Yes, you will need a board.
If you’re going for a towbar anyway get a ride on carrier, the top tube support ones scratch bikes all the time particularly with suspension bikes.
Thule do a 3 bike ride on for about £100 at Halfords I believe.

Couldn’t say what the Zesty’s like, but I have an ’08 EX8 and it’s superb. I’ve just fitted QR15 lowers to the forks and that’s made it even better, if LBS will swap before you buy I’d highly recommend the upgrade.

Only way to really tell is to try both, off-road if possible.

It’s reassuring, well to me at least, that others feel the same sometimes. just had a fortnight with no inclination what so ever to ride, snow really doesn’t inspire me to ride.

However, went out yesterday local trails had a ball. Can’t wait to go out tomorrow, working today and not feeling like that at all.

Ride when it feels good 😀

You can get a little adaptor for Shrader to Presta or get a tyre inflator with Presta connection LBS has one so must be available.

I’ve had my Float 32’s for a year, no problems, no wear, just changed the lowers to QR15 and when I drained the oil it looked fine for a years worth of wet riding in the glorious British sunshine 😉

QR15 certainly adds some stiffness without much weight, loving it.

Definite 1 for me. Just over 2nd bout of man flu this season, but good job little chance of losing it, healthy and no debt.
I hope those that are suffering get out of it quickly, been there muffin man, wouldn’t wish it on anybody, looking positive tho.