andrewl said:Ditch those short travel hardtails and get onto a Turner 5 Spot (or Spot) as I've said many times before if I was only allowed to have one bike this would be it, as it just does everything so well from all day epics, really technical climbs and descents and even XC racing (I've even won racing on mine!!).
Once you've ridden a great dual suspension bike you won't go back (other than the retro stuff).
You must have good legs. BTW: I tried dual sussers (Frm, Santa Cruz, Cycletech, Cannondale) and I did go back. Nothing beats titanium, but evryone had his cup of tea...