maybe looking for a good old fashioned 120/130mm forked hardtail.
just a normal thing that is ok for a bit of everything.
dont want long, dont want low, dont want anything choppered out.

any ideas greatly appreciated

Stanton Sherpa although I think I prefer mine with 100mm forks compared to 120. It’s not too long and not too low and slack. Goes up and down well. And it’s steel!

Vitus Sentier 29.  130mm, SLX for £999.  £879 if you have Wiggle platinum discount…

Stanton sherpa because it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it ,running 120mm pikes .

Bizango?

Nukeproof scout 29er?

Onza payoff? The new On one should be out soon that might fit your bill. Sonder Broken Road?

If you are looking for something normal but still a little quirky, an Ibis DV9 might suit.
I’d have bought one if the seat tube was a little shorter as I have ickle legs.

My PArkwood fits the bill for that and can be bought for buttons on Ebay etc.

I was pretty sure I was going to get the new scandel but the new orbea laufy has caught my eye.

Everything is going to be a bit long and slack these days, might be worth looking at stuff from the bigger brands if you want something more conservative

New scandal whenever it turns up.

Or old parkwood if you want something slightly more conservative.

Older Cotic Solaris. Ive got a mk 1 and its a decent bike.

Titus Fireline off of On One.
Excellent titanium frame at Aluminium prices

Been around for ages so can get second hand ones

Canyon Grand Canyon, loved mine until some @@@@@ nicked it.

Didn’t you have / still have a Swift @ton?
Love my Swift, currently with 100mm (I think) folks on it, often rigid.
New ones should have tapered headset.

Or a Pegasus if you’re after fancy. Mine has 120mm forks and I’m a bit like shortbread, not sure I’d not prefer slightly less (even 110mm).

Must it be one that you haven’t already had in the past? 😀

http://bombtrack.com/beyondplus1-2/

I have one of these which I normally run plus, but I did the SDW earlier in the year on it as a 120mm forked 29er and I had a 2.25″ tyre as per the spec sheet.

http://bombtrack.com/beyondplus-adv-2/

Also this for something a bit bigger

Whyte 529/629 from ’18 onwards.
It’s the best hardtail I’ve had.
Great geometry and finish.

My new Tarn frame in the classifieds! Not too low with 29 wheels, not silly long.

Santa Cruz chameleon.

What’s your budget?
I love my onza payoff, but appreciate its at the budget end of the scale. New it is similarly priced to many of the above options 2nd hand.

Not sure a tarn fits the bill, has a massive reach (I own a ‘19).

Good suggestions from everyone. Know someone who rides a payoff and it’s a nice fun frame (albeit heavy).

Sonder Signal Ti!

Didn’t you have / still have a Swift @ton?

There’s meant to be a new Swift on the horizon, although the release date keeps moving (so it may still be a while); should have a tapered steerer which will make adding suspension a lot easier. The geo. is meant to be the same as the Mk.3 and I think that it’s due to be Boost.