I have a 3 week old 2010 anthem x2, awesome ride. Stay away from hard tails, the anthem is as pure a racer as you will need and infinitely more comfortable. Nothing wrong with a x3. If you have a smooth pedal stroke the float R is just as good and you don't need to lockout the shock (I never do). The fork is the same and the SLX components are very good. Rather spend the money on reliable tubeless wheels later.