I'm currently riding a Norco XFR and it's a blast, especially in the city with trails nearby. The hydraulic brakes are awesome. Lockout fork is a must for this kind of riding, IMO.
I'll post up some pics soon, it's a looker.
I'd also say for anyone investigating the XFR, it's probably worth it to pay more for the XFR 1, the derailleurs are nicer. I'm riding the 3, and shifting is the only real letdown.