I think this 29er thing is all BS to sell more bikes. I can't imagine how noodly those wheels must be. I like my 26" wheels, they're light and I like to catch air.
it's not really anything new though. it's just cyclocross bikes with really wide tires and mtb bars. a truly off-road worthy cross bike. the advantages of both.
They got rid of the shitty WTB tires and went with Nevegals. This is a good choice in my book.
They put a Salsa stem and Bar on the XC and a salsa stem on the SS but kept the Mary bar. This is a mistake in my book as the bar can scare folks away. I don't know anyone who has kept the bar on.
The new colors are Baby blue and Humbolt Green on the SS and Tangerine on the XC.
Basically the bike is so good that they didn't mess with it for 08'.