If the 303 wasn't so freaking overpriced brand new, I would have gotten it instead of the M9. I owned a used 303 for 3 years and never had any issues with the bearings. It was a hefty pig I admit, part of the reason why I wanted something lighter. The rail system works. After 4 years, the original rail and bearings are still smooth and tight. They have scraper seals that keeps the mud and moisture off on muddy rides. However, it is indeed high maintenance compared to other bikes. You have to pump grease at the ports after a day of riding, regardless if it was a dry or wet day. I overhaul the rail bearings too every year. It was a great plush smooth bike on rough stuff, though the M9 feels better overall. Here's the list of dh bikes I've owned in the past, and their ranking in my own experience. No.1 -- Foes DHS Mono (Still the plushes, plow-through everything, best DH bike I've owned). No.2 -- Intense M9 No.3 -- Yeti 303 No.4 -- Karpiel Disco Volante No.5 -- Commencal Supreme dh No.6 -- Mountain Cycle Shockwave No.7 -- Iron Horse Sunday No.8 -- Marin Team DH No. 9 -- Cannondale Super V DH