Quote Originally Posted by indysteel View Post
Thanks, it sort of does, but that's why I pointed out that the 13 Dakar has a shorter reach than the 14 Dakota. All other things being equal, it would seem, then, that the Dakar is a better suited for you anyway--and at the same price as the Dakota.

That said, as FS bikes go, the Dakar is pretty cheap, which gives me a bit of pause. Granted, I've not studied it in any detail, but I've repeatedly heard and read that a good HT can be better in a lot of respects than a cheap FS, so there's that consideration, too, I suppose.

Indeed - and there is all of that to consider. Jonathan tells me that the Dakar is a pretty decent entry level FS bike - Jamis has a FS Dakar that is even cheaper but I wouldn't go that cheap for a FS and I want SRAM anyway. This is the man who has refused to sell me things in the past that he did not think would work for me, so I have come to trust his opinion. I still do my research, but I certainly place some weight on his advice.

I agree that the 13 Dakar does look like my best bet on paper, and is my top choice right now. That is why I posted it here Time will tell what happens in June.

I am looking forward to seeing your new mountain bike! Am getting some basic camping gear so I can camp that weekend.