Well I've been thinking about a new bike - a short travel bike and I had just plumped on a Giant Anthem X1. Guess what Giant has run out of them.  So I have no idea now over to you guys for some sensible suggestions. After a quick 3/4 inch travel suspension bike for 2 hour blasting over cross country.  Lots of roots and drop off's here in the south but not a lot of rock gardens.  So comfort is key but slack head angles are not.