Well, the new Bronson is awesome, but I found a deal on the local Craigslist. Wound up with a lightly used Orbea Loki sporting 27.5+ wheels/tires. 27.5 X 3 The bike will also work with a two-niner wheelset.
A relatively short 120mm travel on the front and hard tail calls for a little different technique than I used to. (I've been riding full squish for 20 years.) One thing that did amaze me was the ability to find climbing traction on our short, punchy climbs. Especially in slightly damp conditions! Cornering traction was great too but I'm still learning to trust this plus size. This will be my 'ride the local park' bike while the Bronson will remain my E-ticket ride.