2012 SJ EVO or 2013 SJ COMP 29 (both HT)

[Thatsbullshark]

Looking to purchase a Stumpy at my LBS and it has come down to a 2012 EVO (sale price of $1785) or a 2013 Comp (sale price $1700) (in satin black). I'm just getting back into mountain biking after a long absence (currently ride road and tri's) and looking for a bike to handle weekend fast, technical single-track rides here in SE Mass and looking to next year to race (Root 66 series). The EVO has the better fork (Fox 100mm) and simpler drivetrain. The Comp has 2x10 gearing, the Reba fork, slightly narrower rims, and a different handlebar and most importantly (according to the mtbr fourms) the change in braking from Avid to Magura. Would I be better off with the Comp because of the gearing and brakes?

[madsedan]

Get the EVO, great bike for the money, should be faster and lighter than the Comp.
If you don't care for the brakes you could always sell them as new takeoffs and buy something else.