All great points, @
wrk101. I would also add that 26" wheels are
way more standard than 27.5/650b (in terms of road/gravel). Much easier to find tires.
I think dirt drop MTBs look bada$$ myself. However, I have the reverse problem in sizing. I can ride a 60cm c-c seat tube with a 58cm c-c top tube and still have 4" of saddle to bar drop. Makes finding a suitable MTB a challenge for my ridiculously long legs and short torso.
I really enjoyed my dirt drop on a 30 mile ride I posted earlier this summer. It was a combo of pavement, gravel and double track. The dirt drop performed flawlessly on all three. I don't think my planned 650b would be up to the double track challenge. MTBs have quite a range of possibilities open to them.
Keep talking up Colorado, @
Squeeze. Montana sucks, nothin' going on here...
Oh yeah, that Dawes is rad!