Nah, no dropper. I have a body geometry where i can leave the saddle at a fixed point (620mm from the crank spindle) and be quite happy with the climbs and get enough clearance on the downs.
Took it out for a shakedown around Stromlo this morning. The bike is awesome. Pedals beautifully, with very little pedal bob even with the lockout turned off. Good suspension travel and progressive through the rate over the bumps. The low COG felt lovely to jump, and with the dual position Pike the front drops enough to negotiate all the techy climbs that i would want to do on this bike. The suspension combo is beautifully plush as well, just gorgeous. Its like riding a magic carpet.
Still need to get used to the lower BB height, as im clipping pedals a bit, and i screwed up with chaingrowth. Had a brainfart late when i was putting the chain on, and while it has play in the 42T its not enough. Probably needs another link or two. I blame jetlag. Still thats an easy fix, i even have a spare chain here, and the too short one will go in rotation for the XTC.
Anyway a few pics:
[img]http://gallery2.plebeians.net/d/36689-2/20141206-103100-iPhone_003.JPG[/img]
[img]http://gallery2.plebeians.net/d/36684-2/20141206-103100-iPhone_002.JPG[/img]
[img]http://gallery2.plebeians.net/d/36698-2/20141206-103100-iPhone_005.JPG[/img]
Also really glad i got out this morning, now thunderbolts and lightning, very very frightening indeed in Canberra!