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 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)

1xGuy

Looks like the component spec on the Cannondale is a step or two up from the Devinci, depending on the item...that, with the carbon v alloy frame, and the fact that Devinci is a bigger bike (travel) adds up to the fact that the CDale will be probably be lighter by a couple pounds.
Both are trail bikes and should perform well for what you seem to have in mind. Cannondale would probably be slightly better on the climbs/pedaling, while the Devinci is likely slightly better on rougher terrain, but both will deal with what most folks our age will dish out. I doubt either bike will hold you back.
Really it comes down to - and you'll hear this a lot - what are your local trails like, and what do you intend to do?
For me, probably would be: all-around bike would be the Cdale - if I was going to be slightly biased toward the downs without caring too much about the weight or climbing, maybe the Devinci

Beach Bob

I have a Troy and in my very limited MTB experience, feels to be a real nice ride...HOWEVER... it just doesn't seem to want to climb... it feels like a lot of power is getting lost between the pedals and the tires.... maybe I just suck... maybe it's inherent to the bike....