Thanks, man.

They're definately quite a bit different in construction, handling, and just the general feel of the cockpit.

I think you'll enjoy the XC just fine. Honestly, there are days when I kick myself for going with the XLT because it's not a freeride bike and it's not an XC bike. Then I just go out and spend some time on the trail with it and really appreciate the design.

It could have been built lighter with an air sprung shock and fork. I could have gone with lighter rims and narrower tires. I don't really NEED a 7" front rotor...but now I never have to check the pressure in the fork or shock...not to mention the super-liquid feel of the coils, can bomb through the rough stuff w/o worrying about dinking my wheels, I get great traction with the 2.35's climbing/descending/cornering, and the 7 inch'er stops on a dime.

Enjoy!