Made the switch from my 26 fully to my 29 HT about a year ago and I love the 29er. I'll add this. Recently I visited NM and shipped out my 26 FS "backup bike". I ended up buying some new, wider meat for the front because I wasn't nearly as confident on descents as I was on my 29er. I wouldn't have wanted my hard tail out there, but I did really miss the 29s. That said, I still had a blast. As long as I'm riding I'm happy.