For XC there is no doubt that the industry and the riders are headed to the big wheels. I have a 29 FSR and I LOVE it. I have a 26" HT as well. On the same trail my 29er will ride faster than the 26 (some has to do with the FS nature and the whole argument there) BUT th ere is no doubt the 29er roles faster. If you are a bigger rider as I am (6’5 200#) the biger wheels offer a unique geometry that alows you to "sit in the bike" rather than "on the bike" strange as it sounds if you have ever felt that feeling of hovering over the bike and truing to control it you know what I mean.
Anyway, My 2 cents. Moto is a great brand. 29ers rule the XC world.