Crue4
12-11-06, 08:07 PM
Which way would you guys go... grab a 29 hard tail now... or grab 26 first and add 29 later?
Mountain Biking - Hard Tail choice 26 or 29?
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the wonginator
12-11-06, 08:12 PM
are you new?
if you're new to the sport, i would probably just stick with the 26" for now, as 29"s are pretty pricey. But, if you're into the sport already, and willing to make an INVESTMENT, then go for it. personally, i don't find that 29's are all that great... if it ain't broke, why fix it?
if you're new to the sport, i would probably just stick with the 26" for now, as 29"s are pretty pricey. But, if you're into the sport already, and willing to make an INVESTMENT, then go for it. personally, i don't find that 29's are all that great... if it ain't broke, why fix it?
blu3d0g
12-11-06, 08:36 PM
it's not that it's broke, it's just different. 29ers roll better because of the bigger wheel, so they're good for XC, but they're weaker because of the bigger wheel as well, so they're not as good for jumping off of ****.
the wonginator
12-11-06, 08:39 PM
yeah. and they're slower too accelerate. on the flip side, they're slower to decelerate... good or bad, depending on what you're looking for.
pinkheadedbug
12-12-06, 05:25 AM
Hardtail? If you're > 5'10", don't even think about it, go straight for the 29er since you'll just end up ditching the 26er if you buy one first (about 90% probability, anyway, judging from experience).
5'6 to 5'10", try a test ride
5'6 or less, 26er
hardtail 29er plus full squish 26er makes a certain amount of sense
My vote in hardtail 29ers is for the Niner SIR9, EMD9 or AIR9. All fantastic bikes.
5'6 to 5'10", try a test ride
5'6 or less, 26er
hardtail 29er plus full squish 26er makes a certain amount of sense
My vote in hardtail 29ers is for the Niner SIR9, EMD9 or AIR9. All fantastic bikes.
Thor29
12-12-06, 11:30 AM
For hardtails, 29ers rule. The bigger wheel might make less sense on a full suspension bike, but the benefits are definitely there for hardtails. Go big.
mlts22
12-12-06, 11:43 AM
Advantages for 29" bikes:
Obvious bigger wheel advantage.
Better riding in gnarly terrain.
The latest "in" thing.
Disadvantages:
The latest "in" thing.
Harder to get tires, tubes, and other stuff for repairs. 26" stuff, pretty much anybody carries, while 29" stuff is harder to find.
Forks, frames, etc. are more expensive.
I say ride both a 26" bike and a 29" bike, buy what fits the best.
Obvious bigger wheel advantage.
Better riding in gnarly terrain.
The latest "in" thing.
Disadvantages:
The latest "in" thing.
Harder to get tires, tubes, and other stuff for repairs. 26" stuff, pretty much anybody carries, while 29" stuff is harder to find.
Forks, frames, etc. are more expensive.
I say ride both a 26" bike and a 29" bike, buy what fits the best.