The bars are 38mm rise, glad I went the bigger rise as the top tube is quite high and the levers only just clear! Feels dialled now with shorter stem as well at 50mm. Cant wait to ride!

 Yes, it should be easier to pull and maneuver around. I feel the flat bars are fun but harder to pull up for jumps! The riser sure helps. 38mm sounds like pure bliss!

 I think so. I'm liking the nuke proof bits. Also like the look of the Mega AM.. but that's a whole other bike!

 Looks like new rubber too! Did you taco the front wheel?

 No.. the old xt's were popping spokes all over the place so felt it time for a new front end. This be new old rubber.. an old minion sitting in the shed for yonks.. rubber gone hard! Swapped out for a Specialized Butcher 2.3".. save a bit of weight from the minion. Is a heavier bike now with the beefier bits.. but much better handling!

 I morally support your excellent purchases.

 Thank you kind sir