Maybe a bit leftfield(?), but I’d suggest a Devinci Atlas. I’m a serial bike swapper and have had a few FS 29ers (inc. Camber Alu & carbon, and a Tallboy LTc, oh, and a Superlight, which has same geometry as Tallboy ‘xc’). Out of all that lot, my Atlas is the definite keeper; it has shorter chainstays than most 29 FS’s, and it’s the most 26er-like FS 29er I’ve ridden – it’s got a really fun feel to the ride and loves to pop off stuff. Took the Atlas to Dalby in the week and, crikey, I thought my TB LT was quick round there, but the Atlas was in a different league. The rear suspension feels more pedal friendly than the FSR or VPP2, and I’ve not had to use the lockout, even on long Tarmac climbs.
The Atlas’s have 110mm rear travel and will take anything from 100mm to 140mm fork. I’m currently running a 140mm fork, and previously had a 120mm on there – both OK, but reckon 130mm would be absolutely perfect. One of the nice things with Devinci is that they offer a lifetime warranty on both their carbon and aluminium frames, which I believe is transferable between owners! The Devinci website is worth checking out if you’re interested, because the manufacturing stuff is very impressive – tbh, I think their bearings are better than SC’s….and on another planet to the cheap c*** bearings that Specialized use.
