So I've had this Mary for most of the riding season. The riding I've done on it includes long-ish climbs(keep in mind, I'm WI[driftless area though, so we DO have hills]), rocky, slimey, twisty trails and an enduro or two.
The short and simple version: FUN.
But then so is most any bike. The fun on the Mary goes a bit further though. For my riding style(or ability, read that as you will), it dissapears beneath you. As handling goes, this is a good thing. I've not found the bike wandering as I shoot down steep inclines, searching for a line. Very stable in those situations. On more open flowing trails, and as the speed picks up, the Mary is still right there, responding to every input instant, be it at the bars or stomping on the pedals for a blast of speed.
Lofting the bike for aerial manuvers such as the above is easy too. I ride the 20" frame size, and while it is no super light macheen, its right there. As I have it built, it tips the scales at 27lbs. Nothing superfancy. DT Onix/Salsa deltaco's or Pauls/Deltaco disc, XT cranks/BB, Salsa stem/post saddle and my bling, Titec Hellions. Avid BBDB 5's, Avid levers. Time Atac's. Reba @100mm.
The fit of the bike is right on too. 24.9" [I think, correct me if I'm wrong] TT w/a 120mm stem equals a great reach that's still very comfortable. I could go longer on the stem, but I don't see the need to. With the fork at 100mm, it matches pretty well for that 'trail bike' feeling. Speaking of which, with the fork at 100mm, steering is a tad slow on the tightest of trails, but still responsive enough to be pleasurable. On gravity assisted trails, this set up simply rocks. If you're concerned about tight trail, east coast rocky twisty, 80mm or rigid would a great way to set up the bike.
My thoughts on the whole package? For the frame only price of $450ish, it can't be beat. With a dedicated geared version and a single speed version, you have all your bases covered. Get your order in early!