That green bike is lovely.
I have been pondering a hardcore/trail 650b hardtail as the next bike. Been getting on OK with my Rockrider 9.2 full susser but I was borderline on the next size up, seat post on my medium is at the max height and I'm forced to run a long stem whereas I really feel I need a longer top tube and short stem.
I could look at secondhand full sussers, but got it into my head I need a 650b hardtail with trail geo and a decent air fork in the 120mm-140mm range. I like the 130mm Sektor on mine so want something at least as good.
Whyte 905 seems to be the current daddy, but not cheap
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/whyte-90 ... AtrC8P8HAQOrange Crush also looks good, and the Commencal Meta hardtails look interesting. Anything else worth a look?
Hired a couple of 29ers over the summer, decided they were not for me but was amazed by the rollover ability and way they covered ground. 650b seems like an ideal middle ground for agility and good rolling.