29er trail bike. Best bang for the buck?

Intense Primer foundation is now $2999 since they've moved to consumer direct sales... That's a carbon frame in the price range of many alloy bikes...

 

Need...no. Want?

 

Santa Cruz Chameleon, with rigid fork, set up single speed with 140mm brake rotors.

 

I rented or demoed 6 different bikes over 6 months from 4 different shops. it totally helps the choice process

 

That's a complete carbon bike for the price of most carbon frames.

 

Those are lava rock trails so the yellow monster is well equipped to bounce down the drops. Those trails are narrow, full of air and have an exposure sprinkled with Cactii just to keep you coloring mostly inside the lines. You need those heavy lugs as the small lugs have been known to rip off to the core on the very first ride. The main thing is to only allow the tires to get ripped, that lava exacts a large penalty upon skin contact. Gosh I miss Oregon
Happy embedded rock single track trails

 

No.
I ended up getting a 2018/2019 IKON ski pass for me and wifey. I have been snow skiing much more than cycling lately. I also realized we are taking big vacation to Sweden this summer, so no new bikes in the immediate future for me. I'm still dreaming though.