Which of these two would you pick?

[eigner]

Canyon F10 Lux:
Size M, 26'er.
Canyon Carbon fullsuspension
XX Carbon World cup Fork,
tuned Fox rp 23,
Xo trigger shifters,
Xo rear derailleur with ceramic pulleys
xtr front derailleur,
formula r1 Carbon brakes,
hope BB with ceramic bearings
Rotor 3D cranks,
controltech carbon seat post

OR
2012 Specialized epic fsr comp 29 yellow/black
Size L, 29'er.
M5 alloy, 29" geometry, fully manipulated frame w/ ORE DT/TT, gussetless TT (S/M), tapered HT, 142mm dropouts, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, replaceable derailleur hanger, 100mm travel
RockShox Reba RL 29, tapered alloy steerer, LO and reb adj. standard drop-outs, 100mm travel
Fox/Specialized remote Mini-Brain w/new 2012 tune, inertia valve, w/ Brain Fade adjust, 187x47mm, 29er hose length
SRAM X9 long cage, 10-speed rear derailleur
SRAM X7,10-speed, S3 direct mount for DMD, bottom pull
SRAM X7, 10-speed, aluminum trigger,
Avid Elixir 7 SL
Custom SRAM S-1250, 7050 alloy arms, 10-speed XC double, GXP spindle,


They are priced around the same.

I am 177cm=5'9

[devinci]

the 29er, because 26in IS dead

[eigner]

the 29er, because 26in IS dead

ok, also given the difference in gear and size?

[devinci]

the 26in is better equiped. At your height I would not go with a Large specialized. Im the same height and I ride a medium RM Vertex 29er.

Maybe revise your choice, you must consider getting a 29er, it makes such a big difference.

[tonytourist]

Medium Epic!

[whyte19]

canyon is a sweet ride

[eigner]

Okay. Will pass on both bikes and keep looking for 29'er with good gear.
Speaking of gear what level should I look for?

[devinci]

depends on your taste and if you want 3x10 or 2x10.

For Sram, if going 2x10, I tihnk X9 would be enough, depending on your practice, but you seem pretty new so it might just do it. I am an elite XC racer and I use a full sram X0 bike, 2x10. If going shimano, Xt or XTR if you have the money.

For me it is clear, next year I'll be on a full shimano bike. The brakes are much more powerful then avid (sram) brakes and the whole components set seems to last longer and be more reliable, less finicky. I have had several sram parts fail on me and I can't afford parts failing when out to a big race 900km away from home.

For fork, I rode both fox and rockshox and I personnaly think fox is much more smoother. Im not sure what other major differences there is between both brand.

Wheels, just go light, 1500-1600g should be good. Then use some good tires, as it makes a big difference in MTB riding.