Choose the best mtn bike: suspension 26 vs HT 29er

[Former_User]

Never ridden 29er, but I’ve been told that they do really well going over obstacles (e.g., roots and rocks). Obviously, it depends on who is in the cockpit.

I need something that’s light, so I’m considering the 29er single speed and the carbon frame 29ers (Orbea Alma and Felt Nine).

If given the opportunity, I’d like to try a carbon hard tail 29er with a 2x9. I think that it would be the fastest bike for my riding style/geographic location (riding mostly Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee).

However, I live in BFE, so unlikely that I’ll get that chance prior to making a purchase.

I’m not interested in a full suspension 29er. The additional surface area of the 35 psi tires should offer satisfactory cushioning and a nice complement to the suspension fork.

I can get a full suspension FSR S-Works for $4500 (08 closeout), but it’ll break the bank (which means no aero wheels for the tri bike and probably a divorce).

Other 2008 full sux 26 in bikes that I’m considering:
Scott Spark 10
Scalpel 1 (or Team)
FSR
Epic
Whatever is sub 23 lbs with XTR/X.0

Thanks for your input!

[Madduck]

i’ll give ya a little, unprofessional opinion. i live in texas also, north of dallas, just got a 29er back in oct-ish. been a long time road guy so this was a big, different step, both the off road thing and a 29er. mtbr.com has a lot of great info on mt biking. i love my 29er. i’ve borrowed full suspension 26’s but prefer my 29er. i got a redline mono9, which i didn’t figure it out till after i’d bought it, but it’s a 1x9. duuuh. it had a rigid fork and i got a nice rockshox for the front. at times i kinda wish i still had the rigid fork, i’m still getting used to the movement of the fork on steep descents, freaks me out a bit, but does help with the ride.

another thing that i’m still getting used to is riding over stuff, rocks, roots, logs, etc. you don’t do that on a road bike as you well know, with the 29 inch wheel it’s fricking amazing what i can go over with ease. i have no regrets to my 29er. i looked at full sus 29er’s but didn’t go that way for 2 reasons; 1)$$$, i didn’t want to drop that kinda of cash for a bike i wasn’t sure i was going to ride enough to justify, 2) i’ve heard, i have no idea cuz i’ve never ridden one, that full sus 29er’s are a bit squishy feeling. i didn’t realize it but i had more than 1 salesperson say getting the geometry right on a 29 in frame is quite a chore. i don’t know what the details are but that’s what i was told.

i don’t think 3 rings up front are really needed, i like your idea of a 2x9. mine has guides for cables if i want to put on another ring and dérailleur, but not to often do i wish i had a second ring. one thing that i’ve noticed, and i don’t know if this is a 29 v. 26 thing or changes in my riding, it seems i can stand up and pedal more on a 29er where i think on a 26 i’d break lose on the rear tire. the significance being i don’t need a granny to climb some things, i can stand and power up it rather than stay seated.

it’s just my .02 and it’s prob not even worth that, but i hope it helps. best of luck in your search, the more i ride off road the more i frickin’ love it. after riding a couple hrs i’m trashed, it’s a great workout, both aerobic and anaerobic. one more thing, don’t brake hard on the front in soft soil, esp whilest turning. trust me.

[themissing]

Marcus get your ass up here to Texas so we can race in OK tomorrow

and you know the rules Hardtail Titanium 2 x 9 Sid

no other questions

JG
.

[Former_User]

I had a superlight hard tail (~19 lbs), but I didn’t like it… it acted as though it couldn’t hold a line in the technical sections.

PS: No OK race for me. Just too tired from work and I think I’m over-trained (sleepless nights aren’t helping).

I hope that you have a good race!! Let me know the results!!

[Flying_Wombat]

Both bikes have their pluses and minuses, I have both a full suspension 26’er (Cannondale Carbon Rush Team) and a 29’er (Caffeine). If its fast, smooth and flowing I’ll take the 29’er, if its rough and rocky or more technical I will take the extra cushion of the full suspension as I can pedal through more sections and not get as beat up. Some 29’er devotees say that its like having full suspension, but its not, its more comfortable than a 26 hardtail due to the longer wheelbase but its not full suspension.
A good set of lightweight wheels on a 29’er makes a huge difference. I built a set using DT 240 hubs, Stans rims for a customer and including switching to a tubeless conversion and ditching his slime tubes we saved 3lb of weight off his stock wheel/tire/tube combo.

