Finally getting around to updating this post!
As mentioned above, I went with Rhythm Cycles out of Colorado - thanks again to
@JREinMN for the recommendation.
I got the bike about 2 months ago.
Small Banshee Spitfire V3 in raw.
Fox 36 Factory fork
SRAM AXS Eagle drivetrain
Hayes Dominion A4 brakes
Industry 9 Enduro S wheels
Rhythm Cycles was easy to deal with and nailed the build. I upgraded a few things throughout the process, and they were super flexible.
I've got about 120 miles on it through 15 rides or so. I did do a day at the bike park on it, and it rocked. I set bike in 'low' mode for the bike park and have been riding it that way at my local trails, and I am getting way too many pedal strikes even with 165mm cranks (rocky Southern California trails). I'll probably put it back in 'neutral' soon. As expected, I love the bike. I am coming off of a 2013 Intense Tracer 275. The Spitfire doesn't feel like a massive departure from it, but it's definitely better in a few key areas. I'm not much faster on it than my old bike, but I have a few things I am still sorting out to make it feel better. Yesterday, I found that adding pressure to the rear shock and slightly speeding up the rebound made the rear feel more plush and planted. I was running through the stroke too quickly, and my troglodyte brain kept thinking less air would equal a softer ride. Adding air - and therefore support for the shock - was the obvious solution that took me way too long to figure out. I also need to cut the bars down; they're inordinately long for my diminutive stature. I think that's going to help me corner better. So, heading in the right direction, and I'm sure the bike will be even better with some more small tweaks.
One of the photos attached is from New Bike Day; freshly assembled out of the box. The other is the bike finally getting a wash this past weekend. My 3-year-old son - don't let the long hair fool you - likes to wash his bike whenever dad does.
[/QU