Still got analysis paralysis. Sitting on the fence this long is likely to result in splinters...
Ibis ripmo (as fuck!)
Some dis this frame shape. But I like it. Alloy colour is sweet.
DVO build is the value (boutique) buy for sure. Topaz or Jade rear, Diamond fork, deore drivetrain, for 5500 (plus for coil). Support of local dealer. 7 year warranty. Coming off a snapped frame that gives me some comfort.
Banshee prime
Damn I like this frame! Ano black or raw. Both are . Industrial looking, no bs frameset.
Looks even more solid than the ripmo. Can also run coils.
Build would come out a bit higher than ripmo, but have better parts. Would spring for a mezzer fork, and a hand built dt 350 wheelset. Not sure if I can get a frame without the dpx2 shock (which I'd replace with dvo). I heard the fox works ok, but I don't have the tools to service these, and past fox float shock was shithouse. Dvo are super easy to work on at home.
Only 4 years warranty. Dealer is not local to me.
Others?!?
I think I'm off the Deviate. Can't justify almost 5k for a frameset alone (no shock). Idea seems cool, if I could ride one it might swing it, and if local support might swing it.
Sweet UK steel (is reel)
Again, like the look of these. But lack of test ride and lack of local support putting me off. Frameset are actually quite reasonably priced for hand welded reynolds steel.
Other alloy?
Why? When above is so nice.
Other fancy crabon...
Yeti sb130 - too much $$. Frameset over 5k. Maybe if I could get a non-turq frameset on its own? Would that be less than 4k? Prob not.
Similar story with other carbon frames.