OK. Time for an update!
The build all went without a hitch, except for the dropper cable which took a bit of time. Mechanic was impressed!
19.5" Frame weight approx 2720g, excl shock
Build:
Rock Shox Pike RTC3 Debonair 130mm
Rock Shox Monarch RT3 Debonair 200x51 =135mm
XT M8000 crank, shifter, deraileur. 32T Chainring, 11-42 cassette
SLX M7000 Brakes
KS Lev 150mm Dropper
Chinese Carbon 30mm id wheelset
Whole bike is under 14kg
I'm running the flipchip in the steep position, as most of my riding is XC trail stuff, and very little high speed DH. I tried the slack position and had a lot of pedal strikes in the rooty singletrack we have here.
The suspension is amazing! I am yet to bottom it, and have almost stopped using the pedal position on the shock, mainly running it fully open. Sits high in its travel, and I'm plenty a lot of sag
This thing climbs technical climbs and fireroad climbs like goat on PEDs! and I'm not just saying that - check my Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/2286280767. This was a 70odd kilometre ride with 1200m of climbing, and I was comfortable all the way, even waiting for others.
The bike is long, and high, but then I compare that to my Giant Anthem with a 100mm fork which can't keep air in it
It carries speed on the flats and downhills to the point I have to recalibrate my brain and is definitely fast!
I went with the 130mm fork because most of my riding is actually slow techy stuff, with the occasional fast bit thrown in. I think this thing would be awesome with long legs - 210x57 (155mm) shock and 150/160mm fork. We just don't have the riding to justify it here.
