wsd Trek X-caliber vs Specialized Jett comp/ 29ers

[countrygirl]

Thanks for your input so far, you guys.

I just ordered the Jett. Good point about the frames being the same on the Trek wsd and unisex bikes, that's one of the first things the Trek dealer told me which had me hesitating to get the X-cal, because as tall as I am (5 7", not super tall but not short), I did feel like I was swimming around in my BF's 17.5 Trek, felt a serious lack of control and confidence in how I fit in that frame even though I think the Cobia is a nice ride.

My BF and I are both pretty athletic and want to be able to take this new biking idea past just light recreational, so I was a little worried that the Jett might be just a slightly dolled up low-end super basic entry-level bike that I won't be able to get some nice performance out of (if we get more serious in our aspirations). I realize you can get much more expensive bikes but $1,350 for me is not cheap. After scouring the net for reviews ( I mostly had to look up last year's model, the Expert), it's getting some nice nods~ while not 'race-ready' (probably due to weight~ 30 pds~ and a frame that is not geared towards a more aggressive riding position?), the female pro racers who tested it felt it fit them well, handled nicely and they enjoyed the ride.

I'm too amateur to go buying myself the $2,900 Specialized fate and really justify it to myself even if I could afford it, so I guess I'll be happy with my nice entry level Jett. I think I may go ahead and replace the tires right away, I asked our Specialized shop guy what I would want to do to increase performance on it, his biggest suggestion was trading out the original tires for much lighter tubeless tires; this would lighten the weight on the bike (by 2 + pounds!) and make climbing hills much easier... plus a slightly knobbier, wider yet lightweight tire would give more traction. That was one of the only cons mentioned in the reviews, the Jett goes up hills great but the big wheels are a little sluggish starting up a hill. My bike shop guy was saying all that extra weight on a rotating wheel really does make a huge impact on your handling experience. I had read a pro racer-gal's review where her number one suggestion on the 29ers was to replace the wheels with the lighter ones asap, so that advice seemed solid. We already upgraded the chain for $25, he said would make the shifting nicer and take off a little weight.

Anyway, thanks again!