enter

7ducati, I preferred something else than Shimano too.
And went for these http://www.hopetech.com/product/race-e4/ instead

With a front 183mm rotor in front, and a rear 160mm

May be the 4 pistons are overkill for an XC bike, but they are very light.
They provide plenty of stopping power while needed, and are very modulable.

And since I messed up while mounting them, I know they are very easy to bleed.

the hopes get good reviews but at almost 3x the price of XT they should.   No doubt nice looking brakes.

some final pictures..

Nice looking build.  Seat stays look so thin makes me nervous.   Can you update us with a ride review?
thanks

after numerous thumb sprains on my left hand I went to grip shift because it was easier.  I actually got used to it very quickly and had no issues with it.  That was the nine speed carbon XO series and I used it 3x and 2x with bash.  never had a failure. Shifts were crisp.  The early versions had numerous clicks on the front derailleur so you could actually trim it a little if you had to.  the newer versions had 3 click definite detentes.  But when I went to 2x10 it seemed that the FD throws were easier than I remembered and I went back to triggers.  Now with XX1 of course its not an issue at all.  I did try the gripshift xx1 but found the detentes a little soft and people commented on missed shifts.  I kind of miss the grips and the ability to grab a handful of gears really fast.   I think the triggers with integrated brake levers like ispec make for a much tidier and adjustable handlebar.  and its easier to fit in dropper remotes etc.   

Peter
Other than just copying the S design what are the advantages of the new design.  Lighter, stronger?    Do you have any testing to show the difference.  I wonder if the extended round side profile is more prone to rock strikes?

From what I saw, your link was only for the light, not the battery, charger, or accessories.  I have seen lots websites selling the CREE LED lights for $25 but they were only the light itself, nothing else.

I'm not sure which link you were referring to but the ones I have looked at in that price range have included the battery and headband...more or less the same as the magic shine kit I bought.  I bought mine when geoman was still around and he provided the better battery.   Whether that battery is worth the premium its hard to tell but there were several stories about the cheaper batteries.  However my friends that are running the cheapos are pretty happy. 

I bought a pair of the Magic Shine and they have been great.  My friends have recently bought these at a much cheaper price and they appear to be about the same thing and they are impressed.   I have bought other items from Deal Extreme with no complaints.  http://www.dx.com/p/marsing-cree-xm-l-u2-1000lm-3-mode-cool-white-bike-light-headlamp-black-4-x-18650-312446#.VDId7GddU4l

I was just quoted $560 for the 256 from Peter.

I have seen some reviews on the IP 033, FR-211 and the LTK-023 which appear to be the same frame.  I see the differences in geo and wonder how this rides in comparison to the 057.   On ebay the fr211 is quite a bit cheaper.   Anybody have any experience on these frames?