Sooo, it seems a few 'burners are in a Bike buying frame of mind ?
Thanks for the tips here - you've sent me down a Rabbit Hole of options i hadn't considered !
My Short list was a Nukeproof Reactor / Mega - stock tho - Derp
Really wanted look at a GT Force - Derp -only one avail in Aust - 'just happened to be the top level model -sir '
Read all the geo numbers - across all my bikes ( different styles ) the only consistent number was reach @ 448mm
So then i thought - Giant Trance X - yes i know white bread bike - but its consistent and reasonably priced - $3-$8k dependent on spec .
But the Stanton is a standout - no idea how it ride ... but it looks good - ( Possible Crazy Hot Stripper tho ? )
So , now the above advice is where I've ended up - TODAY - this will change my morning tea !
Reasonably priced Hardtail to $2500k to try the geo / ride etc
Nukeproof Scout ---- Derp . No stock .
So , do i just wait - i don't really need a bike - wanted to see if i could get ready and apply / attempt the Trans Tas in November - thats realistic .
Or ( as yet still waiting on parts to replace shit i break ) purchase a frameset and build up ?
My LBS can get some bikes - but it is limited - extremely limited in choice till about April at earliest .
Possibly can get Trance x in correct size - but only the more up specced versions .
All for a bike , I'm not sure i need .
Do Want .
ps
i am in agreeance with some of the comments regarding ' buy it, don't buy it , don't care ' from some bike stores - yeah i get it they are expensive, but this 'shortage will end and theremay be / will be ? less players in the market - customer service counts esp at the upper limits .
Not all 'Brahs and Dudes Cutting Sick Lines are dentists with cash to burn - some of us just like bikes .
And are 'in the market ' - after not committing for almost 12 months , there is a little pot of cash just begging to be spent !