hi hrgb – not really sure if i can help re demo (although if you are near High Wycombe you are more than welcome to come have a sit on my large Habit SE) – but i can sing the praises of the bike. I too was ‘faffing around’ for ages trying to decide on a short(ish) travel XC/Trail bike – fancied the Habit SE, read many of the fantastic reviews that it had received, and took the the plunge on a 2016 SE model.
I am not disappointed at all – as a serial bike changer, i was after the unicorn bike – good for local XC, good for the odd trip to wales, good for Swinley and Trail Centres – a ‘one bike fits all’ Full Sus to compliment the 29er HT winter bike.
The SE is light, handles really well, climbs like a goat, has way more ability downhill than the rider could ever throw at it, is a great colour, nice components, Lefty fork is awesome and ticks all the boxes that i was after. Its pretty stretched out which suits me fine. Dont really need to upgrade anything atm.
So over all, i would recommend it.