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Well, the 'weapons of choice' bike is still going strong and my confidence is getting back to 1999 levels after committing to go hardtail only.
The weapon of choice in question - Giant's 29" wheeled Composite 3 XTC hartail is the lowest model of three carbon bikes designed to take a 4" travel fork; yet what this entry level model may lack in the mountainbike equivalent of climate control and tinted rear windows in no way diminishes its excellence as an all-round ride.
My initial gripes about the Sram X7 shifters have proved unfounded, for though not as smooth as the Shimano XT I'm used to, have proved utterly flawless, performing supremely at the Cannock winter Classic where endless constant gear changes were necessary to spur the niner over the rooty, technical terrain.
You could argue that the wheels are a little heavy for a carbon 'race' bike, but the sheer speed 29" hoops generate when moving soon negates any concern when on the trail. The Schwalbe Racing Ralphs are also outstanding in their 29" format, giving a beyond-flawless grip in the Peaks, keeping pace effortlessly with machines equipped with tyres of motocross style immensity (despite being mocked as summer tyres!)and only missed a beat three times while climbing gloop in the technical wonderland of Ambergate.
Breaking (provided by Avid Elixir 1s) can only be described as 'functional' and a move to Deore discs will soon take place, but as a Cross riding friend pointed out, real speed comes from not using them! Nut!
The Truvativ big ring is surprisingly well worn after five months of cranking out the miles, but with such effortless climbing capability you're lured to stick in the big ring of the double chainset far too often. The rear hub has also suffered, but if you're going to sell you're 5" travel trail bike and ride everything - however gnarly - on a stock hardtail, half an hour with the cone spanners is no big price to pay.
Overall, for a bike which cost me a smidge over a grand in a sale it is by far the best cycling purchase I've ever made. To the untrained eye, the XTC may look like a full on Jey-boy racer, but when you're in the saddle it gives that magical blend of effortless elegance and steam-roller indestructibility, lapping up rocky descents and woodland singletrack with unbelievable ease.
I was ambivalent towards 29ers until I rode one - and I'm glad I chose the one I did to ride. Giant - packing the power and size that they do - have done their R and D and have created a light yet burly cycle able to out-climb road cyclists in the white peak (asseeeeedddddd!!!)and hang on to the tail of 160mm travel enduro bikes in the most technical madness Derbyshire has to offer. If I had the money, I'd buy every 29er nay-sayer an XTC.
You'll just have to ensure you have the skill to ride one 🙂