Anybody drill out their 56/57 frame to run the full derailleur housing?
I know it is not needed but less exposed wire, even inside the frame, is better.
I am pretty sure I have read where it has been done but wanted to bring it up over here.

Over a year ago, I was set with Carbonal to get the Gaea or Orion...then the 56/57 with 142 dropout came out and I switched to that.
They haven't offered much in the 29" size(same frames from over a year) - more they look to be into the 27.5 size - if I were to go with that size I would go with Carbonal's Venture.
I guess, mainly, people are looking for the newest thing - 142 dropout or superlight frame(256)

On a 29" it is under 435-440mm
I don't know - wasted my time reading this thread:  http://forums.mtbr.com/29er-bikes/long-vs-short-chainstays-784542.html
some say they can tell others not
Summary:  short chainstays are associated with a more nimble bike(makes some sense...bike is shorter) that climbs better(this is a toss up to me) vs. long is more stable at speed(makes sense to me....more bike)
Ultimately, the sum of the total bike and not any one part.

good stuff on becoming a mountain biker

Otherwise, you sure are handy....building your bike in a day.  Good on ya.

FORMULA MEGA brake deal
http://www.merlincycles.com/formula-mega-front-rear-disc-brake-set-inc-rotors-71991.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MTB+07+July+-+Newsletter-2014-07-10+15%3A00%3A00&emst=MD11FiAami_4480_997257_17

Code: FORMULA-MEGA
The MEGA uses a beefed up version of our 2 pcs caliper, but with 24mm diameter caliper pistons. Lots of power and an amazing value, this brake is the perfect brake if you want the performance of our high-end DH brakes at an entry level cost.

Features:

Radial master cylinder.
Patent-pending high capacity, integrated reservoir.
Removable handlebar clamp.
Flip-flop master cylinder assembly.
2-piece off-set caliper body. 24mm caliper pistons.
Bottom vented caliper pistons and top vented caliper body for fast heat dissipation.
Top mounting pads for quick pad changes.
Post mount style w/adapters
Supplied with 180mm rotors front and rear, 6 bolt fitting
Supplied ready bled, ready to fit
180mm post mount front, 180mm IS mount rear. Will fit other mounts wit the correct bracket

most of us have 056/57 frames that didn't have the direct mount.
not many 256 frame owners yet - does it look clean without it?

Yeah, XX1 is the standard(so to speak)...when looking at costs though...but more what you are doing and where you ride...you could get a high end drive train and high end brakes(or other upgrade) for the price.
All comes back to how much one wants to spend...the IP-256 paired with XT components....will be a very nice bike, solid and ridable.  XT level is great all around but not light.  That bike though would be....say 5000 to 6000 at XT level by majors?
I guess I am amazed at everybody's bike build and choices...I tend to look from a racing perspective while others for work and different...the chiner world is such a great place to express and such.