[arrkaye]

Hi, I'm usually a roadie but would like to dip my toes into a bit of mtb. Thing is, I'm not sure where to start. I'm leaning towards 27.5 and full sus, but other than that, I have no idea how much travel I would want. Looking for a bit of an all rounder bike. My question is, what would be a good spec of bike to build for me to get started on?

Have a preference for TanTan or Workswell manufacturers.

 

[MSU Alum]

I think you should go to some local bike shops (LBS) and at least look at some products, ask about advantages of some designs over others and maybe at least sit on some bikes.

Not knowing your budget, where or how you might want to ride and such makes it hard to make any kind of recommendation.

Why those companies? Do you like the geometries on their bikes? Do you like their warranties? Do you live in Hong Kong? Is there room in their frames for tires up to 2.6"? That is a nice feature.
What kind and size bottom brackets do they have? Some people have preferences (I don't, between threaded and pressfit).

You can get Shimano XT groupsets pretty cheap, if you don't want to mix and match or you could use SRAM GX bundled groupsets as well.

Fork, wheels and such are also kind of dependent on budget.

I'd start out looking at and riding pre-built up bikes at your stage.
Where do you live and what brand bikes are sold near you?

 

[TylerVernon]

Chinertown is the dedicated chinese frame site.

 

[MillerC]

Check out the chromag wide angle and a nos manitou mattoc pro. It's a fantastic do it all bike.