After looking through the spec of these bikes, the XT 9.8 or 8 if you want aluminum seem to be the best bang for the buck. It's awesome Trek was able to fit frame storage in the aluminum frames in addition to the carbon. At least on paper, this bike is looking like it may be the right one for me despite the seat tube angle. That frame storage is a big selling point and I felt like the Specialized Enduro is too long and too plush. Maybe the Slash will be just right? I'm looking forward to the long term review.
Sept. 16, 2020, 6:27 a.m. - WalrusRider
After looking through the spec of these bikes, the XT 9.8 or 8 if you want aluminum seem to be the best bang for the buck. It's awesome Trek was able to fit frame storage in the aluminum frames in addition to the carbon. At least on paper, this bike is looking like it may be the right one for me despite the seat tube angle. That frame storage is a big selling point and I felt like the Specialized Enduro is too long and too plush. Maybe the Slash will be just right? I'm looking forward to the long term review.