Looking to get a 2nd bike for XC, high end 26er vs mid-level 29er?

[we78]

Hi
I am currently riding Transition Covert 26er (all mountain bike).
I would like to get a 2nd bike to do a once a week XC ride in addition to the All Mountain riding that I do with my Covert. I want a hard tail with 100mm travel in front.

I've checked the local 2nd hand boards and it seems like they are packed with high end 26ers for very good prices and no one seems to be buying those because of the 29er fad. For the price of mid-range 29er I can get a full XTR 26er with top of the line components/possibly some carbon models too.

Value for money (and fun) what would you pick? Provided its going to be my 2nd bike for once a week XC fun on local trails.

Thanks!

[kjlued]

It seems more XC riders prefer 29ers.
Some people love them, others hate them.
I prefer them myself but it is all I have ever really known.

It really comes down to personal preference but if it were me, I would go for the 29er for XC riding.

[rangeriderdave]

Which one would be more fun on the trails you ride? What do like more quickness or stabiltiy?

[ehigh]

I am getting a Fargo by Salsa for general xc and touring.

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[AndrwSwitch]

Are you looking to buy a bike and ride it pretty much as is? Or are you going to throw parts at it?

There's a reason that the XC scene is moving over to 29ers. However, I don't think the wheel size is as important as, say, tire selection, fit, and having everything work.

If you're going to ride the bike turnkey, buy a kickass used 26" hardtail and go. If you'll chip away at the build over the next several years anyway, you may want to do a 29er.

[Alias530]

Trek Superfly

[we78]

Hi
I don't want to upgrade it. My main rig is the AM bike which I would rather invest into.
I want a quick XC so I can beat them Strava records on my local trails (which are perfectly doable on an XC HT bike)

[AndrwSwitch]

If there are serious racers training near you, you don't have a real shot. But, godspeed.

[we78]

Fortunately (or unfortunately) its mostly weekend warriors here, so I believe I have a solid shot at this

[AndrwSwitch]

Nothing quite so demotivating as seeing a couple semi-pros' names on a leaderboard.

If there are any in your area, I highly recommend actual racing. It is to Strava hunting what sex is to masturbation. Whatever you do, have fun.

[8iking VIIking]

Nothing quite so demotivating as seeing a couple semi-pros' names on a leaderboard.

If there are any in your area, I highly recommend actual racing. It is to Strava hunting what sex is to masturbation. Whatever you do, have fun.

LOL at that analogy!! Priceless

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