Kevin

[Former_User]

I’ve ridden both. For roots and small rocks, I actually think that a short travel 26er can be fastest. Something like the Scalpel. For bigger rocks, ledges, and technical stuff, I think that a 29er is a little better. I’m down to 1 race MTB, an orbea Aluminum 29er. But, given the chance to get a new bike or if I were doing more mtb racing or xterras, I might look closely at the scalpel or the short travel orbea.

Some of it might depend a little bit on height, but I think that it is a little more course dependent. I like the 29er ability to roll over some of the bigger obstacles, but I think if it is a relatively rough, but non technical singletrack course then the 26er can hold its own or maybe be a bit quicker.

Depending on your weight, you’ll also be able to run lower than 35psi, and they will provide some good cushion.

[Former_User]

You can build a Salsa Mamasita (Scandium 29’er). Buy a frame, build to your spec…they ride very nicely, and you can build to 22 lbs without to much trouble. You’ll be happy.

http://www.salsacycles.com/mamasitaComp09.html

[Former_User]

Cool.
Much appreciated input.

I occasionally race mtn, but primarily Xterra.

The Xterra races are rarely technical. Just some ups and downs. Pretty good flow sections, but never rock gardens or rock ledges (except Austin).

I’ve even contemplated using a cross bike for the Xterra races, but I think the courses are just a little demanding for a cross wheel… it would likely taco by the end of the course.

My next mtn bike selection has to be the correct one… my previous rig (Racer X Full Sux with X0 and XTR) did not suit me and I took a pretty big loss when I sold it.

Thanks to all, and looking forward to hearing more opinions and experiences.

[Diesel]

Not taking a dig…but you’re all over the place. SS, 2x9, etc…

Having 1 more chain ring is not the end of the world. It’s nice to have. For the SS, completely different animal all together. IMO, different topic.

As for FS 26 or HT 29, I have a lot of bikes…Litespeed HT, Fuel EX, Epic, Kona Kula SS, Santa Cruz Superlight, Fisher 26 HT and Fisher Superfly 29er HT. Not trying to rattle off my quiver, as much as my opinon. They all rock!

The Fuel Ex is the most fun the ride, but the Superfly is my race bike (because it’s the lightest). The Epic is perhaps the best handling.

IMO, tubeless tires (I use Pythons with Stans) make more of a difference than 26/29. You don’t get the flex in the rear end on the HT 29…so the bunnyhops over the logs take a bit more effort, but I really can’t post one way or another of which is the best. Just different.

That is what is “cool” about MTB.

If you go HT 29er, lots of options…Niner, Felt, Salsa, Orbea, Fisher all have nice bikes.

Good luck.

[Former_User]

Anyone quoting Office Space has my vote!!
PS: I gave Lumberg the finger yesterday!!

[thorpedo]

Let me know if you decide you want to go for a 2008 Spark. Mine (about three months old) will be for sale soon as I made the switch to a 29er - GF Superfly. I think I get more benefit from the increased traction of the 29 wheels than the rear suspension of the Spark. Both are very nice bikes, but I prefer the Superfly.

[IRONwolf]

