Spartan is high on the list as well and another board member has already made some positive comments on the bike.
I've been on Spartan for 6 months now. Carbon frame, parts from my last bike; X01, and 36 Float at 160mm. This bike rips! Best bike I've ever ridden. I thought I wanted a longer top tube, but I think maybe the trend is going too far because I love this thing. That said, they're not as long as many new 160mm bikes. I'll ride everything on the Spartan from all-day xc to anything outside of Whistler bike park.
Also impressed with the Monarch Debonaire whateveritscalled. Way better than the Float X on my last bike. Way better. From the factory it resists bottoming nicely (I didn't need to shim down the volume for first time ever), climbs like a friggin goat on steep/tech climbs, feels smooth, and is fairly lively and playful while still being able to plow. I'm not sure how this bike climbs as well as it does while still crushing the descents, its just does.
Poster above who heard it brake jacks/squats: Nope, it feels fine. Not as plush tech braking as some Horst (Knolly, etc), but not as firm as single pivot. I'm not a fan of VPPish bikes, and this suspension feels nicely consistent and neutral, if that's your thing.
I'm in low/slack with 175mm cranks. Yeah, you need to learn to time your pedals, I get an occasional smack but I personally don't want it any higher.
Downsides: paint scratches, as it seems to on all carbon bikes. I put frame protector tape on after a couple rides. Press fit BB. Water bottle mount would be nice. Was hard to find a QR seat binder (37.0mm, found a 36.9 that works). Small complaints, really.
TLDR: I wholeheartedly recommend this bike for aggressive do-everything type riders if you're OK with the sizing.
-- Founder of Abit Gear MTB shorts --