Mountain Biking - opinions on 29'er full suspension frames

I am looking at possibly going back to full suspension. I am currently on a Gary Fisher Cobia, entry level 29er. I have been browsing the net and looking at all the different 29er frames and like many, but don't really want to spend close to $2,000 on just a frame! So I keep my eye on ebay too, but there isn't much there yet.

Anyone have experience with some FS frames that they like?

How about that Salsa with the 1" in the back (daddy like).

Discuss.....



-Kurt

I've been using the Salsa Dos niner as my xc/enduro race bike this year. I really wouldn't consider it a full suspension frame. I like it a lot so far. Any particular questions you have I could try and answer for you

the Niner RIP 9 would be a sweet ride with a White Bros 130 up front. That would be a monster truck ride.

Asylum OCD frames are on closeout at speedgoat (they will be branded titus from now on)

Voodoo make the Canzo, it looks to be one of the least costly FS 29er frames out there.

What type of ride are you looking to build? A race bike? all rounder?

IMO it just seems too heavy....if I were to do anything like this I'd probably just stick a 29er fork on the 26" frame and only run a 29 front wheel....

I've been using the Salsa Dos niner as my xc/enduro race bike this year. I really wouldn't consider it a full suspension frame. I like it a lot so far. Any particular questions you have I could try and answer for you

the Niner RIP 9 would be a sweet ride with a White Bros 130 up front. That would be a monster truck ride.

Asylum OCD frames are on closeout at speedgoat (they will be branded titus from now on)

Voodoo make the Canzo, it looks to be one of the least costly FS 29er frames out there.

What type of ride are you looking to build? A race bike? all rounder?


I dunno? I just kinda want to go back to a FS bike for an all 'rounder. Now that I have a road bike, I would like a more "serious" MTB.

I have looked at the VooDoo, seems nice. I'll look at the others you mentioned, when I get back from the bar ;)

I did find a GF 292 on ebay. Looks like Fisher changed the design of the rear triangle for a good reason (chain suck really did a number on the 292).

Maybe instead of going back to FS, I'll just suck it up and learn to ride better. A suspension seat post might do the trick too....

So...uh...what's with your name? Is it Kurt (like me) or Curt (like, not me)? :D

The Canzo is not so heavy. I don't have the specs handy but I have ridden one-around the dock yard.

So...uh...what's with your name? Is it Kurt (like me) or Curt (like, not me)? :D

It's neither, its just an internet handle.

But it is supposed to read Curt (adj. as in rudely brief in speech or abrupt in manner) Kurt (name)

As far as the Dos niner, I think it is a very versatile frame. You can build it up to be a fairly light xc weenie bike, or a pretty durable light weight all rounder, really depending on the wheelset and fork you put on it.

The Canzo would seem like a sweet deal for a frame.

IMO it just seems too heavy....if I were to do anything like this I'd probably just stick a 29er fork on the 26" frame and only run a 29 front wheel....

What exactly seems too heavy?

What exactly seems too heavy?


29ers just seem really bulky to me...dunno...

THe intense spider 29er looks really slick. I suggest checking that out.

Just thought i'd say i love my cobia...great bike my friend...and to help with your situation...do whatever you want...(HAHAHA)...i mean you could spend a bunch of money and get a new frame or suck it up (no offense) and just stick with that heavenly bike that is your cobia :)

29ers just seem really bulky to me...dunno...

heavy or bulky?

How much experience do you have riding one?

heavy or bulky?

How much experience do you have riding one?

a few test rides....maybe I just haven't given them enough of a chance yet...

it just feels really large and cumbersome to me....and i'm a tall guy 6'2"

If I were to get a 29er i think it would definitely be a hardtail

a few test rides....maybe I just haven't given them enough of a chance yet...

it just feels really large and cumbersome to me....and i'm a tall guy 6'2"

If I were to get a 29er i think it would definitely be a hardtail


The steering is a little slower than on 26" wheels. It takes a little getting used to. Once you do, it's a nice thing. Funny thing is, most of the taller (over 6') guys like 9er's better. Seems like they fit a little nicer than the small wheels.

The Intense does look nice. I like the fact that they let you pick one of 5 colors. (did I really just say that?)

As for sucking it up....I take NO OFFENSE at all. This is what I really should do!!! So I will keep at it for another 6 months, but come spring of 08, you never know what I might do :D


My new saying:
26" wheels are like nuts, everybody's got a pair!