WTD - Hardtail MTB

After my first proper hardtail. Don't know much about MTBs, but based on a bit of research I'm ideally after AL frame, 130mm travel, 29ers & a relatively slack head angle. Have been looking at bikes like the Whyte 629 & Santa Cruz Chameleon, but I cant afford these new!

Happy to be educated on any of the above. Have looked in to steel hardtails a bit. Love the look of the stanton switchback, but can't decide if steel is the right way to go.

Budget is around £1000. Hopefully someone can help!

I'd add some info, like size for an example. Good luck

Lots of variations in geometry over the years. Main question is what do you want it for? What type of riding? 130mm is a bit much for fast XC .. and might compromise climbing ability. but probably about right for an all-round thrasher.

Steel frames are heavier - and all the recent standards (oversize headtube, and Bolt through rear ends) have pushed the weight up yet further. The era of the svelte steel hard tail is over IME. Aluminium is what I’d be buying if running modern standards. Save a kilo easy

Also - are you tall? 29ers are best suited to taller riders

Ah yeah, size would be useful! I'm 6ft so generally after large frames. I guess that makes 29ers suitable as well?

And yeah an all-round thrasher is the right description. Will certainly do fairly casual forest and mountain trails, but want something that can handle some more technical stuff on occasion. Won't be racing it so doesn't have to be the quickest bike up hill.

Maybe worth looking at Ragley (something like a BigWig) for your slack hardtail fix?

I have a 27.5 Mmmbop and it's a riot in the woods.