1st ride report... HOLY $#!+ this thing is fast! I just PR'd the trail I often ride by 15 minutes! 8 total Strava pr's.
The trail is a mix of fast twisty hardpack clay, rocky-rooty stuff, killer rocky/boulder section and plenty of climbing. A lot of steep down-up rocky creek crossings. A total of 17 miles which usually takes me about 2:06 on either my Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, or my old carbon Trek hardtail. Both 26". It took me 1:45 today. Now to be fair my fitness is way up right now, been pr-ing my commute to work as well, so it's not just the bike.
I was super comfortable on the .057. The set up was perfect. I didn't even have to tweak the seat position. Bar height and reach were great.
The stability and firmness of the wheels and the thru axels was awesome. The wheels really felt like part of the bike. I thought I would have to get used to the 29" wheels as far as steering but that was not the case. No problem with that. I did feel like the front tire wanted to slide out a couple times but I was hauling ass on dry loose dirt. The tires hooked up great everywhere else.
Shifting was smooth and accurate. 2x10. I might need to change the brake lever position a little, as my hands did cramp a little, but the brakes felt good.
The only thing I may need to change is either the seat or seatpost. It felt a little bouncy if I was sitting while hitting a bump. I couldn't tell if it was the seat or the seatpost flexing. I really think it might be the post. I guess some might think this is a good thing, a little added suspension, but it seemed too bouncy to me. I'll change out the seat first and see how it feels.
KICK ASS BIKE!