Originally Posted by
never
Don't buy a bike to match the way your friends ride, buy a bike that suits you own riding style.
+1
Sounds like you don't need a new bike. You need new riding partners.
If you like hammering the descents but struggle on the climbs on a Fuel, you'll still like hammering the descents but will struggle on the climbs on a Bandersnatch. If you want the 29er because you want a second bike that rides differently, by all means, get the 29er! But buy it because you want a 29er, not because you're trying to fit in with your buddies' riding styles.