which bike is better?

[Hector]

Kinesis Butted 6061 Aluminum, 2xH2O Bosses, SuperS-bend chain/seatstays, replaceable rear derailleur hanger. Hydroformed downtube gusset, integrated headset, forged and machined bottom bracket shell


Fork ROCKSHOX SID 100MM RLT Fork TRAVEL:100mm, BOSSLESS , W/External rebound, low speed compression to 'Lock' with external Floodgate The fork alone lists for $680 Sizing Tips NOTE: ADD .75 INCH TO Standover


CranksetFSA V-Drive UPDATED MegaExo (SHIMANO 10 SPD), 42x32x24T, 175mm Hollow forged arms, Integrated spindle


Bottom BracketFSA MegaEXO External Bearing System, BB-7000


Pedalsn/a


Front DerailleurShimano DynaSys SLX, 31.8mm


Rear DerailleurShimano DynaSys XT, long cage, 30 Speed


ShiftersShimano SLX DynaSys, 30 Speed, SL-M660


CassetteSHIMANO CS-M771-10,DEORE XT, 10-SPEED 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36T


ChainKMC super narrow X10SL 10 speed


HubsBlack Anodized Vuelta XRP Pro SL Disc, Precison Bearing


SpokesSpecial Butted Stainless steel, black finish with alloy nipples


RimsVuleta XRP Pro SL, doublewall aluminum/eyelets, disc specific


TiresKenda Klimax Lite 26 x 1.95 Kevlar, presta valve tubes


BrakesAvid Elixir CR Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Avid 160mm G3 Rotors


Brake LeversAvid Elixir CR Hydraulic Disc, TungstenGray Aluminum lever


HeadsetFSA Orbit ZS3 angular contact bearing for 1.125 inch threadless


HandlebarRitchey Comp Butted aluminum, 31.8mm


StemRitchey 4AXIS Comp aluminum 84/6D, 31.8mm clamp


100mm/14inch, 110mm/16/18inch, 120mm/20/22inch


Tape/GripRitchey WCS Hex foam


SaddleRitchey Pro Streem saddle, Hollow Cr-Mo rails


Seat PostRitchey Comp Aluminum 27.2x350mm

or this one http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/mountain/hardtail/trail-sl/2012-trail-sl-2-20662

 

[oldhippie]

Too long of a question. But...if you had bothered to look closely at the specs - you would have seen that both bikes have a great Shimano cassette. The both have quality double wall rims. They both have Avid Elixir brakes. About the only differences are one uses Shimano shifters & the other uses SRAM X5 shifters. Both quality parts.

On paperwork - there is no "best". The "best" bicycle is the one you extensively test ride in adavance & choose for yourself. The best bicycle is the one that you think rides & feels the best to you - as an individual. Buy that one. If any one particular company was always "the best" it would force the others out of business. Never going to happen. Too many good companies out there.