unfortunatly, nether 26 fs or 29 ht is going to be perfect for everything, I am lucky to have both a 29 hardtail (jamis dragon 29, X0, fox f29, mavic c29ssmax) and it is great for less technical stuff, it climbs well and plows right over things that I have to work for on a 26. the 29er is fast, but not quick, once it gets up to speed its like riding on a rail, it is badass and for certain trails/races, it is the only way to go (for me) when I do the leadville 50, I will use the 29er, also for more endurance oriented events on my schedule, the 29er is going to be the bike. Somebody said that getting dialed on a 29 is tougn…that is bullshit, it may have been true with some of the older gary fischers but those problems have been largely taken care of. As for the “squishy” feeling of a 29 full suspension, that is likely just not being used to the bike, for a regualr 26 rider any 29 is going to feel slugish…especially when trying to sprint for speed, Dull suspension 29ers are awesome and where I am, plenty of top local cat 1/2 racers who are over 6 feet use full suspension 29ers for the 12/24 hour races. As for 26fs bikes, yes they are awesome, I feel like im riding a clown bike when Im on mine since I have been mainly using the 29er. I have a pivot mach 5 and it is great, it holds a line well and gets up to speed nice and fast. it os not a light bike though at 28lbs, my 293r ht weighs in at 25.2. However, on the pivot, the DW link is amazing and the axle path of the DW link actually helps you to sort of “spring” over obstacles, especially at low speeds, I have used many different susension systems and I have decided to stick with the fox rlc line, for my riding style it seems like the best for me. if you get a chance, check out some of the Magura forks, they are really nice, light and very stiff, plus the adjustably models tend not to break the way a fox talas can break, that being said, I wont ride a talas, talas sucks as far as im concerned, I have had the travel adjustment fail on several forks even after warranty. sorry for my little rant, I definatly think that if you can have a quiver of bikes then you should have a 29er and a 26 full suspension, as far as 2x9 or 1x9 or single speed…save it for after you already have a standard setup, no point in adding quiver bikes when you dont even have a quiver. Single speeds are great, but yes you will get your ass kicked when going with other riders, plus for the average rider, a single speed may realy limit your range, they are great for getting out into the local trails for an hour or two, but if you want to do any sort of real riding or xterra, the ss bikes may not be for you…

[DavidK]

Xterra rules used to expressly prohibit cross bikes. Not sure about now. David K

[themissing]

Marcus,

I found it for you from Conrad Stoltz’s site its a 15.5 inch 29’r

GO TO TOWN !!!

Joey G

[Former_User]

Anyone quoting Office Space has my vote!!
PS: I gave Lumberg the finger yesterday!!

"…and I almost forgot. Ahh, I’m also gonna need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday, too… "

[Former_User]

Marcus,

I found it for you from Conrad Stoltz’s site its a 15.5 inch 29’r

GO TO TOWN !!!

Joey G

I really like the way he has the cranks/pedals set up… they’re so aero they’re invisible to the wind (and naked eye)!

[Former_User]

Yeah, you’re right, I’m all over with possible selection. I don’t even have a general direction.

While riding my fancy Racer X, I’ve been smoked by guys on SS, so if having only one gear makes you, 1) better or 2) tougher, then I’m willing to go that route.

However, I once had a SS cyclocross bike and I didn’t like it. I rode it to work and on the local trail (not a challenging trail), but it was like have a “governor” on the bike… it would only go so fast, which really sucks when people are honking at you to get off the road.

Thanks for your input.
PS: You have an incredible selection of bikes! Wanna sell one?

[themissing]

Check out the new S works Specialized Epic, Everyone is raving about it, its pretty light apr 21 pounds or so maybe even 20

Specialized is making all the suspension even the front shocks, I have yet to encounter a bad review

and this bike is not ugly either

Saucer loves his, just dont buy his ass tire that gave me three flats yesterday in the Xterra race

OHHH LAAA LAAAAAAA
.

[Diesel]

I missed the part about you having a Racer X. Nice bike.

If you’re wanting to add to the stable, 29er HT.

If replacing…forget it, I’d just keep the Racer X.

[Former_User]

Check out the new S works Specialized Epic, Everyone is raving about it, its pretty light apr 21 pounds or so maybe even 20

Specialized is making all the suspension even the front shocks, I have yet to encounter a bad review

and this bike is not ugly either

Saucer loves his, just dont buy his ass tire that gave me three flats yesterday in the Xterra race

OHHH LAAA LAAAAAAA

That is a beautiful bike. The 09 stuff is definitely out of my price range.

That’s odd that you had several flats on (what I think is) a tubeless system… are you using latex??

Latex saves me every time… thorns out here are brutal! Can’t do a single ride without a flat if you don’t use latex.

For example, when I used tubes and first moved to this pit, I had four flats in one day. Prior to that experience, I’d not had a flat on a mtn bike in over two years (at Rockledge and Cedar Hill).

Looks like I’m leaning toward the 08 FSR (closeout), but man that shit has two rear suspension devices… just equates to extra weight that I don’t need (I can’t seem to make my race weight this year).

Send a link for killer closeout deals if you know of any… I’m gonna see if I can pick up a second job at a bike shop to finance my habits.