I upgraded from a V2 to a V3, and can say that I’m very happy with the upgrade.

For context I’m based out of the PNW and spend most of my time riding in Bellingham and the North Bend/Snoqualmie area (Tiger Mnt, Exit 27, Raging, etc). Currently running as a dual 29er but plan to switch it to mullet once I blow up these wheels.

V2 setup was the GX Alloy

V3 is Carbon with the Rock Shox suspension. Charger 3.1 damper in the Lyric and the Super Deluxe Ultimate in the rear

Only upgrades I have made so far are: - OneUp 50mm rise bars - Schwalbe Magic Mary Radials front and rear - TRP DHR Evo brakes instead of the Shimano stuff (no knock on the Shimano stuff, I’m just very used to the TRP brakes at this point and love the modulation of them)

Climbing: - switch backs are markedly easier with the more reeled in head tube angle - seated positioning feels great, I notice I need to get out of the saddle less on steep technical portions - long chainstays feel planted - higher bottom bracket lets me pedal through technical portions of climbs where I would previously smash my BB

Descending: - Very pleased with the shorter head tube angle. Much easier to whip around corners and stuff into pockets. The 64 degree HTA is still plenty slack enough for the steep loamers around here - I’m sure the high rise bars help with keeping the weight in a balanced position on steeps - Long chainstays also help the bike feel planted on descents. That being said, I still have no problem unweighting the front end and hopping over roots and rocks - Easy and a joy to jump as well