After a few months of thinking about it, 11.11 sales was the trigger point! I started ordering parts for it and will document below my experiences…
Ordered:
Frame 24” Meinier (could be the OEM for BXT…) - $243 in blue
https://a.aliexpress.com/_ms7RgbtFrame is sold naked so I added headset, thru axle & nut, seat post clamp & hose frame guides from their offering for $30
Wheels I went for Pasak as Meinier gave me a great deal on their demo set, complete with Kenda 24x2.35 XC tires - $150
TPU tubes to replace the standard - $23 for 4
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqKBsTZBrakes, Zrace M1 X2, my son tried on my bike (riding the top tube), and is able to reach and apply required force - $43
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPd24vlYBN 12S chain - $17
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPPR8MxReused:
Saddle will be elitaone, bars cut EC90, uno stem, Cruze cranks in 130mm with 28mm passquest chainring