Evans do this but it is too expensive (for a friend!) any others?
https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-ramin-1-2017-mountain-bike-EV244137

Vitus?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-dee-29-vrs-city-bike-2016/rp-prod135367

The 2017 Pinnacle Lithium can fit up to 2″ tyres…
https://www.evanscycles.com/kmlp/pinnacle-lithium

Surly Karate Monkey…………..sorted

Surly Karate Monkey…………..sorted

Did you actually read the OP?

A new KM frame costs more than the whole bike that was already too expensive

I think to get better value than that pinnacle you’d have to look s/h.

The new Marin Pine Mountains come up cheap on ebay occasionally (B+ rather than 29″ though)

Surly Karate Monkey…………..sorted

Fails at being

inexpensive

[edit: beaten to it]

Voodoo Marasa, although its current £400 is expensive, it was £250 last summer and has been £300 since Halfords’ “Brexit” price hikes (before cashback or BC/Toyota 10/15% discount).
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/voodoo-marasa-hybrid-bike

It’s not a rigid, but if it fits, change the saddle and get http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/laura-trott-mtb-1-womens-moutain-bike , it’s the best bang for the buck bike going that I know of.

I’d say Lithium well

The Voodo might be a good option but like so many halfords bikes they only do 2 sizes….

I have a Ramin 1. I find that it is a bit of a tank. I can’t really tell where all the weight is. I suspect the wheels. You can get 10% off with BC membership. I got mine during a sale on cycle to work so it cost me £270. No complaints for the price. Also, I found it almost impossible to lift the front end – even for kerbs.

Just put a rigid carbon fork on my old scott scale 29er, should be able to do the same for about £350 I recon.

Kona Big Rove AL ?

https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/kona_big_rove_al_2016_bike-ID_67319?gclid=COnS7rn1g9ICFYO87Qod9ikFig&gclsrc=aw.ds

I’ve been trying to persuade him to spend more. Shame the Ramin isn’t that fun. thanks for the suggestions

Everyone with a Ramin 1 that I’ve spoken too thinks it’s great! 😀