The geometry is quick but not twitchy. The Manitou fork is very plush and tracks straight. The bike's handling leaves little to be desired. To simply put, the Dakota does what I want it to do and never the other way around. Yes, it is heavier than some aluminium bike at the same price, but I'd rather be the Dakota than a stiff AL rig after 2 hours of riding.
Steel has great feel and the blue color rocks.
Had same problems as guy before with no fork boots and SX manual. Found out the Mars 1 doesn't come with boots, and I just called up Answer to get the correct manual. The fork also has some problems in that you can shear a cap off in a crash because the there isn't enough drop on the fork crown. SDG saddle a little rough on the ass. Initial 1 hour ride left me hurtin' down thar.