And no, it’s no-where near my dangly bits, just ask yourself how often you hit yours on your top-tube? And how often at the back of the top-tube?
Really? Just me that suffers from that then… Nice to meet you by the way, the name’s Dirk, Dirk Diggler 😉
Seriously though, odd/different/unique (I’m trying to be polite!) as the frame looks, the shock placement isn’t going to be an issue to an XC racer in the slightest. Sure it would annoy the hell out of us mere mortals, but a 10 stone stick insect in lycra isn’t going to so much as come within 6 inches of that shock, in any direction. FWIW, my mate has just taken delivery of one of these too (as he too is now sponsored by them), and though I’ve not seen it in the flesh, I’ve taken delight in giving him a good ribbing about it in advance… Mainly not due to the looks (hey, I ride a Maverick, if ever there was a bike that polarised people’s opinions on looks it’s mine!), but due to the fact that they had a very poor reputation for snappage not long ago, and well, he can kill ANY bike, and they’ve given him an uber light carbon fibre full sus frame! That said, it’ll probably last longer than every other bike he’s had for years whilst also helping him on the way to a number of PB’s and getting him noticed by a more reputable bike manufacturer for sponsorship… 😆
At least it doesn’t have a ridiculous Time Trial bike seat mast on it though…
Oh, and word to the wise, the guys round here aren’t impressed by anything any more, certainly not a full sus XC bike, it’s just not niche enough! (not that I give two hoots myself mind)
Good luck this season whichever bike you ride!