I only have my old POS hard tail to compare it to, so I'm not sure it's fair for me to wax poetic about my Racer X. When I was shopping, it was going to either be the SC Juliana or the Racer X. I ultimately got a better deal with the Titus as I was able to build it like I wanted and get it sooner. I'm not sorry I went with the Titus, but smaller riders should keep the Juliana in mind too.

I have SRAM X.9 (couldn't afford the X.0). I had Shimano something or other on my old bike. I like the SRAM better. Not sure why. The throw is a little longer but once you get the hang of it, it's fine.

I got the Mavic CrossMax wheels, which are very light. Avid disc brakes. RP3 rear shock and SID front shock. It weighs in at a touch under 25 lbs. Nice & light, and fast as I need it to be. Like Wavedancer, I don't feel like I'm quite up to the skill level of the bike, but I hope to get there.

Yeah, I love my Racer X!