I'd be happy with a shift back to 26". I'm having a hard time finding a used 29er to replace the one I had stolen. It would be nice to see the market flooded with sub-$200 HT 29ers.
Someone needs to post a graph of how rolling resistance is inversely proportional to the fun factor. And my limited Calculus 3 experience tells me that the derivative of that graph would also tell us how we should all be on 23" wheels instead.... you know, cause the less proportional rolling mass.
Dudes, its a bike. Ride it, if it isn't fun you aren't doing it right.
I just moved back to a full squish 26" a week ago.
The reason i went a 29er to start with is i was basically having to re-learn how to ride anyways, so i had a blast monster trucking everything on my hardtail 29er. As i got faster and faster and started riding steeper terrain, i realized i really needed to get onto a full suspension if i wanted to get any faster. after trying a few 29er full sus demos and 6" travel AM 26ers i cam full circle.
Reasons i switched back, is the trails in my area are fast, rough, tight and can be very technical.
Things i do miss about the 29er,
- i never got stuck in all the holes at the bottoms of steeps and short fast rolling humps.
- monster trucking everything
- how fast it rolls with only a little grade
If i lived somewhere ells i may very well have stuck with the 29er though.
Right bike, right rider, right trails. It all matters, tire size, geometry, bike fitting and sizing and colour (red ones go faster).
and if i ever get tired of the 26er, i know i can switch over to a 650 wheelset. lol
its horses for courses... People were thinking "the xx" bike is THE best size".. Till they hit something that size wasnt meant for... Steep tight-- ugly twisty jumpy trails--- 26" is your friend... Long flowy progressive XC hammer fest type trails--- 29" is your choice.. People are starting to realize its not the bike-- but rather the right bike for the right trail that matters...
I like the 29ers just fine but still prefer my 26er. Seems more nimble in tight areas. It all depends on what you enjoy and what youre riding. Dont let fads influence your decision. Explore your options and make your own decision.
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