Most of those seem pretty superfluous if I'm honest. In fact I'd say that there isn't one thing on that list that's absolutely vital to making a good mountain bike.
29ers have come on a lot. If you fancy one, then give a modern one a try. If not then don't.
Honestly, you sound like some of the old men I work with who think V6 engines are junk because they sucked in the 70s. Technology improves. If you refuse to acknowledge the advancement and want to stay on what makes you feel like it’s still the good ole days, no one is trying to stop you.
Most of those seem pretty superfluous if I'm honest. In fact I'd say that there isn't one thing on that list that's absolutely vital to making a good mountain bike.
29ers have come on a lot. If you fancy one, then give a modern one a try. If not then don't.
A frame is pretty vital, but other than that all this stuff is personal preference. I agree 29ers have come far, and I'm not following them. This thread was more phishing for some info that would point me towards a 29er that's close to what i asked for. Sounds like the new spartan will be worth a look. Also sounds like you don't have anything helpful to say