@dirtworks911 That's a great question. There are a ton of variables at play here, but our experience with the 27.5" wheels with standard (non boost) spacing has been excellent. More than likely the 29" Next R wheel would be stiff enough for nearly every rider, even more so if you're running boost spacing.

Hey @JVP, the tires tested were indeed the 3C MAXX SPEED compound. Before I rode them, I was also skeptical that the MAXX SPEED would perform well in the PNW - especially in the wet.

To put it in perspective, just before the Forekaster I was riding Minion DHFs in both MAXX GRIP and MAXX TERRA compounds. In wet conditions the Forekaster was competitive with them. I attribute this to the Forekaster being better at clearing mud and slop than the Minions and I was able to run about 7psi lower (on 5mm wider rims) and get the same tire feel with a bit of added contact patch on rocks and roots.

It should be fun anywhere you would ride your Scratch!

Alon, I would feel comfortable riding this fork on any trail I would take my trail bike down (also about 160-170mm travel). It has been a very solid performer for me and I would expect it to perform great on whatever you can throw at it. The Metric is very similar to the X-Fusion RV1 downhill fork, so you could check out that review if you want another similar, but slightly different perspective.

I agree with TRex... championships early OR BRING THEM BACK TO SOL VISTA. Official unofficial champs need to happen. We don't need the USAC to have a solid race with "rules" and the extra junk they like to bring along with their bad attitudes.