 29er with SRAM 7/9 groupo, juicy hydaulic disk brakes, tubless compatable (haven't gone that route yet)...  LOVE IT.  It's best for X-country and if the switchbacks are not too tight, some all mtn riding as well.

I will never ride a 26 again (unless I dust off my old Cannondale for kicks).

My Buddy has a GF HiFi 29er and he really likes it.

I have a Trek Fuel EX8 and I like it.

Both are GREAT bikes.   I like the Trek ABP feature that prevents "brake jack" and their suspension design does a good job of working with the Fox ProPedal shocks to cut down on "pedal bob."

I was looking hard at the same bike that Kido got but this lightly used Trek came along and I couldn't pass it up.

I also want to say that moving from a HT to a FS bike was like night and day.  It was like riding an angel the whole time, my lower back felt SO MUCH better after a long ride. 

Whatever you get, enjoy using it.   My Trek is in storage while I am in China. :^(   Really missing some good MTB trails!!

I have an aluminum frame hard tail from 2001 that I love to ride.  Perhaps, though, I would be happier with a newer bike.  I moved north and the trails are rockier and higher impact, so I can't move as fast.  

If I was going to pick one bike, I would definitely be looking at the Giant Trance X 29er.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/trance.x.29er.1/11514/55873/

It retails for 2700 and comes stock with a dropper post, which is huge on a bike like this. I have the Giant Anthem X 29er and I really wish this one was available when I bought at the end of last summer. The Maestro suspension platform is one of the best for all around riding. This would really make a killer all around trail bike.

I can't compare, but I CAN tell you that I love the X7/X9 (I have X7 shifters and X9 derailleurs) shifting feel.   The 1:1 system really works well, and I like being able to shift up/down with my thumb.  I've only had to adjust them once (one week after I bought the bike, poor setup by the selling shop) and for the past 2 years they've been "fire and forget."    The right shifter even survived a crash where I bent the ever-loving-hell out of the cast aluminum shifter lever.   I was able to disassemble the shifter, put the lever in a vice, straighten it, and then rebuild the shifter with no problem.

I have an XTR crank and BB on my bike and it has performed well.  Quiet, sturdy, no complaints.

I ride a 2011 Epic 26er and It is the most fun I have had on two wheels in a long time.  It is all Sram XO with the 2x10 set-up.  I seriously love this bike.  It will not be sold...ever.  I know a lot of people like the 29ers and they are fast and are more forgiving to beginners.  I would go with a 29er if for a hard tail, but it just seems too much for a FS bike. 

The Trance looks like a good bike.  I was seriously considering one for myself when I was shopping around.

Tell me when/if they make a trance 29er, and I might be sold.

Love me my Specialized FSR XC Comp!

I wish they had this a couple years ago when I got my Stumpjumper FSR 29er...

Well, maybe not.  I love my bike...