freeform5spot, you're doing the same as me. I have a Trek Remedy but just fancied a change to hardtail. Downhill, so far, it seems very sure-footed and with the saddle down it really hugs the corners, I think the lower bb height compared to the Remedy helps this too. I live close to Aston Hill and once my shoulder has healed a bit more I'll take it for a spin down their trails. Uphill is fine too and not a big effort as I've read they can be. Also, as far as forks go, I highly recommend the Lyrik U-Turns, they were just so right as soon as I plumbed them in. Hope you enjoy yours when it gets here!