Those look good. Keep us updated on how they ride and hold up.

+ I've ordered custom paint (blue-purple chameleon) for $120

Make sure you post pics. Let's see that chameleon paint in the sun!

No tariffs on my 936 and it was over $800.

@RobertRinAustin
Thanks for the details

I too really like the SPUR, would be the bike Id get but I just dont want to spend 5K+ on another bike. I have tons of parts for the build from my many bikes over the year and can build the FM936 for <2K, the wife will be happy.

I have not ridden a SPUR actually but from what I read its the one to get (although that new Scott Spark looks ridiculous), have you ridden one? How does it compare? I am guessing its much more progressive and stiff feeling bike but not much else, geometry is not too far off and could be tweaked with an angle adjusting headset
https://linkagedesign.blogspot.com/2021/03/transition-spur-29-2020.html

I've not ridden the Spur but might demo one next week when I'm in Colorado. Not sure what I'd do if I feel in love with the Spur.

Hey guys and girls,
Will a 148-180-20-M12-P1.5 axle fit?
Cheers

Not sure if anyone ever answered this, but I just checked my stock axle, 180mm M12*P1.5*L16.5. Yours has a few mm longer thread, but shouldn't be an issue.

Can someone that has experience riding the FM936 talk about the rear suspension a bit?
Is the anti-squat high?
Is an MM tune shock ok for it?
How does it compare to other bikes you have ridden of similar travel?
Thanks!

I moved from an Evil Following MB (120/130) to the 936.  Following was my first FS with modern geo. The 936 has a 42.5 shock which probably has around 115mm of travel with the flex stays with a 120 Sid on the front.

Following is an amazing bike, very lively and poppy and rarely upset. I never had a harsh bottom out, though it occasionally did. It felt like a light weight enduro bike on most everything but the rowdiest of descents, difference was speed compared to actual enduro. Never felt limited by the 120 mm rear. Climbed ok, but nothing special. Front end got light on steeper technical climbs. My GX build large MB weighed about 30 lbs.

I wanted something lighter and a better climber, but still capable on the downs. Was really interested in a Spur, but couldn't find one. Built up a 936 figuring if I don't like it, I'll swap out the frame for a Spur. My large built up to about 25 lbs without going complete weight wennie. The 936 feels much more lively, responsive and of course quicker. Strava time was about 5% quicker on the 936 the first time I rode it, quicker now.

If the Following was a mini enduro, the 936 is a maxi XC, trophy truck to rally car. The suspension isn't up to the DW Delta Link, but I didn't expect it to be. Baby heads are ok, but it doesn't tame the bigger stuff like the Following. On the climbs, it blows away the Following, actually climbing so well I got rid of my old hardtail. Suspension moves a little on climbs, but never feels like it's sucking energy. I've never touched the lockout.

Headed to Colorado next weekend and will run the 936 a little harder on extended descents that I rode the Following on for a better idea of how they compare, but doubt it will change any of the above much. I may even be surprised how well the 936 does.

Got to ride the updated Following with steeper STA and slightly slacker HTA. Bike buddy bought it because he loved riding mine. Definitely climbs better, but still wouldn't swap for the 936. Funny thing is now the same buddy wants to build a 936 to do marathon races on. He's a long retired semi-pro road racer and really likes how efficient my 936 feels FWIW. He's trying to decide between the 936 and 909.

Seems like the S3 has a much better suspension design than the FM936.

Attached is the leverage curve sent by Adam at Carbonda and the S3 (thanks Julian)

As you can see the S3 is progressive to linear, similar to most modern XC bikes designed for an air shock

The FM936 has a really pronounced falling rate in the end of travel, this would mean it has very little bottom out resistance. Almost no bikes are designed like this today. We want a rising rate.

I have been looking at these bikes for my next downcountry bike but seems the S3 is a better choice for anyone who will bottom it out. Too bad its heavier than the FM936 by more than 400grs (comparing the SL version)

FWIW, I never bottom out my 936 unless I hit a really big drop or jump so no issues for me.

Ican S3, FM936 and the FM909 are the only frames I'm aware of that are short travel with a slacker front end. All 3 have steeper seat tube angles than the Spec, but for me that's a plus.