best 29er brand?

[Shkenblke]

So I'm hoping to make my next bike a single speed steel (wish I could afford Ti) 29er. I don't wanna go crazy like a super custome frame and would rather spend some decent cash on killer components and go medium to medium high level in terms of frame cost. I really like the SIR 9 from 9er or the one that can be single or geared. Any thoughts on these or other steel 29er hardtails? I prefer to just plow over and through gnarly stuff instead of meticulously picking a line carefully if that helps.

[fos'l]

Take a look at OS Bikes (Mark Slate of WTB); my Blackbuck at $450 has performed well, and seems to be a high quality steel frame.

[real_ss_budgie]

mate thats a cunnava question....plenty of yummy 29ers out there

salsa
soma
misfit
niner
barry fisher
the list goes on and on

[DC.woods]

here's a sweet yet affordable option from my neck of the woods: http://www.qballbikes.com/qframe.html