I agonised over a 690r having ridden another version they are light weight and fast but blimey there's a price to pay that's for sure and I'll never forget the one I rode blew up two weeks later it's just not something your going to get with an XT.

What really did it for me was the riding position,I could put up with the cost and hassle and there's lots of both but blimey what an awkward bike to sit on,I've never encountered a 690 on the road and while mine still needs to go on a diet it will make for an interesting comparison as mine is a fair way from stock and runs well.