Single Speed MTB frames?!

I can't make my mind up about 29ers. It seems like a good idea for cross country type stuff but it the availability of parts and the big mark up on 29er parts vs 26" that puts me off.

I know you can always order over the internet but it's nice to beable to walk into a shop and grab stuff / take a look especially if your on holiday or a long ride and you just need to buy something while out. I can imagine being in the middle of France and having to make do with a 32 mm touring tyre to get you home or if you badly bend a wheel ending up totally screwed.

There is a lot more 29er stuff available in Australia and the US, but not much here for some reason. All the bike shops I frequented in Aus last year stocked OTP 29ers from the big brands like Avanti, Specialised and Giant (I think) so also stocked a range of rims tyres and tubes. As a taller rider they make a lot of sense and I know my next bike will be one.