I need some advice: I am making the leap from my 10 year old hardtail to a FS rig. This bike must provide several years of service so there will be no room for regret. I am considering a Santa Cruz Blur XC with Fox Pro Pedal and a Stumpjumper Expert with the latest edition of the brain. Any thoughts on which is better for intense recreational XC riding?

I love my stumpy with the propedal. It really works well, assuming you have it setup correctly. There is noticeable difference between fully open and the propedal position. I rode a friends stumpy with the brain and it felt similar. Although, it was a little more plush over the bumpy stuff. I think his shock was setup too soft for me. And, you don't have to mess with levers when you want the shock to open up to full travel...It's smart!
In addition, I feel zero pedal bob on the Stumpy in the propedal position...same with the brain...

Tough decision, but I would go with the stumpy. The newer brain is better still than o6 stuff, and is still going to be less "bobby" than the blur on the flats despite the VPP platform. I also think it would be a better transition bike for someone like you who is moving up from a hardtail.
I faced a very similar problem a few months ago... and then I ended up just building a SC chameleon. Good luck.

I agree...the Stumpy is a great choice...Super comfy!

I rode the Stumpy Expert "test bike" the other day.

The most wonderful thing I've ever ridden, man. I can't imagine the SC being any better for the price.

I went from a hardtail to a 30lb Intense 5.5 and it just feels as if I'm running a little lower tire pressure on the rear, even with the propedal open. I climb better with my Intense, I think mainly because it rolls right over rocks and roots as if it wasn't there. That surprised the heck outta me. I see myself hitting a rock, then my rear hits it, I'm expecting my pedals to feel the extra strain its gonna require to pedal over the rock, yet I don't feel anything and just keep pedaling. Weird. Strange. Nuts. But I climb better with my FS.

There's no bob even with the propedal open. The VPP suspension is damn sweet. I know if your propedal or brain fade goes out on an FSR, you're gonna pogo. A bunch of my friends ride Stumpies and Epics.. there's really not much difference if you're shocks working properly. But I didn't wanna totally rely on my shocks to keep my bike firm. I'm no engineer but what VPP does with the chain travel to "cancel" out the bob really is a miracle.

I do get brake jack when I'm locking up my front binder but it doesn't bother me. Plus part of it is probably due to my 140mm of travel vs. my previous 80mm.

The SC Blur XC is a light frame so it should be even better to climb with than my 5.5

One of my friends is picking up a '06 Giant Trance 1 w/the Maestro suspension because he loves my suspension so much. He's getting it for $2250 at a LBS. It retails for $3600. Comes nicely equipped and weighs about 26-27 pounds. The '07 Trance 0 should be equivalent.

The Brain is pretty awesome. Pedals like a hardtail

I'd say the blur. Already seen 2 broken brain shocks.

Get the Stumpy...the new Brain is optimized for trails and will blow you away. A VAST improvement over the Brains from only a few years ago. A very lively frame as well, very responsive.

Me too, I have to say SC blur. YOu have to try it and it's dam light which provide better climb.
I really like Intense Spider and Blur but I ended up Titus Racer-X.

santa cruz - lifetime bearing warranty
specialized - lifetime frame warranty

Go with specialized. I don't tell my epic, but I dream about stumpjumpers.