Despite being a long term HT rider, I’d quite like to get a FS frame.

Intention being a 2nd hand, standard 9mm QR compatible, Non Tapered headset. This way everything is a direct swap from current HT. 100mm fork to go on to it. Short travel – for XC and hacking across the moors. Nothing too Gnarr!

I think my budget tops out at £400. What should I be looking out for?

2nd hand Giant Anthem (or Spec Epic, Trek Fuel, etc) sounds right up your street

OK, off to the good mercers of Ebay I go!

Pink bike might have something for you too.

Didn’t you know? Hardtail 29ers are the new full suss 😉

2nd hand Marin Mount Vision or Riftzone with Quad Link mark 1 from circa 2004 to 2006?

You can pick those up for ~£200. Lifetime warranty on bearings.