Dudes. Got to ride it yesterday ( finally ) and within the first 100 yards I knew they hit this bike perfectly. I've worked in the industry for about 5 years now and have time on 29ers from Cannondale, Salsa (which I own), Specialized and Gary Fisher. I can't tell you how spot on the geometry is on this bike. Of course, it's "different" than most offerings out there but I think we are all here on the Transition forum because that's what we want. I have a go fast, racey xc 29er (SS). If I wanted a geared racey go fast 29er, I would have thrown on some spandex and bought me a Flash or Superfly or some other ungodly expensive carbon bike.
Real quick because it's past my bedtime but some quick thoughts:
Definitely go wide bars, short stem on this. I'm running 60mm stem and 711 bars. On a 29er, it makes a world of difference.
Climbs like a friggin' goat.
I'm 5'9" and 30" inseam...pretty average dude. Frame size is a medium and I feel very balanced on the frame. Balance of pedaling efficiency and slay-ability. This bike is so flickable in the corners.
I live in the southeast, mostly ride trails that have short, punchy climbs and tight radius turns with quick descents. Lots of trail in a tiny space. Basically, the southeast is PERFECT for a 29er. Out of the saddle climbing, did not feel like I had to oversteer in the corners ( a common trait with most 29ers I've ridden and have owned )...this bike excelled at everything.
Yes, only one ride on it but I feel I can make a pretty clear judgement based on my experience with several other brands. If you have ANY reservations about being on a 29er, don't. At least not with this bike. I hear people b*tching about 29 vs 26, blah blah blah. You don't have to be some ball huggin', spandex wearing, Hammer Nutrition consuming, heart rate monitoring d-bag to be on a 29er. Granted I do all but one of those things when I'm on my singlespeed ( spandex, helllz no ) I also like to ride the piss out of a hardtail.
Buy this bike. Trust me. Steal is real.