New bike following accident -RockyMountain ETSX50?

Hey,

I got knocked off my bike by a driver a couple of weeks ago and my Rocky Mountain Instinct Signature got wrecked . Although it was 5 years old it was still going strong. So I find myself trying to choose a replacement, while I nurse my bruises and scrapes.

Any one have any good or bad experience with the ESTX Rocky Mountian? My Local Bike Shop has special offers on 06 Rockies, but the new 07 specialised bikes look good and so do the Cannondales!.

I will mainly ride 4 hr local loops with the occasional race and Marathon, so I don't want anything heavy, My max budget will be about £2,300. I am 5ft 4, 72Kg if its relative (short!)

Anyone with any relative experience appreciated. I would preffer to use my LBS for my new bike. So I want to stick with Rocky or Specialised / Cannondales.

Cheers!

 

I have an Element 50. I love that bike ever so much. hehe.. Mine is a large (19") frame, and came stock at 28lbs. I've got Panaracer Fire XC's on it right now, and it's at 27.7lbs. If I put on my racing tires, it's at 26.5lbs. It's sort of heavy compared to what I was expecting. It's a great bike though. The only thing I don't like is Fox customer service. The first race (and actual ride since buying it new) I did in 2006 saw the 3-way switch for the RP3 rear shock fall off, and Fox finally told me now (like 6 months later) that they can't actually send me a replacement part. I have to send them my entire shock and get them to install it...
Otherwise, it's a super bike. And it's not made in China, which to me is a huge bonus. I hate stuff made in China. The ESTX is sweet too. It's really similar to the Element, but a bit burlier without adding much weight at all. Go for the ESTX!