I didn't plan on going to this, but it was at SBP and I was there to ride. I ended up test riding a Salsa Spearfish 29er. Here is my report.
SWEEEEET BIKE!!!
This bike rides like a hard tail, only a little smoother, until you hit bigger roots and bumps. Then you start to feel the suspension kick in. When you leave the ground it's a sweet soft landing. It climbed out of LT as good as my hard tail.
As far as cornering, it was as snappy as a 26" bike. I wouldn't have known it was a 29er if I didn't know it was a 29er.