13FM; only downside with the Soul (and as I have one I would otherwise suggest it) is the lack of tabs for adding rear rack? I know your propensity for touring and long jaunts in the wilderness!

Chumba HX1

Details here, though the page shows the older model, geo is the same except the new frame has a 68 HA. Weight should be around 3.75Lb for a medium. HX and HX2 (29er) still has the EBB for singlespeed.

I quite fancied the Dartmoor hornet, went for a steel NS surge and it’s mint.

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I have the current HX1 and love it. I have put Fox 36s on though, which may be overkill…

Would a full built Chumba HX1 with similar spec and price to the Marin Rocky ridge appeal to anyone or do people prefer to spec their own?

Orange Crush – not sure I need another bike since I bought mine.

Orange crush +1 the mutts nuts

@ Si – not sure this answers your question properly but I wanted frame only so as to use up a lot of spare parts I had in the garage! As such, mine is not as bling as I would have liked but it feels good riding the bits rather than looking at them. Maybe a frame and fork option?

Another vote for Orange Crush – though I don’t use it for all day rides as it’s a small chuck bike. Also Orange could do with making an 18″ version (but that’s the similar comment to why Orange should do a 17″ 5)

If I had more choice again I’d go for BFe.

Can’t believe no one has suggested Whyte 905/1 or 19 dependent on budget. Amazing reviews.