The fact I have a dilemma about the 2 nice MTBs I own is a pretty good sign she loves me. N+1 is a step in the direction of W-1. Must be careful...
Nah, I think it's fair. We get all caught up in trying to compare accurately, but at the end of the ride, you were either faster, had more fun, or (hopefully) both and that's what's ultimately going to determine what bike you take of the hook next time you go for a ride. If I want fast lap times, I'm gunna take the XTC. If I want to smoke the descents I'm gunna take the Fuel.
If I want to do both, I'm gunna have to bike the bullet, sell both bikes (and possibly a kidney) and horrify my wife with "Honey, this is a Turner Czar... do you mind sleeping in the spare bed tonight?"
gidday Bodin, Tsar would be really nice as would a Flux/ Burner- cant remember which one is 4 inches, alloy and 27.5. I think of all the bikes Ive owned, the one FS that could do everything really well (including have fun) was the Yeti 5 26er. Ive had three turners- two different Sultans and a 5 spot. The 4 inch Sultan TNT was very capable XC bike, the DWL was more trail and the spot was certainly trail. Ive always liked the idea of a 4 inch light bike that can be beefed up at times to handle the odd Buller trip.
In the past most 4 inch FS 29ers were rather XC and alittle flexy for my heft. This has changed somewhat. Look at Rocky Mountain bikes, Devinci, Yeti (too expensive and going carbon) or what about a Santa Cruz tallboy or SOLO or search out a deal on BH carbon FS
I sold my FS 29er for a CX as I needed something to commute on and clock up some KMs for fitness. I have a really capable and playful HT - Yeti Bigtop and I miss a FS for the chunk- it is really only 5% of most rides. Im not in a hurry, dont race and strava in a dirty word, I will not beat FS riders to the bottom of Bandages or charge the rock gardens on Cressy but thats the only limitations really. My HT is lighter than a FS, hammers the flats and climbs, rails the fast flowing trails and jumps and drops just fine- fine enough for a big bloke on the wrong side of 40. I have it set up comfortable with a ti post, SMP saddle, adjustable forks, carbon cockpit, really solid set of King wheels and 2 x 10. I even had a dropper post on for the fast flowing, downs and chunk (but there aint that much of it)
I think if you want the one bike you would want a FS carbon wonder bike that costs $6 to 9 grand. You'll get $3.5 for the Giants. You could look at another Giant, Specialised, Trek 29er or 27.5 for around $4.5- with some SLX, XT and not that light.
Look secondhand mate- you know what to look for (wear and tear, cracks and stuff). Buy a frame and swing your good stuff over. Turn the HT into a SS for something different and for fitness.
I personally feel your search will never end. Its quite liberating only having one MTB- it just works everytime- cause it has to.