If you had...

[pancho]

If you had $1200 to spend and wanted a steel 29'' singlespeed what would you buy or build?

[gooseneck]

I would buy the Raliegh XXIX and a bunch o' beer!


gooseneck

[phlatlander]

If you had $1200 to spend and wanted a steel 29'' singlespeed what would you buy or build?

I'd start with a Redline Monocog (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15165-175_RED296-43-Brands-367-Redline-Bikes/Redline-Monocog-29er-Single-Speed-Frame-%26-Fork.htm) but upgrade the wheels & bling out the drivetrain w/White Industries' stuffs. Then, in a couple years transfer them parts over to a custom Coconino (http://coconinocycles.blogspot.com/) frame. Yup.

[rockyrider]

Niner SIR 9 (http://www.ninerbikes.com/sir9.html) would be my choice in steel...

[hairygrump]

I'd start with a Redline Monocog (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15165-175_RED296-43-Brands-367-Redline-Bikes/Redline-Monocog-29er-Single-Speed-Frame-%26-Fork.htm) but upgrade the wheels & bling out the drivetrain w/White Industries' stuffs. Then, in a couple years transfer them parts over to a custom Coconino (http://coconinocycles.blogspot.com/) frame. Yup.
I agree with this entirely except I'd get a Peacock Groove (http://www.peacockgroove.com/) after I did the drivetrain upgrades.

[2dumb4gears]

Stock route: The Redline Monocog FLIGHT 29er is a nice tubeset and buildkit for the money; the Raleigh seems pretty nice too, though (a guy I road with last week's wife works for Raleigh, and he wad on the singlespeed 29er).
I've also heard good things about the Jamis.

Custom-ish route: Universal cycles has last year's Karate Monkey for $350-ish. Colorado Cyclist has a handbuilt wheel special with WTB laserdisc light hubs (single or geared) on Salsa Delgado rims for $360. I'm a firm believer in riding nice wheels above all else. The remaining $500 would get you a sweet build if you poked around or had some spare parts to work with.