Recently my buddy has been considering a FS bike and he's been trying to talk me into getting one as well, but I'm not sure about buying a FS when I have a relatively new HT. Right now I have a 2009 Rockhopper 29er and if I would get an FS I'd probably go for a 26" Stumpjumper FSR. Is an FS really going to give me a different riding experience to justify the purchase, or should I just spend some money on a Road bike and a few upgrades for my HT?

I typically ride some steep washed out atv trails, rocky hill sides, and some single track here in PA.

I would think that adding a full suspension bike would make sense. If you ride at different sites the FS bike could be used for those times when the going gets rougher. But if you plan on doing a lot of on road riding than a road bike makes sense to.......

Can you rent anywhere near where you are? Why not try it and see if the experience is worth it for you?

+1

LBS guy that I trust told me that if it were him he would just buy a new wheelset since I already have a 29er and slap MTB tires on the one set and use the others as a Road Tire set. Then if I decided later on that I wanted an FS bike I could pick one up then. Plus since I'm not into competitive road racing it would be like having 2 bikes, when I only have one. He said it might cost him a $1k-$2K sale but it would be a better option with where I'm at in my riding right now.

Either that or steer your buddy to that Stumpy FSR, then try out his a few times before deciding whether or not to follow suit .

Deliciously evil........I like it.