I just wanted to hear from Jamis people their opinion, as I am having a tough time deciding... In my area, I have found a "practically new" XLT 2.0, and a "practically new" GF Cake 2 dlx, and I am having a hard time figuring out which one to buy. My riding style would be described as some XC, some long epic rides, some downhill bomber runs. I weigh about 210 lbs, so that should be considered.

Both models feel good to ride, although they are pretty different in rider position. The Cake feels like my hard-tail in position, while the Jamis is decidedly more relaxed, kicked back. The Jamis components are better -- Minute 2:00 fork is in my mind the biggest upgrade over the Cake's components (Black Super air fork). However, never having owned disc brakes or a soft-tail, the brakes are pretty much a wash to me (the GF has Hayes 9's), as is the 4-way swinger to 3-way swinger difference; I would like to hear opinions on these matters. I can get the Cake for $300 - $400 cheaper, and its a few pounds lighter--the price difference would let me sell the Black and get a Minute 2 or a Marzochi Z1, and still probably come out cheaper than the XLT..

Mostly I am concerned about frame longevity, efficiency, and rider position. I want to hear what y'all would pick, acknowledging that this is the Jamis forum. I will post the same question in the Gary Fisher board, just to see the difference in responses.

Thanks in advance...

Skiier77, I looked at the Cake myself, but I had chosen the XLT 2.0 because of my riding style. I felt the XLT will be able to take more abuse.
Check out the reviews http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/2004_full_suspension/
Anyway, I bought XLT 2.0 few weeks ago. I did about 40 miles on it; couple all day trips in harsh terrain: water, mud, climes, dh, roots, rocks. The suspension works pretty well, once is adjusted. Check the website to see the difference between 3 way and 4 way http://www.answerproducts.com/home.asp The 4 way was designed for aggressive riding – enduro and freeride. The bike feels like a hard tail when climbing and feels nice when going down the hill. Breaks are great. They stop on a dime and don’t leak. Make little noise after they get wet, but the noise goes away after few minutes.

Overall, the bike is great, comfortable, and efficient ride.