CrimsonKarter21

What can you tell me about this bike? I think I'm goign to buy one through a team deal, and I thought that the 29er idea is pretty cool. I've got a good amount of riding experience on hardtail 26" bikes, and have been honing in on tight, technical stuff the past week or two on a SS STP. I'm mainly a roadie, but since I'm switching racing teams this year, I have to give back my loaner mountain bike, and my friends all are into MTB'ing.
So, if you've got anything to say about the bike, throw it at me.

sjs731

I recently looked at that bike because I wanted to get a 29er. I ended up with a Redline D460 29er because I didn't like the fit of the Spec. for me. The plus of the Spec. is that you can easily convert it to a SS if you want to. The drop outs are set up for it already. I would ride some 29er's and see what fits you best.

Phatman

I rode the specialized 29er, and it felt really funny. Its got a pretty steep feeling headtube, so you're bunched up over the front wheel.

Also, they run short. I'm 6'2'', and I ride a 19.5'' trek and a 19'' specialized 26er, the 29er 19'' was way too short for me, even with the seat slammed back and a 110 stem.

I'd take a look at the new paragon. Its got nicer parts (fox fork, lx cranks, sram x-9), its about the same price, and handles really well.

C Law

Superfly!!

CrimsonKarter21

I'll be testing one soon enough. This is through a team deal, and the shop carries Specialized, Felt, BMC, Kona and Santa Cruz. I'm looking for a high-quality hardtail that rides well. A 29" is a serious plus. So a Fish is out of the equation for me.

C Law

Make sure and ride a Kona Kula 29

If I had to choose from the companies you list, I would build up a Kona Explosif 29. But I am a sucker for a steel hardtail.

Blade-Runner

I'd wait a year on getting a Specialized 29er Stumpjumper. I bet next year they will have better/cheaper pricing, fox fork/shocks, more options and more models to choose from.

Phatman

As much as I hate to say things like this, I agree. Specialized makes a good product, but the 29er stumpy hardtail is seriously disappointing. I'm counting on them to make it better next year with a slacker headtube and higher offset fork.

CrimsonKarter21

Okay, that's cool I guess. How about any of their hardtail 26" bikes? Is the high pricetag of the 29" because the big wheels are the new thing, so that comes with a premium?
Who likes Giant's lineup? If I got a Giant, I could swing an amazing deal on an Anthem FS with, IIRC 3.5in travel.

Blade-Runner

If I had the money and had to buy a hardtail this year I would get an 07 Stumpjumper Comp, the discount price should be somewhere in the $1,200 range.

Bounty Hunter

I'll probably end up getting either an '07 or '08 GF HiFi, but I tested out a 26er '08 Stumpjumper Comp and I thought it was amazing. VERY light and agile. I wish I could find a leftover '07 for a discount.

Blade-Runner

Ask your LBS to look into it; just because there not on the sales floor doesn't mean there not still out there.