Bigger wheels handle bumps better, you ride 26", why not 24" or 20" if smaller is better? 29er is a good trade-off between weight and size, that's why a $1500 29er is a much better bike for 99% of riders compared to a $1500 FS 26er. The $1500 FS 26er is a POS, cheap shocks, cheap pivots, nearly impossible to set up and keep in top notch condition. The $1500 29er HT just works and the rider's level of enjoyment is much higher.