Vertex 930 or GT Zaskar 9er Expert

[loki_racer]

I have a chance to trade in my Trek 4400 and move to "big boy" bike. I've started training for Iron Bike Italy 2012 (ironbike.it) and that's what this purchase will be for.

Both bikes can be had for basically the same price.

I don't know enough about mountain bikes yet to make an informed purchase, so I'm hoping someone here can make me an internet expert.

Zaskar 9er Expert - capitalcycles.co.nz/gt-zaskar-9er-expert-2012-p-2300.html
Image (add https:// to the front) - lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lJKom955DPY/To1sPFH-u0I/AAAAAAAAPF0/K107tPHHQco/s296/zaskar%2525209er%252520expert.jpg

Vertex 930 - bikes.com/main+en+01_102+VERTEX_930.html?BIKE=995&CATID=1&SC ATID=2&Y=2012
Image (add https:// to the front) - lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o5-ImFfLsqA/To1sTfciy1I/AAAAAAAAPF4/Lo4ijq3KbGc/s275/vertex%252520930.jpg

Can a mod please approve my links/images? I don't have 10 posts yet, but I'm not a bot.

[HEMIjer]

i have a zaskar pro 9r like it a lot, good bike fast and stiff accelerates well great bike for standing short steep climbs . Not a good endurace bike for me though b/c terrain I ride tends to be rooty rocky and you can take a pounding. It is stiff with seat stragiht stays so you feel the vibration.

[loki_racer]

Thanks for the feedback.

What about a Cannondale Flash 29er 3?

Anyone have an preference?