Originally Posted by
ColinL
Just noticed that the OP said his wife is the same size he is.
Simple solution: trade bikes for a ride. You will need to reset sag if you weigh more-- I'm not sure if 'same size' means similar in all respects or same height, and different weight.
If she still dusts you it's not the bike.
However, what you're really trying to find out is if you prefer the FS, and ideally, if you seem to be faster on it. If your wife is possessive about her bike-- and that's not a knock on her, some people are and it's fine-- just borrow a bike from a friend if you have one with the right sized FS bike, or rent one from a LBS. Even if it's $50 for a full-day rental that is worth knowing before you go buy a new bike.
Wow! Excellent, and EASY, point made here! You've got a great demo bike in the garage! Set it up for your weight, and give it a go. All around, some great points have been made here. Your wife might be "faster" than you simply because she can stay seated, and pedal through anything, whereas you have to be more mindful of the trail, and get the tail up out of the seat on occasion. The differences between the two bikes are minute, but aggregated over the course of a ride, they add up.
You can readily compare 26 vs 29; full vs hardtail; and the differences in forks. You have access to some great testing to see what you do, and do not, want in your next bike!