Isospeed is a real advantage, & you cant find it in any other hardtail family;its a great bike for someone whos just getting intoserious racing you get high-end XC parts on an incredible frame with enough cash left over for entry fees;the sleek internal cable routing gives you clean looks & protects your cables;theres nothing as sweet as a silent ride: the clutch rear derailleur prevents chain slap, even in the rough;