Is there an event you want to do between now and when the Trek will be available?
In all honesty I'd wait.
- New Boost frame/fork - probably a good think at your height/weight.
- Comes with Fox 34, not the noodly 32 of most bikes in the category - again, good at your height/weight.
- DRCV Re:Activ shock is AMAZING
- 11 speed XT will be a flawless group
Everything about that bike is new technology. It will not get old quickly.
If you must have a new bike before you can get what you want then ring around Trek dealers in Canberra. One of them should have a demo model of the old 9.8 in a 19.5".
Or enquire with Rowney Sports - they may have a demo model of the ASR at your budget. They're 120 front, 100 rear, 69degree head angle.
I've attached some pictures to remind you to wait. Does it look better in the day or at night?
Yep, going to do the Kowalski in September, and really REALLY didn't want to do it on the Trance!
In any case, the question has been answered, and I have a shiny new bike in the shed. It's a Trek Fuel EX Project One build. Didn't think I'd be saying that any time soon!
A LBS had built up an alloy version of the Fuel EX, which I've test ridden a couple of times now, and it just felt perfect to ride. I've spent the past week riding as many bikes as I could, and nothing felt as comfortable as this one did - carbon or not. When I bought my Trance, it was a rushed buy, and I've always regretted it. I was determined not to do that this time around, but every bike I rode ended up getting ranked against this one, and they all fell short.
Comes with full XT gear (brakes plus 2x10 drivetrain), a RockShox Revelation RCT3 fork, Bontrager Rythm Elite wheels and hubs, and a pretty unique colour scheme that's gonna mean I never have to wonder which bike is mine!
Can't wait to get it out on the dirt and put it through its paces.
Pics are pretty crappy, but should give you the idea...