29v26

So, after last nights buckhill event placing somewhere in the 10-15th spot. I find myself thinking about bikes and tire size this morning. My bike in full layout started as the 2010 Specialized expert carbon 29er. Since then I have changed the Xt crank to a S-works double (26/42), bars are now the s-works flat bars, and the rear wheel for races is a Notubes 355/AC disc/ laced w/ Dt revolutions. The bike weights in at just under 23 lbs. The bike is amazing. So fast and easy to climb with, but climbing has never been a problem for me. My slow places on all courses are in the single track and on the start. Funny because they are place's that require a quick exiting speed which I have the ablity to do with the high cadance I try to stay at. At this point in my racing and given my size (somewhere around 160-162) with my full kit on. I find that having a great bike is not giving me the edge I need to further my racing acheviments. I know training diffrently and eatting better will help but I can't help but wonder if a bike like the Epic would be better suited for my short comings in handling and starting. I by know means will blame the bike for my lack of acheviment, but is there a better all around bike for me out there or am I just stuck in this 29er movement that has consumed so many. I would love to have an Epic and my current setup but that is by far not a possiblity. For now it will be as is and I will need to focus more on my starts and riding single track. For now it will be looking into some heavy training wheels and I mean heavy. Thoughts?