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.

I got my quote today from Unreal cycles.

Frame - Planet X Compo
Forks - Fox Vanilla 125 R
Cranks Shimano - Deore splined
B.B. Shimano - Deore splined
Chainrings Shimano - Deore Tripple
Front Der Shimano - Deore
Handlebars Planet X - DH Bar
Stem On-One - Meteor
Seatpost Planet X - Probe
Saddle Planet X - Xuranus
Headset FSA - Pig
Derailer Shimano - Deore
Cassette Shimano - Deore
Chain Shimano - Deore
Shifter Shimano - Deore
Hubs Shimano - Deore Disk 36h
Rims - Vuelta DH rims
Tires Tioga - Team DH 2.3
Pedals Welgo - 313 Platforms
Brakes - Shimana Deore Disks
(I was quoted for Shimano V's but I will upgrade to Disks)

$1520. plus about $150 for shipping to Japan.
I might choose a couple of minor extras, maybe a better crank & pedals, but that quote isnt gonna change much.

Is this a good deal?
Are there any shops which offer similar bikes?
Will I get a similar bike cheaper if I buy a complete bike (and maybe get a few xtras for it) ?

Is this a nice bike?

That's a pretty good price for that bike.

Check out www.airbomb.com they're a Canadian Mail-Order Company that has a good deal on a complete Nuke Proof! Not as strong as the Planet X, but a good deal regardless.

L8R