I’m thinking of building one up as soon as I find a frame on the bay. Not in any rush..
How does it climb. Based on reviewsi think it will descent exceptionally well. Would you do a 50k xc ride on it?

Had mine 2 years nearly, done a tonne of enduros;local, ews, ukge, mega,local DH races and stuff on it, plus 50 k loops at afan etc
A lockout on the shock helps, I run it 1×10 with a 32 front and 40 expander and it can get me up anything
I’d choose the hardtail for a 50k xc ride, but if there’s some challenging descents then I’ll take the process
It does descend brilliantly, long reach works very well with a tiny stem and wide bars.
Incredibly confidence inspiring, jumps and corners really well
I got basic version to 14kg with lb carbon wheels, slx drivetrain etc
Needed a bearing change this summer, was a bit of a pain but not terrible
Pf bb lasted a year, but xtr replacement seems fine , no creaks or anything
Bad points-
Even with n\w and clutch mech still needed a top guide to stop loosing the chain on rough stuff
Bb is low so 170mm cranks or less
I didn’t rate the monarch rt on mine
Mud clearance at the back is OK, I’ve clogged a few times in very muddy races, but that’s with 35mm rims and 2.4 tyres!
The back end is wide (and very stiff) so watch for heel clearance

It’s a lot of bike, super capable and fun (if there’s the gradient or you lay down some serious horse power).

I replaced my DH bike with a process 153, fitted a -1.5* slackset, does downhill duties in the manner i wanted, stable enough for flat out rough and steep, engaging enough to have fun on UK stuff.

As a trail bike, pfftt, no way.