Are 29ers better for big guys?
 

I'm wondering if I would get a benefit from buying the 29er?

I was either going to get the base model hardrock, or get the 29er top of the line with disc brakes etc.

Base model=$400
29er =$600

I'm 6'3" 300lbs 32 inseam. I was just thinking maybe the 29er's rims would hold up better. I have nothing to base that on though. I don't want to waste money either. This will be for light-moderate trails.

I appreciate the help also. Thanks.

A 29er is a 700c rim with fat tires. You could say a hybrid with knobbies. There is nothing inherently stronger about a 29er over a 26" wheel.

That being said, the Hardrock 29er is a great choice to start. Get a smooth rolling set of street or road tires if you plan on riding on hard surfaces. 700c tires will swap out with no issues.

I'm kind of worried about the disc brakes also. Are they more of a headache than needed? I heard "IF" they bend they can become an issue. I don't really know if they would, but that's what I heard.

From the standpoint of damage because of too much weight on a wheel, a 29er is a little bit more fragile!

Why? If you use the same hubs (and they do) the 29" wheels transmit a little more torque (left/right) to the hub/spoke than smaller wheels.

More significant, though, is how well the wheel is built (1st) and how many spokes it has (2nd).

like mentioned above a 29'r wheel is a bit more fragile but it really depend on what you ride

are your trails rocky and rooty and technical or more smooth and flowy.. if they're smooth as long as the wheels are well built you'll be fine

if they're technical you will just have to work on picking smooth lines and being light on your bike a bit more than a smaller rider

don't worry disc brake rock even if u bend a rotor a bit you can true them