Should I get a 29er?

38Super
38Super Posts: 27
edited January 2012 in MTB buying advice
I really can't decide between HT and Full Suss. I can only have one decent bike.
Use will be commuting, forest tracks and trails, bridleways, occasional technical descents (no fast DH stuff - too scary) and potentially an occasional Triathlon or two. Probably about 50/50 on-road/off-road.

Is a 29er a sensible idea or not? I have tried the only one I could find - a Giant Talon 29er - and it felt very natural but it was only a ride round the car park.

Current possibilities:-

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/19895/Marin_Nail_Trail_29er_Bike_2009
£780
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Bikes/Mountain+Bikes/Kona+Bikes/Kona+Big+Kahuna+-+2010_K-BIGKAHUNA.htm
£799 ( £703 if I buy it before midnight tomorrow)

I'm a short**** at 5'4" so the Marin may be too big for me but my current HT is a medium and very comfortable.

If all else fails I'm still seriously tempted by the Anthem X5 for £800 from Pedalon (then I could just put some road tyres on my old HT).

Comments

  • weeksy59
    weeksy59 Posts: 2,606
    Based on your riding requirements, there's nothing that that doesn't fit nicely with a 29er.

    Go for it.
    Salsa Spearfish 29er
    http://superdukeforum.forumatic.com/index.php
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Or a 26er...
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

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  • Pudseyp
    Pudseyp Posts: 3,514
    No....29ers are a fad to fullfill the requirements of fat americans that bigger is better.....

    They will do no more than what a 26er will do...

    Usually low specd and more cash than an equivilant 26" wheeled bike...
    Tomac Synper 140 Giant XTC Alliance 1
    If the world was flat, I wouldn't be riding !
  • DodgeT
    DodgeT Posts: 2,255
    I know looks shouldn't come in to it, but lets be honest, when spending good cash on something, you want it to look right...
    So, at 5'4, the frame size you'd need would be, lets say small.
    Lets make this clear so I don't upset people, this is only MY OPINION.. I think small frames on 29ers just look plain wrong.
    There, i've said it. I'll get a cup of tea ready for the abuse :)

    No offence intended to anyone with a small framed 29er of course, if you like it, thats fine and all that matters. :)
  • MTBMick
    MTBMick Posts: 7
    Given into the hype and just added a Titus Rockstar 29er to my stable of bikes and initial impressions are that it does roll a lot easier with better traction in the mud and for cross country stuff will be the better choice. Little steps and roots that use to require a bit of thought on a 26er are no problem with bigger wheels.

    Will personally still prefer to use my 26ers for trail centres but the Titus would still be good fun and cope with these.

    Mine is a large frame and bike does not look out of proportion but would agree with other comments that small frames with big wheels look a little unusual.

    As a self confessed bike geek the lack of choice of tyres, wheels, forks etc. is a bit frustrating although makes selection easy.
  • 38Super
    38Super Posts: 27
    Thanks all. The usual mix of Yes/No/Don't know replies. :lol:

    As I've always said "as long as I can get my leg over it I don't really mind what it looks like" and I don't think the squirrels are all that fussed either. I thought the Talon looked OK anyway.

    I'm not likely to be doing any ugrading unless I do decide to get a Talon 29er and put a better/lighter fork on it.

    All other things being equal I think I'm going to go for the Kona.
  • meeksy
    meeksy Posts: 4
    The big Question!!
    I have just recently got a fantastic deal on a 2010 Merida twenty nine XT! After much thought I decided to go for it! After a quick test ride I'm hooked!
    I'm not the best climber but this fly's! I was a bit worried on single track and technical trails but No More!

    Yes she is not just as chukable as my old Matts trail 800d (which some little *%*&$ nicked) but still is a great ride.

    I'm 6'2 but have little legs so run a 19" and she looks ok to me.

    Get out and enjoy!
  • 38Super
    38Super Posts: 27
    I have now joined the 29er brotherhood.

    Bought this - last one apparently. 43% off RRP - down from £1280 to £730. :D
    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Bikes/Mountain+Bikes/Kona+Bikes/Kona+Big+Kahuna+-+2010_K-BIGKAHUNA.htm
    A bit off the wall but if I hate it or it doesn't fit I can always send it back. Time will tell.

    Anyone know what Merlins delivery times are like?

    Now to move on to the 'whether to go clipless' debate. :)
  • meeksy
    meeksy Posts: 4
    Crank Bro's Mallets!!
    Best of both worlds, Got a pair of 5 10 Minnar shoes so again you can go both ways!!!!!

    90% of the time clipless but makes a change to go with out.

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