Very nice build.  Thank you for posting your story, it is extremely helpful.

How are the wheels?

Would you buy from BTLOS again?

WRT to interchangeability, I am relying on the web, so be careful.

This was a helpful thread...

https://www.reddit.com/r/bikewrench/comments/9hp871/are_shimano_hydraulic_road_levers_compatible_with/

The Shimano road brakes work with mountain levers and vice versa, so I was thinking of 105 flat mounts and XT levers.

I have asked Titan if they make custom bars based on their catalog designs, but haven't yet got an answer.  They have a couple of interesting bars.

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/group/Titanium-Handlebar-Bar-End/705853_210908902.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.0.0.3fe41b5fxNZ8OD

I may go back to plan A, which was a custom Ti frame, to get a geometry that works with a regular length fork, and not have other potential compromises of adapting the mtb geometry frame.  The mtb frames seem to be built around a 500mm+ fork, which would look strange and would be much flexier and heavier than a sub 400mm fork.  The hta might work with a shorter fork, but that would be more down to luck.

I will reach out to Carbonda regarding a fork.

There is a Pro-Mance fork that seems suitable - are they a top tier vendor?

Title is a good summary.

2.1" 650b tires would work, but would prefer up to 2.25" or 2.4".

Designing for flat alt bar, Koga Denham, so ideally a longer reach, all else equal.

Prefer a more relaxed geometry, with longer chainstays.

So far the closest I have found is the CFR696, but comparing across models and makes can be tricky, due to sizing differences.

Any good options?

I think I would prefer 100mm, but could go 110mm.

Nothing too porky.

Any suggestions?

The price has almost doubled since July.

I think I have decided on Waltly, but wanted to get more insights into the stock  FS offerings.

TIA

WC8000