Looking to switch from the road to gravel roads and non technical trails , do not need a full suspension MTB , is a 29" hard tail the way to go .
Looking at the Cannondale SL2 29er for around $1100 seems reasonable .
Do not know too much about the MTB world , so looking for some feedback.
If railtrails and gravel roads are all you are going to be riding, I think you would be happier with a cross bike. That said if you think singletrack is something you want to get into, a 29er hardtail is excellent.
A cross bike is a solid option for gravel trails, and light singletrack. as for a mountain bike, i’d go with a niner. they’ve been in the 29" game longest, and their geometries are the most maneuverable. I’m a bike mechanic, and we dont even sell niner at my shop, but I ride one.
The best thing about getting a MTB is that you can ride more technical trails if you decide to. Put some skinnier tires and maybe a larger front chain ring on it if you’re going to be doing fire roads.
I have the Niner Air and One Nines and they are great frames. The Cannondale has the Lefty and it is the stiffest, best steering fork you can get. My Rebas feel like noodles after I rode one. I’m probably going to get rid of my Air Nine after riding the Carbon Flash.