I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy two really, really good 29ers recently. I´m afraid that they are not very niche but they are not very mainstream either!
Mostly I have been riding the Commencal Meta 29er which is seriously fast and playful. I’ve put in over 60 days on this in the last few months and am really sad to give it back!
(First Impressions, Í have to write the full review this week![/url])
I have also had a test ride on this and will pick it up for a long term test this week. An Orbea Occam 29er which is going to be a lot of fun. Less travel and more racey than the Commencal but seriously stiff and precise with fantastic suspension. Looking forward to using and abusing it over the next few months.
(My first ride impressions of the Orbea Occam 29er)