Specialized Epic Evo

To me you’re exactly describing that downcountry category, so I’d say take a look at Specialized Epic Evo, Yeti SB115, Revel Ranger, Evil Following, Santa Cruz Tallboy, and definitely a good hard look at the Transition Spur.

Spot Ryve 115 , Yeti SB115, Pivot Trail 429 are other options....

Some of the more progressive XC bikes also worth looking at: Specialized epic evo, BMC fourstroke, Norco Revolver 120

Specialized Epic Evo: Might be a bit too much trail oriented, I'm concerned it will be too slack and not pedal efficiently enough. No remote lockout.

Specialized Epic EVO is a hot bike right now for that style of riding. Also might have better luck finding a bike with a large manufacturer.

Specialized Epic Evo if you are XC/flow. I went from a Yeti SB 100 and SB130 to this. I ride everything in Asheville and Pisgah perfectly fine with it.

epic evo epic evo epic evo. I think you should get an evo. Its like the stumpy, but it’s actually light. It shred the decenders, and it’s niche enough (xc) that unless you want to go full xc with freekin axs and like glasses and lycro, you can get like a more downhill bike later.

I love it. I rode it last of the bunch and it was such a standout experience.

If you can afford it, the carbon one is really nice.

You may also want to consider a specialized epic evo. Similar vibe.

Specialized Epic EVO 2021. Came from a Jamis hard tail and I couldn’t be happier with it. Most routes around here are a 1500-3000’ uphill with flowy downhills, it’s perfect with how stable it is on the climbs and just enough suspension to make up for mistakes on the downhill.

Eventually, for the program I run, I also got an E-MTB and the stumpjumper wasn't getting ridden. When it came down to it, I missed having a downcountry bike, specifically my Epic Evo. I tried a Transition Spur (if you're not an MTB rider, it's a hot as hell short travel bike you just can't get) and liked it, but I ended up getting the bike I missed in the right size.