to buy or not to buy a 29er, that is the question

oodboo

I'm after a new commuter bike to replace my Genesis Croix de Fer. Been looking at a Focus Black Forest 2 29er today. Anyone got any views on this bike? The others that are in contention are the Specialized Carve Comp and Genesis Core 26.3.

Basically I'm looking for something I can use for long days in the saddle, 30 mile round trip commutes and sedate(ish) trail riding (up to the red grades, I've got my enduro for the hairy stuff). Been riding a Genesis Croix de Fer for the last 2 years and I like it but I just want something more capable off road and that will be good for towing a trailer comfortably at low speeds.

ps only looking at edinburgh cycles as it's going to be on the b2w scheme and that's the only shop my company deal with.

Linky linky linky... Black Forest 29er 2:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... 29r-2-0-12

Specialized Carve:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... comp-29-12

Wildcard choice, Genesis Core 26.3:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... re-26-3-12

estampida

5 years from now this will be a straight forward choice

but right now..... can you wait and see what happens with the 650's wheel size

if not - cheapest and save the cash on what might be the wrong wheel size......

or but a nice mtb on c2w that is too good to lock up

an get for the commute

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... brid-bikes

oodboo

I make my commute as off road as possible and the genesis is struggling in places as the brakes aren't up to the job and the gearing means, on a bad day, I end up pushing up some of the rougher climbs. I was thinking a 29er mountain bike would be quicker than a 26er over the distance and the rougher parts would be less sketchy. A single speed city bike would be no good to me.

estampida

no probs

As you have a enduro, what about a cx bike??

and from them the genesis (the alfine version would be better for commuting applications)

oodboo

I'm looking to replace my cx bike, it's a genesis croix de fer.

oodboo

Been back to the shop looking at the Focus Black Forest 29er. They're going to get a medium in for my to try for size.

passout

Well I like the look of the Genesis myself. They get good reviews.

oodboo

The Genesis does look very nice in the shop as well, the platimun colour is lovely. If I was buying a new hardtail for mountain biking then I'd probably go for the Genesis but the main use for this bike will be commuting and I think the bigger wheels would be a bit better for that.

supersonic

Interesting thought for you for commuting - try a 26er, but put on big 2.0 (or larger slicks). This will come up the same size as a 650b with narrower tyres, yet will be more comfortable and actually roll better. And won't be foar off a 29er!

oodboo

I thought the longer fork might be an issue for the commute. Do you know if it's an air fork or coil in the Genesis Core 26.3? I like air forks for the adjustability, it's easier to put a bit more air in to suit me fully laden with work stuff than it is to swap coils.