I would lean towards the GT...
If he's looking for a good FS XC bike, he should also check out the Jamis Dakar or Dakar Sport. The Dakar Sport is well designed and comes with Disc Brakes for $800. Also, check out the Ironhorse Hollowpoint. IIRC, there is one that is not too much more than these other bikes.
but he should try them out himself. I hear that particular KHS bike is kind of a pig.trevor_2k said:
If he's looking for a good FS XC bike, he should also check out the Jamis Dakar or Dakar Sport. The Dakar Sport is well designed and comes with Disc Brakes for $800. Also, check out the Ironhorse Hollowpoint. IIRC, there is one that is not too much more than these other bikes.