I dont mean to suggest the Sub 3 is a wuss, it'll handle the usual rough trail: ruts, typical trail drops and rocks with no probs.

However, according to Orange, these days what one person considers a XC trail differs from another. People were bringing back cracked XC frames complaining. When quizzed they described breaking it whilst landing a 17' drop-off.

As a result their literature defines what they consider to be appropriate usage. I'd probably say a 5" rear and 100-120mm front travel bike would be great for flat, slight inclines and descents, but I'd find the ride to be a little too leaned back for climbs.

Some of the adjustable systems look fantastic to give an all round setup, but equally I couldnt live with riding around on a 40lb tank.