The DW Spot is on it’s way out. TBH I never really fell in love with it, in part because I got a large (on DT’s recommendation) and even with a 50mm stem and flat bars, I could never get the front end low enough. I also think the HA is too steep, and with 160mm Floats the BB is too high – both of which are being addressed with the 2011 version. I’ve got a Mojo HD on order to replace it. I also tried a Transition Covert which was spot-on geometry-wise but I’m not a fan of single-pivot bikes. Mythic Spitfire also looks interesting, as does the Chumba Evo Gen 2, but I’m wary of new untried pivot designs which both these bikes run.
Other full-susses currently owned are a Titus Motolite, an HL 5-Spot, and an Intense Slopestyle. The Motolite is a very similar design and layout to the Helius, but at under 26lbs really flys, and is used for long-distance rides, orienteering events etc. It suffers in a similar way to the Helius in terms of suspension set-up and steep HA, but has it’s place for fast XC-type riding.
The Slopestyle is a very versatile bike – it can be got down to 31lbs and can do a reasonable impression of an XC bike, but at the other extreme at 35lbs and Totems can do uplifts and not-too-technical downhills. The first gen VPP is not as good as DW, giving kick-back in granny ring, but really fires you out of berms, and has a lovely slack HA and low BB, really encouraging you to pop off jumps, drops etc. In a recent outing, it left my mate on his DW Spot for dead on XC-ish riding. The HL Spot is still good fun and has been repainted yellow – I keep it for sentimental reasons as my son’s middle name is Tuner (sad I know)!!