Best 29er for 100k endurance XC events
 

What is the best 29er for 100k endurance XC events? I am a big guy at 6'-4" and over 200 lbs. I am tempted by the Airborne Guardian (with a fork upgrade); but folks have mentioned that for that distance at my size steel would be a better choice.

I am coming from a cyclocross background and am not familiar with the ride qualities of the various geometry differences. Should I look at a Niner S.I.R. 9 with Reynolds 853 or something like a Salsa Fargo?

I am not planning on using racks or pack touring, so I assume the Salsa Fargo would be pretty noodle-like unloaded (even though I like the tall head-tube). I haven't read all 120 pages of the MTBR Fargo thread, but I don't see much discussion on XC MTB usage/ distance races.

... and I will also mention my budget is under $1200 complete.

Obviously, full suspension would be ideal -- of course, the budget is going to severely limit those options.

If you're going hardtail, definitely go steel. Having previously owned a MCR9, I could safely say the SIR would be pretty comfortable over 100miles. Not being into endurance races and having a full suspension bike, I felt the MCR was a little too noodly for my use -- weighing 190-200(before gear) while owning it.

Thanks, good advice. I am temped todo it with my Lemond Poprad CX bike. I have a 1.75" 29er tire on the front and a 38c on the rear.

I guess it depends on where you are. If we're talking about open gravel-grinding, the CX bike might cut it. If I were to ride any event that included actual trail, I wouldn't even consider it. In my neck of the woods, trails are heavily wooded(lots of roots), some rock and logs -- none of which I would want to ride on a CX bike, unless I intended on hopping a lot of obstacles CX-style. I'd strongly suggest a mtb for mtb oriented endurance events.

Back to the SIR/MCR...considering your CX background, it honestly seems like it could be great fit. Part of the reason I sold my MCR was that I ride a little too aggressive for that frame and felt that it wouldn't last long. It's a pure XC frame with some really good ride characteristics -- very smooth, great climber, lightweight(for steel -- my medium was 4.45lbs), and just a solid handling bike.

I have been looking at used Niner MCR and SIR frames; but haven't found any great deals (on an XL size) to get the project under my price range. I still have the Airborne Goblin (or the Guardian) in the back of my mind as a budget choice.


I think that a geared Reynolds 853 steel frame with a Niner (or Whiskey) rigid carbon fork would do well for the endurance events I am looking at especially Iron Cross in September: Iron Cross

100 miles @ Michaux?
I ride rigid quite a bit, but I could see that place destroying my hands/arms over that distance.

The S.I.R. frame would be a nice ride, similar to that (but for fewer $$) is Salsa's El Mariachi.

I purchased a 2012 Salsa Spearfish2 for $1,400. I purchased it solely because of its endurance capabilities. I have it currently down to about 25.8 lbs, which is pretty formidable for a fully-suspended aluminum bike.http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=319754

That On One Scandal 29er frame looks sweet!!! It looks like I can still select one of the black 21" frames in the older version with the rack mounts and 2 sets of water bottle mounts.


Thanks for the heads up

I went ahead and ordered the On One Scandal 29er frame. Michael at Planet X ( titusti.com ) was great with customer service and answering questions; I highly recommend these folks.

For similar distance/type riding, I LOVE my Kona Hei Hei 29 that I got on clearance, though I did some upgrades to it.

I was also looking at Salsa Spearfish and Giant Anthem that seem to be very popular in that category.

http://irun100s.com/daveharper/?p=439