More than anything we love versatility and it's important to fit your new bike into the 8020 rule. What trails are your riding 80% of the time, that's the type of bike you need. It should never be the other way round, just because you have a 50m hyper technical descent(or Sam HIll) but you climb 80% of the time - you definitely do not need a big enduro bike to tackle your trails. You are going to get a lot more enjoyment from a bike that is targeted to what you actually ride, rather than dreaming about the body you think you have.
The Essential II makes things are lot easier, at it's core is a hyper efficient XC bike but it's 64º head angle and ability to really handle technical trails. You can chuck on a 150mm fork and definitely get it rowdy. But if we don't ignore the 1,800g frame weight this thing can climb - even if you are not a climber, the Essential II will make you climb better and even enjoy those punishing hills.
It has modern geometry and the low BB bracket gives an insight into how well it handles. Unique to ACRC8 the slider rear suspension offers a longer lever for more tuning to leverage ratios by exploiting a linear-progressive curve. Now because air shocks are progressive by nature, having a linear ratio does not add another factor into the mix when designers are trying to get the right amount of progressivity in a frame. The Essential II also has a low leverage ratio which works better for a range of riders (including those heavier units) and is far easier to get the sag and setup right and does play nicer with your shock seals. Without the need to over-complicate something that is not flying you to the nearest galaxy the Essential II gets simple rear flex pivots which erases bearings, wear, slop, gritty mud, maintenance and foul language.
Remember we were talking about versatility? The Essential II can work with a 230x60mm or 230x65mm rear shock yielding either 120mm or 130mm of rear travel - combine it with a 140mm or 150mm front fork and you have a bike that is perfectly catered to you 80% trails.
So now you can turn up to your buddy's favourite ride and on the same bike you always ride - smash out laps and have the confidence like you are on your home turf.
