How does this frame perform as an XC race bike?
Im particularly interested to hear how it climbs on really steep climbs. I would fit a lockout front and rear but I can figure out form the Geometry chart if the front wheel will be more likely to lift up and loose traction because of the long reach and slack head angle, or if the bike will be more planted on climbs than most XC bikes due to the really steep seat angle which might place your body weight further forward relative to the BB than a more traditional XC geometry would. currently riding an A036 , saddle slammed forward. That bike has never felt good to me.

I was also considering the FM258-B-SL which is the Scott Spark copy and weighs under 2kg in size Large. But it doesn't take a Trunnion shock and isn't available until the end of January. I need to buy a new shock anyway so figure it makes more sense to buy a trunnion shock that i will be able to use in the next frame in 5 years time. My current Monarch XX shock leaks hydraulic lockout fluid at the shock so i cant lock it.

Balls,

Seems neither fox or rockshox make a remote operated shock available after market in a 165x40 ( that i can find for sale).

Would love to know what remote operated shocks others here are using!

I can find a fox DPS in 165x38 or 165x45. Rockshox are being twatts and only provinding their remote operated 165x40 shocks to bike manufacturers as OEM and cant even tell me which brands use that size shock so i cant even order a "replacement" though one of them.

300psi ?
Is this correct for your shock...seems awfull lot for your weight.
Sag should be between 25 - 30%>>>so check it please. Could also explain the bouncy ride...also rebound could be off.

Good luck

On the upside, you now have all the knowledge on just about everything to look for on this frame (not too much IMO) when you get it so it should be trouble-free for quite a while for you.   

Coincidentally, I did the first ride on mine just over 8 months ago.  Have a 1000 miles on it so far (ride 3 other bikes as well) and the only issue I've really encountered was that lower pivot pin being about 2-3mm over spec.  I has some pretty rough miles on it and still looks like new - some of the other parts not so much.

I would try to push and pull a cable or a hose from the back in the chainstay in various directions to maybe catch a debris stuck there.

I would try flushing the frame out with water, if you’re able to. Like, a lot of strongly flowing water. Shaken up inside the frame if possible.