Ive decided that I am replacing my Giant (after one month !) and getting a Freeride bike (thats what they are called isnt it?)

I want something that I can use for general traveling, on/off road.
Plus general messing about.

Something real strong, as I break bikes.

I want a hardtail.

Complete Bikes I was looking at are Giant ACid 1 and GT Ruckus 1.0.

As for custom built bikes I looked at Unreal Cycles web site and their bikes look amazing, probably a bit heavy but real nice.

Are there any other firms like Unreal that have a good reputation?
Is a bike like the ones from Unreal going to be a pain to use a general transport?

Any other recomendations regarding complete bikes, frames, components, or places to buy them.

BTW Im in Japan, but cant seem to find a decent custom bike shop , so if u know of any please tell me.