dmpocket

Howdy. I've been out of mountain biking for several years and want to get back on trails. I would rate myself as a "novice" rider that is not going to be super aggressive, jumping off things or doing things I would have done 20 years ago. I'm 51 years old, 6'2 and currently about 240lbs. As I look at a few used bike options, I've narrowed it down to a couple bikes and would like to hear feedback on which bike is a better option for. Both bikes are built almost identical and the big difference is the Cannondale is Carbon and the Devinci is aluminum. The cost difference is about $700 more for the Cannondale carbon. Take a look below and appreciate your input. Thanks!

Option 1
2021 Generation Devinci Troy
29" Wheels
Aluminum Frame - Size XL
Added Items:
- Race Face Carbon Next Handle Bar (800mm with 20mm Rise); will include the V2 Pro Alu 780mm as well.
Main SRAM SX Build:
- RockShox Revelation Front Fork (150mm)
- RockShox SuperDeluxe Select Rear (140mm)
- TranzX Dropper
- Brakes SRAM Guide T (4 piston)
- SRAM SX Eagle 12S Drive Train
- Truvativ Descendant Eagle 32T SuperBoost 157 Crankset with Chain Guide
- Novatec D791SB-B15 (front hub)
- Novatec DH92SB-SH TA 12x157 SH (Rear Hub)
- Maxxis Minion DHF | 29x2.5wt | 3C EXO TR (front tire)
- Maxxis Minion DHRII | 29x2.4wt | 3C EXO TR (rear tire)
- V2 Comp 36mm Rims with Sapim Spokes

Option 2
Cannondale Habit Carbon 2 2019 Riding
Wheel Size 29"
Carbon Fiber Frame
BallisTec carbon front triangle with SmartForm C1 alloy swingarm
Rear Shock FOX Float Performance Elite DPX2 EVOL, 3-position adjustment Fork FOX Float Performance Elite 34,
FIT4 damper, 3-position adjustment, 15x110mm, 51mm offset Fork Travel 140mm Head Tube Diameter Tapered 1.125"-1.5" Headset Integrated, sealed angular contact bearings
Handlebar Cannondale C3 Riser, alloy, 15mm rise, 9° sweep, 4° rise, 780mm
Stem Cannondale C1, 3D forged 6061 alloy, 1.125", 31.8mm, 0° Grips Cannondale locking
Brakes SRAM Guide RS hydraulic disc, 180mm CenterLine rotors
Brake Levers SRAM Guide RS Drivetrain 1x Shifters SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
Front Derailleur SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed ISCG Tabs ISCG05 Chainguide None Cranks Truvativ Stylo 7K Chainrings 30 tooth Bottom Bracket Cannondale alloy, PressFit 30 Pedals None Chain SRAM GX Eagle,
12-speed Cassette SRAM XG-1275, GX Eagle, 10-50 tooth, 12-speed Rims Stan's NoTubes Arch MK3, 28 hole, tubeless ready Hubs Front: Cannondale Hollowgram
Rear: Cannondale Hollowgram with DT internals, XD driver Spokes DT Swiss Competition, straight pull Tires Front: Maxxis Minion DHF 29 x 2.5" WT
Rear: Maxxis High Roller II 29 x 2.3", 3C compound, Max Terra, EXO puncture protection, tubeless ready Saddle Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite, cro-mo rails Seatpost Cannondale DownLow dropper, internal routing, 100mm (S), 125mm (M), 150mm (L-XL)

badger1

Decent question, but you might do better to try here: https://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-biking/

shelbyfv

"Super aggressive?" You get more spokes with the Devinci.

dmpocket

Super aggressive translates to....I'm not going to be breaking any collar bones, arms, legs, etc. Thanks for the spoke count.

teejaywhy

Did you intend to add a "not" in this sentence ?

" I would rate myself as a "novice" rider that is going to be super aggressive, jumping off things or doing things I would have done 20 years ago."

dmpocket

Yes, thanks for catching that!

PeteHski

I would go with the Cannondale out of those two. Mainly because of the carbon frame and a slightly less heavy duty build spec. The Devinci might feel a bit slow on the kind of terrain you are realistically going to ride. I presume you missed out the word "NOT" in your first post when talking about being super aggressive etc?

dmpocket

Yes, I accidently left out the word "not" but have since updated the post. Thanks for the feedback!