Can't decide on a Kona Dawg Delux or Jamis Dakar XLT 2. Anyone own one of these. I wish the Dawg had 5" of travel like the Dakar, and a true Horst link. Is the bob of the Kona really that bad? On the other hand while the Dakar has better parts spec., for the money, I've read a lot of people complaining about BAD chain suck, worn bushings in the rear, (instead of all sealed bearings) and broken seatstays (there was a recall on the 2002 Dakars). Brings me back to Kona's bombproof frames... Yes, I know I need to test ride them, but I'm in Connecticut and it just snowed another 2 ft. Besides, a short parking lot drive won't tell me enough.
Hell maybe I'll look at a Santa Cruz Heckler too (don't really want to spend that much). Now do I get a Romic or 5th Element, Float or Vanilla?
