i can now confirm that it’s a stonking bike.
I was a little concerned that the shock has no pro-pedal lever/adjustment, but even my poorly co-ordinated stomping on the pedals didn’t induce any significant bob. Clever pivot placement i guess?
Handling wise, i’d describe it as reassuringly neutral. The chainstays are longer than is fashionable (460mm), but it really isn’t a problem – at all. The headangle is a little steeper than is fashionable, but not enough to cause any problems, and it’s a very well mannered climber (no floppy steering round tight, slow, uphill hairpins) – i’d call it a successful compromise.
(other things: the BB height, and TT length, and seat angle, and etc. all seem ‘about right’ – not too low/high/long/short)
The wheels seem a bit weighty, but i clumsily spangled the rear into a big rock without bending/denting anything, so they’re not without merit.
anyone want to buy a wtb saddle? – used once…