That's the one I settled on, I tried the Haideli one, but quality didn't meet my expectations... to say the least. But it is cheap.

Ok, regarding your experiences the frame is not cheap at all - if you have to buy another one  .

I'm in the same boat it seems. Looking for a downcountry hardtail with 120mm travel. Looking at your reach numbers it seems we are more or less the same height - I'm 186cm, with long legs also so I would appreciate a higher stack. Pretty much all chinese frames as I have looked have a relative low stack.

Carbonda FM1306 in 21'' looks like a good solution, but might come in too long at 480mm reach I'm afraid. Maybe combine it with a super short stem ...
How come it's not on the website of Carbonda? Is it available to order?

I'm actually 184cm with long legs. If you put a 120mm fork into a 100mm frame the stack height will most likely be not too low anymore ;-). If you are fine with the head angle of the FM1306 I would go for it. If you are looking for a downcountry bike the reach should be just fine for you as it still shortens a fair bit when using a 120mm fork. I would also check the effective top tube length and compare it with your current bike. I suppose you will still need a stem at 60-80mm which is already on the long side for a downcountry bike. (see attached calculation)

Well is there really no light/carbon hardtail frame out there that is designed for 120mm forks? I really wonder why the chinese manufacturers still build frames with a geo from 2018.

I contacted Peter a week ago since I'd like to get new rims. No answer so far. I've had good experiences with him four years ago when I bought rims. Not sure if I'd call it reliable now, if I don't get an answer on a purchase inquiry... 

Are you sure you need all those spacers + positive stem + riser handlebar? The frame looks awesome though!

The head angle of 71.5° would be a no go for me. My favourite chiner frame is a Tideace FM-M009. Have a look on aliexpress.

Nice build story. Thanks for sharing! Only the saddle is a bit bulky compared to the rest. I would consider trying sth. lighter. Doesn't have to pure carbon. Maybe one of these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/GUB-full-3k-T800-carbon-fiber-super-light-weight-127g-bicycle-carbon-hollow-saddle-leather-saddle/32768889424.html

The only problem i can see with the frame is they have positioned bottle cage too far up the down tube. A bottle won't fit under the shock and if i turn the shock around i cant use the remote.
i see from previous drawing on here, dengfu have the cage bolt hole drilled a 180 from the BB which would work ok........my frame is drilled at 225mm which is useless.

Wow, that's big issue. A xc bike without bottle cage is next to useless. Did you confront them with this error? Normally they should replace that frame. Would be a test to check the real customer friendliness.
As a fallback it should be possible to use a cage with straps. 

Yes I did have contact. I asked about a tracking number. He said the rims were not shipped yet. To my question (which I asked twice) when they would be shipped I didn't get a reply.