I had almost exactly the same brief as yours, I just wanted one bike for all my riding. I chose an Inbred 29 geared frame, managed to get one of the few remaining larges in orange for £150. Absolute bargain. I’m 6″ and had been riding medium FS 6″ travel bikes beforehand.
The bike is quite simply a revelation for me. Not sure how much of it is down to a bike that finally fits me or moving up to the bigger wheels, but after six months, I feel I’ve moved past new bike syndrome clouding my judgement and I still don’t miss six inches of rear travel. I’m consistently getting better strava times (up and down), it rides beautifully and looks the business.
Built up with Hope Enduro wheels, XT throughout, 750mm carbon risers, X-Fusion Slides at 120mm and an X-Fusion dropper post.