Also been lurking a while and was considering ordering a frame to build up using parts off my hardtail. Then the Vitus came up for sale and did the maths meaning it made more sense to buy the Vitus.
Only ridden around the block but impressed and feels like an enduro bike position. The large I ordered was 12.7kg as it arrived with tubes and the included padals. I then fitted my Hunt xc race rims and tubeless tyres taking that down to 12.03kg. Could change the cockpit, cassette, crank and fit a race day damper for less weight. Sort of wish I went with the xt build over the slx/deore I have now but some bits will get upgraded for lighter versions as they wear out.
Need a light dropper post, change the lockout to a TwistLoc and have fantasies about a sid 35 ultimate but think it'd invalidate the Vitus warranty.
At least these bikes are available right now. I was originally looking for a Specialized Epic Evo or Transition Spur--but nobody had any bikes or frames in stock. Now I actually feel fortunate that I missed out on those and came across this long thread. This is a much better deal for a short travel trail bike with this type of geometry. At this point, having the choice to actually get my hands on a full bike before 2022, or to be able to purchase the frame so inexpensively and customize it to my taste is a fantastic turn of events.