Nice to see a sound guy get some recognition!

I'm not trying to push Kona bikes, just point out the similarity. I've owned a Kona before (Coiler), but probably won't be buying another. I'm currently on my second Transition (Preston, and a Vagrant before that) and love them. AND, if you look a couple of posts higher you might notice I said that I'll be buying a Bandit 29 this winter. Their paint jobs are what they are...

Also, check out the Kona Satori. Similar suspension design, same market niche. They both have tapered head tubes, 130 rear designed with 140 fork, direct mount front derailleur mount, ISCG 05 tabs, 142x12... The Kona has a slacker head tube and shorter chainstays, the Bandit has provisions for a dropper post and probably a crappier paint job.

As much as some of you don't want to accept change, 29ers do have their place in the riding world. Should they have anything to do with downhill, dj, or long travel play bikes? I think not. They do have their place in xc and general trail bikes. I ride a titanium hardtail 29er with a carbon rigid fork on all the same trails I rode my previous bike (575). I can carry a much faster pace and have plenty of legs left after a long ride. That being said, I miss suspension but won't give up 29" wheels on my trail bike. So, I'll be selling my ti bike and probably my Preston to build one of these this winter.