The problem with the perfect bike for the terrain we rode today is that it wouldn’t be much fun anywhere else and it would be expensive. Like the Epic.
The Scalpel SE would be a good shout though and a capable bike elsewhere. 29er, 120mm travel, no proprietary nonsense.
I would say just get a nice hardtail and keep maintenance low.
I have thrown together a nicely specced 631 genesis high latitude 650b bike with 120mm travel reba, hope wheels and 1x10 xt for <£500. I'm 6ft2in and it fits perfectly. Very welcome to try it for size if you like.
Used mtb stuff can be a bit of a nightmare.
The problem with the perfect bike for the terrain we rode today is that it wouldn’t be much fun anywhere else and it would be expensive. Like the Epic.
The Scalpel SE would be a good shout though and a capable bike elsewhere. 29er, 120mm travel, no proprietary nonsense.