Originally Posted by
BluesDawg
Maybe you should go and hang out at a couple of local MTB races and get a feel for what kind of bike works best for the types of terrain and course you are likely to encounter. Around here 26" full suspension bikes are most popular with the XC crowd. The good suspension systems nowdays are amazing. 29ers are popular with bigger, stronger riders, especially on faster courses with fewer accelerations from slow speeds.
Good Idea BD, I may do that at the next local race.