my hardest mtb race this year

[RoadRaven]

Han, sounds like some serious research is required.

I know next-to-nothing about mountain bikes... but I am guessing you will have loads of fun finding out exactly what it is you are going to invest in

That Vertex50 certainly looks sweet - even good colours

I didn't quite follow the guide on the left/bottom of the page:

Cross-Country Marathon

Cross-Country Racing

Cross-Country

Recreational

They all have red, orange, yellow and green boxes next to them except the Marathon which has no green... does that mean the vertex50 is best for racing, cross country and recreational?
There doesn't seem to be a key...

Cheers, Rave

[han-grrl]

I am guessing that the green means what the bike is best for...you are right there is no explanation on the site. My friend used to race pro - so i assume she has "good taste" in bike selection (although she too admits that she isn't sure whether the geomtry would work for me or not).

Yes shopping for bikes should be great fun!