I wasn't sugguesting that comparable duty frames aren't similar in spec (weight isn't the only thing) but rather the top spec for the xc/trail class frames just aren't as cutting edge as the big 3's in terms of racing. I'm no fan boy, just what i've experienced.

I have rode an intense 29er and, well, I just don't care for anything aluminum frame for xc use. Granted, i'd never buy a carbon framed DH bike. Eh, well not at the moment, we'll see in the next few yrs.

 

Every kona I have rode has been garbage....

 

I don't mean that in any disrespect toward the guy who bought one, I just do t think they are a top manufacturer

 

Understood, and none taken! I was looking for a Santa Cruz or a Specialized as well but those will come in time. This was more of a, "Screw it, the price is right and I can beat the hell out of it" kind of thing.

Oh what I wouldn't do for a Bullit.

 

The carbine is carbon, did you ride the spider2 29er?

FWIW though I've ridden a variety of bike style and manufacturers over the years (AL FS geared , AL SS, Steel SS, carbon HT geared and carbon FS geared) in really nice places like tahoe and really rugged places like vegas. I've come to the conclusion that frame material is meaningless and geo/fit matters more than anything.

Sure, weight matters at the top level of XC racing and carbon should be your choice. But 99% of people (probably including you and I) don't ride at the level and it's meaningless compared to the ride being comfortable, responsive and fun. I think a lot of people fool themselves into thinking because something is what specialized calls the latest thing and can sell someone for 5-6k it must be good. And it often isn't any better than the 2k bike, especially for said person.

The **** do I know though, I ride a 1x9 coil suspended freeride bike with 2.35" tires on XC rides, lol!

 

Must be a beefy fork.

Took the Kona around real quick (no trails) just to get a good feel for the bike. ProPedal is cool, very noticeable decrease in pedal bob (this is from someone who's fat-tire-bike experience comes from BMX, so bear with me). I need a shock pump to dial in the suspension eventually, but it's insane how different it is compared to my BMC. Way cool. Also, slow on the flats.

I'm never going to get used to how big this thing is. The bottom bracket is just so much higher than on my BMC, and the wide bars...totally different from the 40cm that I had on the road. I can see over things now! Can't wait to throw it around on the dirt (or vice versa) and really dial everything in. I hear the Magic Link really does shine once you get it set, so that'll be the goal for the first few rides.

 

Any of you roadies have an opinion on the Blue AC1? I really do need to get a real roadie and I found it online for $2k with sram rival. I know nothing about roadies other than carbon is awesome and like most bikes it'll probably only go as fast as the engine on it allows for.

 

I've never heard of Blue.

I think Carbon is a good ride. Some of them are trying to be too lite. Which makes them too rigid and really not great for long rides.

I'd surely spend a few minutes at Gregg's and get some sales guy insight And may be spin a few blocks testing something out. You may not like the carbons.

 

A friend of mine had a Blue CX bike. It was pretty cool. At $2k you have plenty of options. On one end, you can go get a top-end aluminum like I did. I love it - super stiff, great for short rides where you just have to explode (crit monsters), though I rode my bike for 70mi regularly and didn't have a problem. The current standard is the CAAD10, and you can get it with 105/Rival for well under $2k I believe.

On the other hand, there's plenty of good carbon alternatives. Cannondale Six comes to mind. I'd see if you can scope out a used one as well, plenty of people ditching quality bikes for cheap (my friend got his 1 year old SL3 for a VERY heavy discount) so you can definitely keep your eyes peeled.

Blue isn't bad though, but really the best option is to go and try some out. Carbon is cool, but like it was stated, you might not like them. I love aluminum frame, and it'd take a nice, nice carbon to make me want to get rid of it.

 

I ride an AL frame now, it's fine comfort wise. I agree that's its a good idea to go try some bikes out, guess I'll do that when I get some free time and am not in a place with moose.