Mountain Biking - Another noob Q: 29er as first MTB?

Hey Guys-
Back again -- my buddy has a 29er with full XT/Avid discs/rockshox fork that he's had for a season and wouldn't mind parting with for a reasonable price. You guys talked me into XT in another thread, now I'd like to know if this is an ok first MTB? I race cross and road, so I'm not a total noob to bike handling. Thanks!

It's not like 29'ers are for advanced riders or anything. You just need to ride the bike and see if you like it. I would at least compare it to a could of 26" bikes to see what you prefer.

If you already race cross then you have a "29r" - just one with smaller tires. It might be nice to have a different type of bicycle around.

You'll never be cool around here if you get a 29er. Remember back in grade school when the spoiled little brat ragged on anyone who didn't follow his lead? That's how it works here. I'd go to mtbr.com and ask people that actually ride their bikes.

You'll never be cool around here if you get a 29er. Remember back in grade school when the spoiled little brat ragged on anyone who didn't follow his lead? That's how it works here. I'd go to mtbr.com and ask people that actually ride their bikes.

:roflmao2::roflmao2::roflmao2:

You'll never be cool around here if you get a 29er. Remember back in grade school when the spoiled little brat ragged on anyone who didn't follow his lead? That's how it works here. I'd go to mtbr.com and ask people that actually ride their bikes.

My my... sour grapes!

You take a cross bike, I'll take a SS 29'er, I'll pick the trails. You don't stand a chance. You comments are proof you're clueless....

You take a cross bike, I'll take a SS 29'er, I'll pick the trails. You don't stand a chance. You comments are proof you're clueless....

Dang you must've beaten by a guy with a geared fs bike bunch of times while you were growing up.
You need to stop being an ass about your ss 29er bike because nobody gives a flying rats ass about what you ride.

Dang you must've beaten by a guy with a geared fs bike bunch of times while you were growing up....


LOL. when I was growing up, they didn't have FS. You're mom just called, dinner's ready!

You take a cross bike, I'll take a SS 29'er, I'll pick the trails. You don't stand a chance. You comments are proof you're clueless....

Oh, ouch! Tough guy.

Where is your sense of humour?

LOL. when I was growing up, they didn't have FS. You're mom just called, dinner's ready!

Well you obviously aren't done growing up.

LOL. Thanks for the input guys. I'm going to ride a few and see what happens.

There are some differences between a 29er and 26 inch wheeled bike. Different riding conditions and rider styles will highlight the strengths or weaknesses of each model. I would ride the 29er and a 26er on trails similiar to what your going to ride on and see which has the characteristics you like best. You can also do a search on this forum as there are several threads that points out the pros and cons of the two model of bikes.

I recently purchased a 2010 stumpy. I looked at the Gary Fisher 29er and the specialized 29er before i purchased my bike and opted for the 26er. I liked the feel of the 26 and it seemed to accelerate better. The 29er seemed to roll better and rolled over some obstacles easier; however, when it come to comfort in the seat, my perception of handling, and a few other little things dealing with the terrain i usually ride i opted for the 26 stumpy. Now couple people in the local area riding club recently purchased 29ers as they liked how the 29er rolled over obstacles. So it basically comes down to personal preference.

I love the 29er, its an easier transition coming from road bikes. i have both- a 26 and a 29. i prefer the 29, my 26 is going up for sale soon. but my 29er is a very quick handling bike, and im coming from 80's schwinns, which oddly enough have have the exact same geometry as a typical cross bike.