I am back to the drawing board in terms of what bike to ride.

I have road

Trek 8.4 DS
Specalized Crosstrail Elite Disc
Giant Roam 2

I road all of these on smooth surfaces as well as a little off-roading. When off roading and going up hill, I didn't seem to have the traction to climb and my front tire would lift. Is that cause these are all too light?

I am torn if I should get/look at a 29er as I am mostly going to be riding alone for exercise, and do want the ability to do some off roading as well. the LBS said maybe get a 29er and have tires you can switch out for on road vs off road. I want to say I will be 70% road, but unsure could go to 80% road or maybe 60% road.

29ers I am looking at are around $1000

Specialized Rockhopper or the Rockhopper Comp
Giant Talon 0
Trek Mamba

Thoughts??? Any help is greatly appreciated

Thanks

Mountain bikes have meatier tires - wider and knobier, which give more traction. Also, it helps to have a fluid pedal stroke. Mashing will make your tires slip more.

As for the front end rising it because your position is too upright. first, try lowering your elbows (parallel to ground) and scooting up on your saddle. If you're still popping wheelies, slam that stem or use barends - or both

I have a Trek 8.4 DS and I have an extra set of wheels with 29 x 1.9 mtb tires to use on trails. I save the 700 x 38 which came on it for the road. This might help with the traction problem. Not all mtb tires are the same. I
bought Bontrager tires and they have enough clearance whereas others might not.