JuaneC

Sorry, I know the Big Nine is more of a XC bike, but I think it also depends on the level of trails you are planning to ride.

I had more or less the same requirement. After weeks of searching, I bought a Merida Big Nine XT edition 1x12 2020. Ticked all my boxes. Just through in a set of decent Maxxis tubeless tyres and maybe a Lyne dropper post, and you should have a good combo for about your price range. Oh.....and did I mention the bike is all black?