Geometry and ease of raising front end, formula brakes much better than 2013 model speced with avids, RS Pike is really that good, stiff frame, converts to tubeless easily with supplied valve cores (also seats with floor pump just fine) etc.

Tires kind of skinny for this type of bike. Fox CTD-whatever shock is only so-so. Damping in "T" position has enough low-speed compression, but doesn't easily blow-off like a high end CCDB/avalanche/push shock. Would like to see more advanced damping given how long fox has been making shocks. FSR suspension is only so-so these days as far as climbing. The steeper the hill, the more it sags with each pedal stroke.

Specialized did a good job of addressing weak areas from 2013: brakes are better, handlebar wider, front fork much better. Bike handles it all amazing. Was just coming down off the mountain a few hours ago carving the bermed turns and thinking about how ridiculously fun it was on this bike. Just sucks up the roots and rocks and keeps going. Sometimes you think you aren't going all that fast, till you come up on someone riding a 26er. This bike can ride in the park/hill with DH bikes or out on a epic just fine. The stock SE is a little heavy and doesn't have a dropper post stock, but some minor changes can make it very livable.

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Generally 29ers with 120mm of travel.