New 2013 Specialized Carve Comp 29er
 

LOVE this bike. Coming from a 26er, I am amazed at the difference in climbing. Times where my back tire would have spun out going up hill, the 29er, just kept traction and allowed me to get up the hill. Here are a couple of pics from todays ride.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/9754/0420131337.jpg

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1757/0420131337d.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/2753/0420131338.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/8269/0420131359.jpg

I'm looking to go from 26" to 29" in the <$2000 price range. If you don't mind me asking, what made you choose the Carve over a comparable Trek/Giant/Scott etc?

I loved the look of the Carve I got. Love the green, white, black color scheme. That is what initially attracted me to the Carve. It was more than what I wanted to spend though. I test road a Cannondale Trail SL 29er. I did not like it. So I decided to just give the Carve a test ride. It felt great. Instantly loved it. I did not even test ride any of the Trek, Scott, or Giants.

How are you getting on with the bar ends? from the look of the trail you are riding, it looks tight with the wide bars.

Glad you like the bike, still on the fence as to 29ers, with 27.5" now being touted as the new 29er, thinking I will hold at 26" and miss a generation of development.

I have mild carpel tunnel, thanks to biking and guitar. The bar ends are a must for me. I need the multiple hand positions as my fingers go numb fast. I also do road and tail trail rides so the bar ends are great for that.
The main trail i ride is very tight. I am just extra careful through the tightest sections like the part in the picture abo ve.