Ok so I ordered the Marlin. I went with the 6 over the 5 so I could get the lockout and 8 speed cassette. I am adding bar ends, a kickstand, a bottle cage, of course, and a more comfortable saddle. I already have a stem mounted rack I will transfer. I'm going to take delivery with the XR2 tires but may go to a less aggressive tire like a XR1 after riding it for a while. I did not like the skinny tires on the DS so I'm sure I'll stay with at least a 29x2.0. ( It comes with a 29x2.20˝ front, 29x2.0˝ rear. An odd seeming setup to me.)
Travbikeman I had to go with the black as red was on backorder. The dealer said since the 2020's are coming out the red may be impossible to get at the point. He did say if the color choices for 2020 change to a color I prefer he will let me order a 2020 instead.