Congratulations BluesDawg! I think you made a wise decision going for the 2.9 instead of the 29er. Its been hotter than the downside of a pancake here in Texas, over 100 degrees for the past few days. I'm sure ya'll are experiencing the same in Georgia. I thought; by reading your posts; you were already a licensed bicycle mechanic... Anyway, working at the bike shop should be a perfect fit for you!