The problems with the Miracle/haidelai/tideace frames are well documented on this forum. Stay the fuck away from those or any of their clones. Generally there's a rule here that if they look like the same product (same geo/looks/etc) despite whoever is selling it they're probably the same product. I believe there is a BXT version out there with less issues. To be perfectly honest the VPP frames have ranked pretty low on our forum feedback compared to other options like Carbonda or lightbicycle.

Personally, I'd go for the 2.6 tire clearance in something that's a 120mm hardtail!

It's not *that* weird for a DH bike from when these molds were created. Maybe a bit on the short side for a large, but this is pretty "normal" for like, a 2016 DH bike - recall these had been around for a number of years as the Evolve Sky Pilot, and geo is offset a few years on open mold chinese bikes.

Part of the issue is because of the super slack head angles combined with long axle-to-crown length forks, seat angles, and long wheel bases, reach is no longer the helpful size summary we treat it as on trail bikes. You're much better looking at numbers like effective top tube, wheelbase, and rear centre to figure out how a DH bike might fit/ride on paper. That said, the thing is still small when you look at those numbers.

For example, the Norco Aurum HSP which was fairly cutting edge when it was released in 2019 sported a 465/473mm reach in its largest size (dubbed an L/XL). Recently, DH bikes have gotten much longer - but this trend has only occurred with the current resurgence of DH investment and tech. 

So this is probably "fine" for someone looking for a decently competent DH Bike to this day, but probably only for someone up to 5' 9" or so. Consider their sizing as 'small' and 'medium' now, rather than medium and large.

I'd go for the 1002 if it were your only bike. Both bikes will climb well with the new modern body position. Real climbing differences will moreso come down to the spec choices on each, especially the tires.

That's the normal experience on the super modern fit, a kind of small effective top tube in the seated position. You get the full reach/length/wheelbase when you stand up. You can go a size up, but personally I'd rather deal with a tigher seated position.

Haha fair play Stef. I don't want to get bogged down on the material! You could also ride the original 831 without any fix - but there was risk!

Good luck to all early adopters of this one and may God have mercy on your souls