[JJeffO]

I would make a different choice given my experience.

Before you pull the trigger on either of those choices, you really should look at the Ti 29er from BikesDirect.com

I too live in New England states- New Hampshire and probably like you did a LOT of reading and research including cruising all my New England lbs’s.

initially, I bought a BAMF S… Kicker 29er. looked great, rode smooth and was pleased with it until my third ride and realized that there was a significant design flaw in the clearance of the lower bracket and the rotor. barely, I mean BARELY fit a credit card between them. God help me had the rear wheel not been tightened and slipped going down a steep ravine I was approaching, when I noticed this. It seemed like a great buy at $1,800.00+ but I wasn’t taking any chances on that frame design. Back it went and they weren’t the best to deal with on the return either. In the end with return S+H and no refund for their "ProBuild" (no real warrantee if you don’t purchase it.) I was out about $125.00 bucks. ;-(

At approx. $2,200.00 delivered to your door in about 5 days from order, full XO 2×10, Elixir Carbon 9’s, quality super lite wheels, a Reba RL front suspension and weighing in at 23 lbs., this machine absolutely rocks! Remember, this is TITANIUM not heavier aluminum or carbon! There is no remotely equal comparison to what you mentioned you are looking at ordering.

On the f/s side, my recommendation is to wait until next year to see what the 650b offerings will look like. Personally, I’m going to wait it out until either BD or someone like them brings forth a Ti 650b.

Two last points on BikesDirect-

This was my second purchase. My g/f got her GT road bike (came with Cannondale factory Owners Manual) and it was about $600.00 less than the comparable bike from my LBS.

Although assembling my Ti 29er was a breeze, I decided to have my mechanic check it out and tweak some adjustments. He’s been 12+ yrs. with one of the premier LBS’s and when he checked out my Ti, he told me a similar unit would be a special order with his company and be between $5,800.00 and about $6,500.00. In the process tweaking, the Sram Carbon XO shifter cable gave way. A pin inside failed. I called BD and spoke with Matt about it. I had a new replacement in 2 days. Super service!

Good luck with your hunt and purchase!!

Jeff

[JJeffO]

Well this comment comes late to the decision making process, but I couldn’t let the comment about the Moto FlyTeam Ti 29er pass without an "informed opinion".

I had a decent Scott 26 aluminum hardtail from my LBS but wanted lighter, faster 29er and so I sold it and began the research. I eventually bought a BAMF Shitkicker 29 carbon 2×10 X7/X9 with ProBuild. Cost: $1775.00 delivered. The bike looked great and for the first two runs, it ran great. And then noticed what I beleive to be a serious design flaw. So I returned it.

I decided to bite the bullit, spend afew more bucks ($2250.00 delivered) and buy the Fly 29er with full Sram XO and a host of quality components. ( Second purchase from BD. My SO bought her GT road bike that came with the Cannondale factory Owners Manual for a good $500.00+ below the comparable bike from our LBS )

This bike not only looks great, but I’ve beat on it on some pretty hard trails, railroad gravelbeds and more. It’s rock solid and in a 19" weighsi in at a mere 23.5 lbs. So take it from someone who actually owns the Moto Ti, don’t hesitate to buyfrom the BD people.

Jeff

P. S. – had a problem with one of the Sram XO shifters. Contacted BD. they requested a photo to send to Sram and a week later I had a replacement. Excellent service!

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