Diamondback vs. Giant

[gecallo]

what's up...i just started mountain biking and right now i have a Trek 4300...i'm looking to buy a full suspension frame, and found two that i'm interested in...one is a '04 Diamondback XSL Trail (18") and the other is a '04 Giant VT-3 (16.5")...both i can get for around $300 each...which frame would you choose...i'm about 5'9" and a buck sixty...

I dont know much about the Diamondback frames, but the Giant VT's had a pretty good reputation. The inch and a half difference in size could be a pretty big discreprency. I'd rather have a bike that is slightly larger than one that is too small. A longer wheel base will let you roll over stuff more smooth than a shorter one. I'm 5'8 and ride a medium Santa Cruz Heckler, which is 17.5 inches (i believe). There are many variables with sizing a bike so, it really is hard to say what size to go with.

Do you have pix of both of the frames?

[TURNERob]

I had an '03 DB XSL, I'd definately go with the Giant if I were you. The quality of the DB linkage was poor, along with the shock.

[gecallo]

thanks for the replies....as requested...here are some pics..

[LBmtb]

That's tough, cause if you HAD to choose between those two the obvious choice is the Giant. But then again the fit of the Giant will probably be off.

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

My Vote: [SIZE=5]GIANT [/SIZE]