Re:
I have newer and more expensive bikes in alloy or carbon but I keep going back to my 26" steel Inbred 456. I'm under no illusions that DN6 tubing is anything special so by just changing the frame material I am hoping to shed some weight and put some spring into my ride by keeping the same angles and tube lengths.
My favourite "style" of bike is a long forked hard tail so the same again but able to take modern forks, a wider rear dropout and maybe a dropper post would be the easier choices.
Without getting into the wheel size debate I prefer a 29" wheel at the front as they roll over rocks better on steep descents. A 26" at the rear would suite my stature though. So maybe I would need a 69er, hence my need for a long conversation with a frame builder.