I’ve got the 2009 Ltd Race. Cracking bike. As you say, there is little else for the money that can touch it in terms of spec – good groupset, decent wheels, good fork, breaks, reasonable finishing kit, etc. The only thing that I felt I needed to change on mine is the stem (my XL came with a ludicrous 120mm EA30 that I swapped for something a little less stretched) and the bars (the EA30 were a bit narrow and have been replaced by Ritchey WCS carbon rizers). I changed the EA30 post for a Thomson because I’m a tart. The ‘Ready for Race’ saddle was a bit of an ar*e shredder at first, but eventually settled down after about 8 months. I think they spec a different, less sadistic one now anyway.
The overtly Euro looks are a bit of an acquired taste – they can look like someone has fired a sticker cannon at them – but the black anodized ones look pretty smart IMO.
Most importantly, it’s a great, involving ride. It’s certainly not what I’d call relaxed and can feel a bit out of its depth on steep rocky stuff – it is a XC hardtail, after all – but it’s seen me through everywhere from the Surrey Hills to the Scottish Highlands. Overall a solid, light, terrifyingly fast bike that I still get a kick out of riding.