Mountain Biking - MC Rumble or Surly Instigator?

So I want to get a rather versatile hardtail, something for light FR, maybe urban, but still capable of all mountain/longer cross country rides. I've narrowed it down to either a rumble or instigator, but since no shop stocks either of these and no one I know has either, can you guys give me some recommendations?
MTBR's reviews are pretty much split down the middle, both sides thinking their bike is amazing

I love the Rumble, very nice frame.

i'd go for the rumble. all over the place for good deals if you shop around. both can take some pratty burly abuse, though the rumble is a little lighter. i also think the rumble is more aesthetically pleasing.

www.greenfishsports.com has a bunch, and there are usually a few new ones floating around e-bay. nice frames.

Will you take advice for other bikes?

If you're not getting frame only, I'd highly recommend a Norco Charger.

So I want to get a rather versatile hardtail, something for light FR, maybe urban, but still capable of all mountain/longer cross country rides. I've narrowed it down to either a rumble or instigator, but since no shop stocks either of these and no one I know has either, can you guys give me some recommendations?
MTBR's reviews are pretty much split down the middle, both sides thinking their bike is amazing

I built up my rumble for the exact reasons you just described. Light FR, urban, and still easily ridable(but not ideal) for some distance even on pavement/ light trails, whatever. I love it. It is perfect for everything I want to do. I hope I don't run into the issue of "good at everything, but excellent at nothing" syndrom, but I doubt it. I have nothing but praise for this frame(thus far). I bought the large frame and kind of wish I'd gotten the medium at 6'1". I wouldn't say it's to large by any means(about 4-5" clearance on stanover near the seat), but it could be smaller and still have lots of seat height without much exposed post(becasue of the extended seat tube and gussets). It just would have been nice to have the smallest frame I can and still actually just "ride" it. Medium would have been perfect but I guess I'll just grow taller. :p
If you get a rumble, get the post 2003 frame. They have most of the aluminum machined away on the rear dropouts pre 2004. Not sure why they would do this, epecially on a fr/dirtjump bike. You don't want to save weight or go for total asthetics on the most abused (and supposed to be the strongest) part of a dj/fr/street bike. I've heard there were lots of warranty issues with the 2003s, but those are just e-rumors so who knows. ANyway, the newer models have beefy machined replaceable dropouts. Solid freaking bike!!!!
I know nothing about the instigator though.
Hope this helps.