I currently ride a Santa Cruz Chameleon and am looking for a change. It will have to cope with doing the the transalp (not the actual race-just following the route) and then my usual riding which is mainly steep rocky descents and steep tarmac climbs and some adventure racing (live in Hong Kong). Am looking at the carbon Trek Fuel EX9 but am not sure if it can have a QR seat post because it will weaken the frame at this point. Am also considering something like a Cotic Soda or getting something made by Seta Vento-both titanium frames but with geometry which will cope with 100-130mm fork.

Any sugestions on the lightweight, rugged and not too racy front? 

I'd go with Commencal Meta 5.5 XT but thats cos I've just bought one!

Or maybe building up one of the Pace R303 hardtails! I took mine to the Alps last year and it coped fantasticly!