Here's my new ride. Size large with the 120mm rear link. I slowly purchased parts over a period of about six months as I saw them pop up on sale or on local classifieds. The color ended up being a darker blue than I was hoping for, but I've grown to really like it. It looks black in low light and photos, but up close or in the sun the blue peeks through. I appreciate everyone's experience and shared knowledge, it really helped me with my build.
I've been riding this for a couple of months now and have been really happy with it. The bike shop weighed it at around 26 lbs. Could I have saved a little weight...yep. I could have gone with a shorter or non-dropper seat post (currently running a 210mm OneUp) . I could have built up a lighter wheelset, used shorter bars, etc. etc. My focus with the build was to create a light duty trail bike rather than a XC bike, so I'm happy with how it turned out. It's a nice compliment to my longer travel trail bike. The only thing that I plan on updating is the rear suspension. I purchased a used shock before the 120mm link came out, so I'm currently running a 42.5mm shock. When I do my next shock tune-up I'll change it out to 45mm. I also found a 130mm fork with the intention to decrease travel to 120mm, but so far I like it at 130mm and will probably keep it there.
I'm using a Lyne Components Holy Rail to hold two water bottles. I can fit a small and large water bottle in the frame; there's just not quite enough clearance for two large water bottles. The Holy Rail has been great, I'd highly recommend it if you're looking to get a couple of bottles on the frame.
All in all, I like my positioning on the bike, it's comfortable for long stretches of climbing in the saddle. It's also pretty quick on the climbs, I've been setting numerous PR's on trails I've ridden for years. I'm not smashing my old times by any means, but I may be a minute or so faster on a 20-minute climb. Key for me is that I feel like I have more energy in reserve when I get to the top of the climb. It's also a different feeling on the down than my longer travel bike, where I usually just point and smash. Coming down on this bike it's more of a dance, trying to avoid the worst of the rocks/roots/etc., but it's light and easy to throw around. It can handle some rougher stuff, I just have to pay closer attention and take it a little slower. My times coming down on smoother, flowy trails are actually a little faster than my long travel bike. On chunky, more technical terrain my long travel bike no question is faster and more plush coming down. I'm comfortable taking it off jumps or drops of a couple of feet...anything more and I physically wince. Maybe the frame can handle it, but I'm not comfortable pushing it.
Overall, I'm really happy with the bike.
