You need to get testing Stan. I was convinced the Whyte (M109s) was going to be the one for me but it didn’t quite feel right, probably sizing issues but I wasn’t 100% comfortable, whereas the spearfish just felt like I’d always ridden it.
Oh, and in answer to the OP – asr5’s are great bikes. I’ve had an alu one for 4 years, ridden it in races, the alps, messing around – all good. It does need to be pushed as has been mentioned, but this just encourages you to ride faster and smile more.