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Trying to decide between two bikes, the Specialized Safire and the Cannondale Lexi 1 - I can get a comparable deal on both - great deals. I've had a Cannondale Jekyl that's a size too big, so finally gonna get something that fits. My riding tends to be less technical, but like long, long days on the bike.
Safire: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...cname=Mountain
Lexi: http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng...LW1MWHT-LEXI-1
Cannondale uses a lot of proprietary parts, does that figure into the equation?
Not really. So many locations have Cannondale dealers. (Work at one, hence the "great deal" comment;))
The Safire has a very short cockpit in my opinion. I personally did not like it as I felt like I was just heading to endo the entire time. That being said I have never rode Cannondale Mountain bike so no opinion. My husband has had outstanding results with Specialized for warranty (shoes). Our LBS said they feel it is one of the easiest to deal with in the business.
I tried the Safire and the Specialized Stumpjumper last year and liked the Stumpjumper better. Also it was the better bike (regarding parts) for less money if I remember right. So if you are tall enough to fit onto the small Stumpjumper you should consider trying it too.
I cannot comment on the Cannondale though.