Controversial topic alert - 26er or 29er for my needs?
Basil Hume
Posts: 54
I've currently got a 2010 Mk2 Cotic Soul - running 2009 DT Swiss XMC forks, 2012 XTR/XT running gear, Hope-based wheels and Thomson finishing. I also have a 2012 Cotic >X< for commuting and general road riding (105/SLX-based).
In looking to replace my Soul's forks, it seems that most options now have 1.5" taper steerers. This is seriously reducing my options without also replacing my existing Soul frame (1.1/8 steerer only) with a new taper-friendly frame, such as the Mk3 Soul.
If I'm going to be replacing the frame and forks, it seems reasonable to ask whether I should go over to the new 29er format? It would cost a bit more in terms of getting the drivetrain, rims and finishing right.
Since having kids, most of my riding consists of short blasts at my local man-made Ashton Court and Leigh Woods trails - i.e. quite tight, "flowing" trails without much in the way of fire roads. I'm 6'0 height and weigh 11.5 stone.
I know I should try a 29er, but that's quite hard given that I have no intention of purchasing a complete bike, limited time (those kids again) and my mates are all still on 26ers. :roll:
I'm veering towards straight replacement of my MTB and sticking with the 26er format. Any voices for or against?
In looking to replace my Soul's forks, it seems that most options now have 1.5" taper steerers. This is seriously reducing my options without also replacing my existing Soul frame (1.1/8 steerer only) with a new taper-friendly frame, such as the Mk3 Soul.
If I'm going to be replacing the frame and forks, it seems reasonable to ask whether I should go over to the new 29er format? It would cost a bit more in terms of getting the drivetrain, rims and finishing right.
Since having kids, most of my riding consists of short blasts at my local man-made Ashton Court and Leigh Woods trails - i.e. quite tight, "flowing" trails without much in the way of fire roads. I'm 6'0 height and weigh 11.5 stone.
I know I should try a 29er, but that's quite hard given that I have no intention of purchasing a complete bike, limited time (those kids again) and my mates are all still on 26ers. :roll:
I'm veering towards straight replacement of my MTB and sticking with the 26er format. Any voices for or against?
Cotic Soul - Fox 32 RLC forks, XTR go, XT stop, Hope / DT wheels, Thomson / Easton / Hope finishing
Cotic >X< - 105 and SLX go, Avid stop, XT / Mavic disc wheels and Easton finishing
Cotic >X< - 105 and SLX go, Avid stop, XT / Mavic disc wheels and Easton finishing
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Comments
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For what it's worth, most of the forks Merlin are selling seem to be 1 1/8th straight steerers.0
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buy a new fork with the correct steerer for your cotic.Closet jockey wheel pimp whore.0
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paul.skibum wrote:buy a new fork with the correct steerer for your cotic.
That.
If the trails you ride are genuinely tight singletrack then I'd stick with the Soul. I have a 29er but use it as my "mileage/XC" bike but as soon as I know I'm riding a properly fun, twisty trail then the 26 comes out to play.Trail fun - Transition Bandit
Road - Wilier Izoard Centaur/Cube Agree C62 Disc
Allround - Cotic Solaris0 -
Just thought I'd update the thread to say that I found some heavily discounted Fox 32 RLC FIT forks, complete with 15mm QR and the magic 1.1/8 steerer.
Once the best of the summer's weather is out of the way, I'll be sending my Soul frame for a re-paint. I'll keep the forum posted. Cotic Soul - Fox 32 RLC forks, XTR go, XT stop, Hope / DT wheels, Thomson / Easton / Hope finishing
Cotic >X< - 105 and SLX go, Avid stop, XT / Mavic disc wheels and Easton finishing0 -
Ashton Court is hardly tight singletrack! Great excuse for a 29er as well!0
