I'm deciding on which bike to buy as a first bike in the Netherlands. As you all know we don't have many height differences around here, but we do have some fun trails. I don't have a lot of experience with mtb, but am keen to do it more and get better. In time I'd maybe take the bike to belgium, germany or the alps.
I've narrowed it down to a few choices.
Cube Acid XXL ~€850
This is a cross country bike with higher quality groupsets and a 100mm air fork. I did read that on the higher end of the frame sizes the steering is a bit cramped. It looks to have a 680mm handlebar at all framesizes.
Cannondale Habit HT 3 XL~€900
This is more a trail bike with a bit lesser quality groupset, but a 130mm air fork, "better" geometry, a dropper seat, thru axles and tubeless ready wheels. Do I need these things here, or are they a bit overkill?
Or should I go for a cheaper bike, like the Kato Advanced 29 AL XL ~€580
This still has a 100mm air fork, but 2×10 gearing and lesser quality groupsets, but still pretty good.
I'm interested what you guys think about these choices or if you have any other recommendations, let me know!
Edit: forgot the comparison link: https://99spokes.com/en-NL/compare?bikes=cube-acid-2023,cannondale-habit-ht-3-2023,ghost-kato-advanced-29-al-2023
by Reaxer