I agree this is really good stuff. I am going to add a little as I am a Heckler owner.MMcG said:This is great stuff Instigator - keep the review going for a bit more if you can.
Shocks- When I first got my bike I had the 5th Air, it was one of the first run. Due to bushing issues I switch to a 5th Coil. Personally I think the bike is better with the coil. You can adjust rebound and compression that much more and it feels a bit more bottomless. Also after I blew the shock (over a year of riding) I replaced the stock 300lb spring with a 450. This actually made the bike MORE sublte. I was able to reduce the air pressure and tune the rebound that much more. (I am 185-195lbs).
Stem length - When I first got the bike I was trying to get close to the geometry of my GF Sugar +, so I went with a long 120mm stem. The bike handled tight single track very well, and climbed nicely. Remember I live in FL where it is flat (or steep climbs) but I did travel with the bike to NC where I encountered what would be LONG climbs for me. With the 120mm stem I never felt the front end wandering or wanting to come up. I also never reduced the travel on my talas. However after a while I switched to a 90mm stem so I would feel more comfortable dropping and jumping (the little that I do). I was actually surprised at the bikes handling. Single track riding was not affected much and the slightly more upright position was a little more comfortable. When I returned to NC to do the same climbs I did notice the front end wandering a bit and wanting to come up a little. If I lived where there was more climbing I would probably compromise with like a 100 or 110mm stem.
I hope this ends up being helpful to anyone considering this bike, or setting up a trail bike of their own