Salsa El Mariachi vs. Jamis Dragon Race

[myhuffyrox]

So, i've been getting around for a few years now on an old steel Giant i converted to SS. It's done the job fine, but as the years have gone on, and friends have upgraded their bikes, i've stayed in the past. I've since moved to a town in The Otways, not far from Forrest, so it's time i buy a real machine.

I have my heart set on steel. No compromise there. And i want a 29er, as i'm 6'1 and not particularly slim. I was just about to put a payment down on a 2011 Salsa El Mariachi, it's a great looking bike, and at $2650 the components seem really good bang for buck. I then went to my local Anaconda Store and got a look at the latest Jamis Dragon Race. For the same price it seems i can get slightly better components from a bike brand with a bigger, more reputable history (Jamis). I'd love to be a 'Salsa Rider', but the Jamis seems to make more sense.

So, my questions are: is all steel equal? Should i support the little guy (Salsa)? And will somebody please tell me which way to go, Shimano or SRAM? I've been riding SS for 7 years now and don't know the first thing about gears.

[Nobody]

For others who want to comment, below are the details:
http://salsacycles.com/bikes/el_mariachi/
http://www.jamisbikes.com/canada/thebik ... 9race.html

Customer reviews for El Mariachi:
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/29er/sals ... 48crx.aspx

Can't find much on the Dragon 29.

If possible (unlikely) ride both first.