Al-Zeimer

@Vinnie1213: Based on a few outings, weight is not an issue for climbing. The bike seems to ride high and there is plenty of weight on the front wheel. I do wish the GX version had stickier tires though, especially considering the core of the customer base lives in the Pacific NW. I do have to adapt to the length for manualing, and hopping. It's going to take me some time to be comfortable in this respect. Other than that, great ride.

I also went with the Sentinel (size L) based on the factors you list, on price (GX version below $4000) and also on preference for buying from a local maker (I'm in Washington state). The Rallon was tempting, but too pricey and there are no local dealers. The Pole was very tempting but again getting local support is an issue and I hear that there are issues with the pivots. I have now ridden the Sentinel on a few local outings outside Seattle. IMO, it climbs much better than the Wreckoning and the SB 5.5c. That truly surprised me. It's about on par with the Hightower. In spite of its weight, I am confident it will be a great bike for all day back country adventures on gnarly trails. It turns like a much shorter bike, and it feels incredibly planted. However, I'm probably going to have to spend the winter relearning how to manual: it is a big bike, and so far I can barely lift the front wheel. It's fast.