The downtube-burrito is a great idea, it is also a pretty good justification to get the carbon frame :S
Alloy: No hole, no burrito - no sale =)
I don´t really think that a 200g weight penalty is worth that compartment.
On the other hand, NOT having sharp objects like a shock pump or other stuff in your backpack might be a good thing if you crash…
Enduro 26 - short shock extension:
You´re right. I did notice a slightly different feel with the shorter linkage, now that you´re saying it. I wouldn´t be able to pinpoint the exact difference, might after a few more rides.
The 26er Enduro for sure feels quite nervous compared to bigger wheeled bikes of late, but for me it is a LOT of fun. It wheelies and manuals incredibly well. And it is very light and snappy. 12kg with fat tires, dropper, flat pedals, size large. Durable. And with the 65° head angle there´s a lot of wheel in front of you.
Where the 29er Enduro really shines is carrying speed. When I swapped bikes with a buddy last week (he rides the XL Alloy Enduro 29) I overshot most of the jumps, because the bike just didn´t loose speed, fun! Also it didn´t feel super long or unwieldy, even though it had 750mm narrow bars, a 70mm stem and one frame size up from my large 26er. It also felt incredibly secure in steep stuff. Traction is amazing as well. I can only imagine how good that thing rides, when you bling it out with wide carbon bars, a shorter stem, proper tires and dialed suspension. Might be too much bike for most trails.
But I couldn´t go back to a mid-spec alloy bike from my blinged out carbon ride. I have to admit that. It felt heavier. Not too heavy, but once you ride a bling bike for a longer period, you´re just spoilt.
Also the cheap Traverse Fattie wheels are really not that stiff. Quite some flex in bermed turns. All in all - still amazing what this bike can do.
My 26 Enduro might get a 29er big brother for 2017 - maybe even with the burrito cage?