I ride a large one. I am 6 foot 250lbs. My only disappointment was the advertised weight and the real weight. But, I wasnt surprised by that. I guess i just had high hopes. Anyway, a pound or two on a bike doesnt make a whole lot off difference for somebody my weight. I didnt really like the aesthetics. The grips, wheels, saddle, and frame all have a cheesy green/white color scheme. But when i replaced the saddle, grips, and wheels, the frame looks great!!!
Now, more importantly, I have about 250-300 miles on the bike currently. I set the bike up 1x10 with chainguide and love the drivetrain. I have probably made only 2 or 3 adjustments to the rear der. and have had no major problems with it or the shifter. The geometry is great for me with a setback post and flat bar. The frame does ride a bit harsh but it is also stiff and efficient. This is hard to overcome on an aluminum ht frame. The brakes work surprisingly well to stop my big butt, and the fork IMO is the best fork for the money. I dont like the remote lockout because i never use it and it clutters up the bar, but i think most people would use it. The fork performs as well as the reba and its fox counterparts and with only a very small weight penalty. Cant really speak much for the wheelset as I only put about 15 miles on them the first day I had it. I replaced with flows/pro 2 and I know they were stiffer, but the stock wheelsets were by no means noodles.
All in all, this bike is hard to beat for the money. If you want a HT 29er for 1300 you wont find a better deal. FWIW I tested the stumpy, EMD, alma, and paragon. It came down to the alma, and the scale, and with nearly a grand price difference it was a no brainer.
