Im looking to build up a new a bike for next year while prices are cheap. Im 6'3" and 190lbs and want a stiff light frame. I was a competitive 3 this season and plan on racing 2s next year. Based on size its down to the salsa chili con crosso (57), yeti arc-x (XL) and kona major jake (60). Im leaning to the kona because of the steeper angles but looking for comparisons between the frames attributes in order of importance are stiffness, handling, weight then comfort. planned build is with an alpha Q fork and sram rival 1x10 with da/reflex tubies so i dont care about specs as i will buy frame only. thanks

I've ridden the Kona and the Salsa. Not a ton of time on either, certainly no race time. I liked the Salsa's handling better--it felt more confident and comfortable to me. Stable, but not slow. Stiffness, in my limited experience, is pretty comparable between the two. Weight? The Salsa I rode had a lighter build than the Jake, so it's hard to say. I think the Salsa is probably a lighter frame though.

I don't know anything about the Yeti. Have you considered the Santa Cruz Stigmata? That's another nice frame.

Also, do you already have the Alpha Q fork? The Chili Con Crosso is now available with the AlphaQ CX20 fork painted to match for just a little over a grand for the frameset. That's a hot deal, atmo. Hard to pass up.