Looking for a light S240 bikepacking rig

[cackalak]

I'm itching for a new bike.  Currently, I have two bikes that meet my bikepacking needs, but they are not light (range 27-32lbs).  I'd like to get something that's pretty light (talking ~20lbs) that could handle S24O and some gravel races.  Next logical thought would probably be something like a Salsa Cutthroat.  But I am not a fan of drop bars, I found.  So a flat bar MTB with a rigid carbon fork is what I'm after.  Plus, the ability to go Singlespeed is a big plus.

What I'd really like is a Pivot LES that can take 27.5 Plus and 29" tires.  Enve rigid fork, I9 wheels, and it'd be perfect.  But I'm open to other suggestions.  Because going Ti interests me as well.  i.e. Lynskey has their Ridgeline frames for $1,600.  That would be a nice rig as well.

Cost is definitely a consideration.  There are probably better buys out there.  Please throw out some suggestions.  Thanks.

[Demian]

Salsa Woodsmoke is a versatile rig, as is the new Karate Monkey. Used Ti El Mariachi is always a viable thing if you can find one...

Great problem to have! Hope to hear what you end up doing.

[bakerjw]

I don't like drop bars or flat bars. I go with Jones H bars. I get them adjusted so that my arms are in a natural position and my palms rest flat on them.

What size frame do you need? I am sitting on a Lynskey XL M290 ATM.

[offroute]

Used Ti El Mariachi is always a viable thing if you can find one...

Large on MTBR right now, just reduced to $725. Scramble!!!!!!!!!!!

[Biggus Duckus]

Kona Unit maybe?

It comes stock as a single-speed but even converting it to a 1x I think it sounds well worth the price. 

[trail_monkey]

My soma b side weighed 4.75 lbs (bare frame).  Fully rigid with good wheels and salsa cromoto grande steel fork it weighed 25 lbs on the nose as a ss with CK cog. It is a 1x10 now and still light. Imagine how light I could be with a carbon fork.

[Autodropltd]

I've got a large One9 that's set up with a SID RCT3 1x10 for $1300.  It's under 23lbs as it sits, but throw a rigid fork and you'd be close to 20lbs.