Took my inaugural ride on beautiful Artemis tonight (1 hr, 15 minutes of packed double track through a beautful deep wooded park), and it was most excellent! The rear shock is so, so sweet! I love it. I just didn't feel bumps! Of course, this was a smooth trail; I am sure a rocky, rooty single track will not feel this way, but I've ridden this trail on my hardtail, and this felt ever so much better! And she shifted and braked like a dream (I have to be careful with that front brake - it is fierce!) I could definitely feel the lighter weight and kept up with my stronger friend much better - still need more endurance for the long climbs, but I powered up the short, steep ones really well and did great on the rollers. No saddle pain whatsoever. Just a perfect ride on a lovely new bike. I am hooked!

Emily