Mountain Biking - Should I become a 29'er

Went to the LBS's today to try to find an Avid BB7 for my duty mountain bike. I have a set on order but don't expect it for a couple weeks. Needed something to stop gap me.

I didn't find anything but one LBS did have a Canondale Caffeine 29'er that I fell desperately in love with. Soon as I saw it I knew that this is the mountain bike that would make me happy.

I've currently got a Giant XTC-850 and I like it just fine. It's a great entry level little hardtail. Emphasis on little. It's a touch small for me but I kinda like it like that.

But there's something about this Caffeine that I know can extract the last drop of sweat from me and leave me in pain but smiling.

Thing is I've never ridden a 29 and I'm a little worried about the differences. However much of our riding here in Okinawa Japan has a lot of furious downhills with some bumpy turf....pieces of coral sticking up, roots, ruts. I always have to hold back on the little Giant. I've got a feeling I could really enjoy the downhill runs on these big wheels.

Thumbs up or down to the 29 from people who have been where I am now?????

John

Since I bought my 29er (Redline d440,1x8,rigid,Avid discs added) back in June,the only time I've had ANY desire to ride any of my 26ers is when I miss my SS...Hopefully a 29er SS will come this year (@ my birthday in June again maybe?:innocent:). So I say go for it!

I'm not particularly tall (5'9"),and my trails are tight (several switchbacks on some),somewhat technical,and mostly either you're going up or down (very little flat),and I LOVE it!!!:love:

Should I become a 29'er

Yes...then you could have tall guys ride you:twitchy:

singlespeed92,

Sounds exactly like our trails in Okinawa. Up or down, no flats. Lots of switchbacks. Lots of slick clay as well here too.

I think I'm going to go for the Caffeine. I'm going to go take a second look at it today and see if I'm still in love with it.

John

singlespeed92,

Sounds exactly like our trails in Okinawa. Up or down, no flats. Lots of switchbacks. Lots of slick clay as well here too.

I think I'm going to go for the Caffeine. I'm going to go take a second look at it today and see if I'm still in love with it.

John

I have a couple of FS 26ers and while they are okay, my favorite is my IndyFab 29er SS. Beautiful and flawless and rides like a dream. Go 29er......you'll love it

i love my 29er. i havent taken it on the trails yet since i got it in december. in the city it truly handles like a beefy flat bar road bike. its a unique feeling. its like a monster truck it has a high wheel base and can really roll over stuff with those huge wheels.

in regards to downhilling it does sit higher than a 26' bike and could be a problem with center of gravity on steep slopes. its alot easier to control a bike with suspension on the downhills too. alot of single speed 29ers around are rigid including mine.