Gave the bike a serious shake down at my local mountain bike park yesterday.
Mostly good things to report but there are some things I need to address on this bike.
Firstly, the ground clearance is not great. I had a couple of strikes on obstacles I normally roll over without an issue on my 2019 Stumpjumper. That being said the plastic bash plate held up which surprised me as the hits were quite hard. Secondly, I don't think the bike is slack enough. I found a few of my normal drop off's a little dicey a felt I was close going over the bars.
On a positive note, the frame is stiff and the suspension works really well whether you are bombing it down hill or climbing a steep assent.
I should have stayed with my gut feeling and gone with a 29er fork and 29er front wheel. Test fitted a 150mm 29er fork and wheel and i have to say, the bike felt much better. Lifted the ground clearance from 260mm to 280mm and slackened off the bike by a degree or 2.
I think I will actually go a 160mm 29er fork now that I understand the bike better. Anyway, a few shots with the 29er setup upfront. I really like the look and think it gives the bike a more aggressive stance.