I build up 3 Spycycle SP-M016 hardtail bikes for my 3 boys to ride NICA.  The geometry is spot on progressive w/ 75* and 67* at 450mm reach size large. Only problem for you is they don't make an XL.  Their latest hard tail is not as progressive but pretty decent at 74.5* 68* 475mm reach with UDH. I've been very satisfied with these 3 bikes. Threaded bottom brackets and so far so good. My 15yo rode his pretty darn hard and fast.
[/url]

Did anyone notice Wheeltop is now advertising 3-14 speed cassette compatibility? I didn't even know 14 speed cassettes existed? Lol

https://wheeltop.com/products/eds-bicycle-derailleur

The frame is out for delivery! It will be a long wait for my daughter to get home from school to unbox it...

In other news, we have been doing bits and pieces whilst waiting for the frame:

Most parts have now arrived, just need grips and pedals - and then any incidentals that may pop up during the build.

Set the wheels up tubeless - got some Vittoria Barzo tires on sale. 2.25 up front, and 2.1 on the back.

Not 100% sold on the disks - we will have to see how they perform.

And had to do a test fit of the tire and wheel on the fork... can you tell we can't wait for the frame to arrive?

How did you order it? I was looking at this but couldn't find a way to put an order in. And did you get a weight on the frame before assembly?

I'm also a fan of "old school" frames- round seatposts, tolerable geometry.

You actually have a lot of spacers under the handlebars. Maybe this YT video on channel BBInfinite 2 years ago (Adjust a Headset Like a Boss) will help you compress your headset in the best way. I myself was amazed at the compression with plastic spacers