Full Susp 26 or 29

[gi02sl]

I've read the advantages/disadvantages of the different wheel sizes. For people that have made the switch to 26 from 29, I would like to know if on your local trail loops you tend to be faster on one or the other (actual times)? I don't really want to get into a 29 if you tend to lose 5 min/hr even if I like other aspects of the ride, because I'm pretty happy on my 26 overall. Or is it more about the bike/build than the wheel size?

I'm considering building a bike and this is a major consideration for my starting point.

[ibis26]

Hi all ! My screen name is actually misleading as I own 3 29ers and no 26ers.....I am 5' 9.5" and weigh 215 (arghh..) So I say 29er......

[gi02sl]

Maybe I should be more specific in describing what I want out of the bike and I might get some suggestions.

I ride a Kona Four Deluxe now and really like it. When I got it in the spring, I was coming from an older Haro hardtail and mostly riding a XC style. Getting full susp and a general upgrade was the main reason for the purchase, both objectives filled. As a result I've gotten much more heavily into riding this year and now have different demands of the bike.

I've gone from XC to almost exclusively backwoods single track, a lot of log jumps, elevated skinnies, drops of ~3.5' (probably won't ever be much beyond that), and some faster rutted downhill areas along with a lot of tighter technical stuff. Basically, I think I would benefit from more than 100mm of travel.

I like the Kona susp, but really have nothing to compare it to in extensive trail riding. I don't ride it with the susp locked out because I prefer the smoother ride and have never felt much of a benefit from increased efficiency and I don't like bouncing in the seat. I do, however, want controlled susp action.

So, as I look at 29ers, what are some good options that fit the above style and how much travel should I be looking at for the right set up.

[-Muz R-]

I dont think you'll find too many that have gone back to 26 from 29" wheels, so that should tell you something. I dont know of any.

Forget about the pro's and con's of each and simply focus on whats more fun.

Ive ridden 26" bikes for 18 years before I tried a 29er 4 years ago, now I own 3 29ers ranging from SS, Geared HT and FS. Ultimately they are all different bikes but are all more fun than my old 26" rivels.

Everyone I know that switched to 29 became faster, more confident and capable riders including myself. I raced short course for 2 years, one year on 26 and the other on 29 and I was clearly a faster rider on the bigger wheels regardless of what the facts or others would say. Instead of coming 10th, I would come 2nd or 3rd up against the same guys.

29ers for me anyway are hands down more fun whether Im faster or slower on them is doesnt matter.

On a local Social Club ride the front 10 riders are all on bigger wheels but they never used to be on their other bikes. Do you think they will go back?

You really need to ride both to appreciate the difference, nobody can really tell you what you should ride.

[carverboy]

uhmm.... hate to complicate things but you should probably look at 650b as well.
Haro sonix 650b is my next ride.

[-Muz R-]

Originally Posted by carverboy

uhmm.... hate to complicate things but you should probably look at 650b as well.
Haro sonix 650b is my next ride.

650b is for the non committed....only kidding

On a serious note though, I tried out 650b wheels and didnt think it was noticable enough to change from 26". Its an all or nothing thing if you change wheel size, the changes made with 29" is very obvious and way more fun IMHO compared to anything else Ive ridden. When your having fun the pro's and con's really dont matter anymore.

Bigger is smoother, plain and simple..

[Dremer03]

Just putting this out there, its not my own personal opinion. Some people think that a FS 29er is a over kill. With a 29er your already getting the ability to roll over everything like a FS 26er. So why do you need a 29er FS then? Honest question really, I have never been on a FS bike on a trail so I dont know from personal experience.

[bdundee]

Originally Posted by Dremer03

With a 29er your already getting the ability to roll over everything like a FS 26er.

Do you really think that is true? I race a fs 26er and don't feel roots at all, does having a little bigger wheel cut down on all bumps or just help you roll over things a little smoother. It is an age old question! Coming from a strong bmx backgroud I prefer the smaller wheels. I have been behind 29ers and have seen their butts come off of their seats on roots where I stay seated. But like I said there has been a vast number of arguments on this topic, so what it all comes down to what you are more comfortable and faster on

[fallzboater]

If FS > HT and 29 > 26, anything less than a FS 29er is a compromise. I don't think anyone will argue that 29ers aren't faster, or that FS wasn't a great advance for MTBing. My trails would all have to be really smooth to go back to a HT.

[-Muz R-]

Originally Posted by bdundee

There has been a vast number of arguments on this topic, so what it all comes down to what you are more comfortable and faster on

Now ya talkin'