I would love to try a Dos Niner! Also, Salsa just unveiled a new short-travel FS 29er at Interbike. It's called the Spearfish and has ~3" of travel.
They developed that bike after the Dakota-50. Friends of ours organize that race. They're really stoked about that bike. A few of them will be available here at the LBS. They're expected to sell out very quickly.
Deb
2016 Kona Rove ST (M/L 54) WTB Volt
Camp Stove Green Surly Karate Monkey (M) WTB Volt
Kona Dew Deluxe (54cm) Brooks B67-S