MTB Race/Every Day bike help

[mwglow15]

Check out this thread:

Help with new XC bike decision

I’m planning on doing some XC/marathon type events next year and am looking for a new bike. Fitness and climbing are my strengths, general bike handling and descending are weaknesses (getting better all the time!). I already have a ‘bigger’ bike that I ride a lot. My question is this: Would you get a downcountry bike (love it or hate it, that classification is here to stay) that is XC-efficient with some trail characteristics (new Norco Revolver), or would you get a light trail bike that is i…