kryten

@eh-steve: I don't disagree. Better brakes would be nice, but I would probably start with replacing the resin only rotors with real ones (you woud want them with any brake upgrades, including MT5s anyway) and better pads when the time comes and see how far that gets me. The $600 would, with a little luck and patienice, maybe even get me new brakes and fork especially if we talking brand new take offs. 12 >10 spd was meant to make fun of the reality the they have to spec bottom of the barrel 12 spd drivetrain over half decent 10 speed with effectively the same range just because 12 speed is current and 10 is not. Also there is not a hint of NX, all SX on the 29 1.

Funny the cheaper model feels like a better specced bike and is the one to get for a new rider. Cues is much better than SX (SX even comes with Powerspline BB) I'm gonna assume both forks are a wash and the only other difference is 4 pot MT420 vs 2 pot MT200 Shimano brakes. Save $600 and have a 'better' bike? Spend $600 on a helmet, shoes and/or a Z2/RS Revelation or similar grade fork when needed. But 12spd > 10 spd... Also spec says QR141 so hopefully that is a typo.