I've only got the one short ride on it, plus the couple of demo rides from 3 months ago. It definitely takes some getting used to as it is a big change from my other bike, which is a 2012 Santa Cruz Tallboy. That's the OG version with 100/120 and 71 degree HTA. That bike is light and nimble and easy to throw around on the trail. It could be a little sketchy on rough or steep downhills.
This new bike is a lot longer, 2lbs heavier, and the geo is drastically different. Not to mention the wide ass bars. So I'm still getting used to it and learning how to ride it. Seems like I'll need to be a little more aggressive with how I corner, but it does feel like it will rip given the correct inputs.
It climbs well, which was important to me. And I could tell immediately that it eats up the rough stuff and downhill. Yesterday I hit a ledge feature a couple of times. It's about a 2 footer and on a downhill. Hucking off that, the landing felt really plush compared to the Tallboy.
Overall I think the fun factor on this bike is going to be way above any bike I've owned before. Hopefully the trails will dry out enough to get in some rides this week.