A lot depends on your style of riding. I don't own a 29er and am currently on a stumpy EVO 26" so take this for what it is worth. I would recommend the stumpy 29er or niner RIP9. I rode these and several other 29ers at outerbike and both were very very capapble bikes. You will get a TON more with the stumpy over the niner for the money, but the stumpy 29er was a little more aggressive as well. If I were going to get a 29er, it would be one of these two. For the money, I would get the stumpy hands down.
You already have a Santa Cruz. If you like the build quality, why not try out a Tallboy. My friend Garen has one and loves it. If the carbon one is too expensive, check out a Tall Can, the aluminum version. (They have a different name for it, but Tall Can is better imo.)
Titus has the new Carbon Rockstar that will be available in the US in about a month. Same geometry as the aluminum version but full carbon. Best part is it will most likely be about $1500 for the frame/shock.
Banshee prime hands down - http://bansheebikes.com/prime. It's all mountain - and lifetime crash replacement...Have had mine for a month now, and can't stop riding. I put Kore OCD 800mm high riser on it...so much fun
Tons of awesome bikes out there...and teh Stumpy FSR is a great bike, but the banshee is crazy confident...not the lightest, but shreds...and no problem climbing
Here is Bike magazine's review - http://www.bikemag.com/gear/exclusive-2013-bible-review-banshee-prime/
Small company owned by riders that can RIDE building a 29'er to be burly and playful, 'nough said.
I've got one sitting in a box at Grassroots Cycles, just waiting on some hoops to let her rip! Can't flippin wait!
Tons of awesome bikes out there...and teh Stumpy FSR is a great bike, but the banshee is crazy confident...not the lightest, but shreds...and no problem climbing
Here is Bike magazine's review - http://www.bikemag.com/gear/exclusive-2013-bible-review-banshee-prime/
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