i'm in the market for a new hardtail and i'm trying to decide between Klein Attitude XV and Trek 8500. both are '06 model, same price but with lower specs for Klein (shimano lx and hayes hfx-9 brakes) vs. Trek 8500 (full shimano xt).

what's your advice? thanks!

http://kleinbikes.com/us/mountain_bi...xv/index.html#

http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1056600&f=18

The Klein would be my choice, but I'm biased because I have a Klein hardtail and it's the best bike I've ever ridden.

i have a klein attitude that i'm selling...because my back is getting tired of being beat up.

but i gotta say...it's a great bike. it's got fairly agressive frame geometry so it will be fast but a bit unstable. not as nimble in very tight quarters as some other bikes i've ridden but one heckuva climber.

I think Klein has 05 Attitudes left over at very resonable prices. The 05 XV was all XT