I'm shooting for a moderate weight and budget using a combination of new, used, and NOS parts. So far I've got a 2018 Fox Factory 34 coming (I'll have to adjust the travel to 120 mm), as well as the same ebay Fox DPS 165 x 42.5 shock that lots of others are using. I also just ordered BTLOS M-i29A rims. Over the next several weeks I'll search out hubs, drivetrain and brakes. Thinking of going Shimano XT 11 speed for discount prices.

What's the minimum steerer tube length that will work with this frame? I have a good deal on a Fox Factory 34, but the steerer tube is only 6".

Edit: I should add that I ordered a large with the 120 mm head tube.

Does anyone have the stack height of the headset included with the frame? Is it a zero stack?

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.

However, while tightening the hardware using a torque wrench, I stripped out the head of Torx screw for the rocker pivot.  I'm sure it was partly my technique, but perhaps the screw wasn't the highest quality.

...That just shouldn't happen.