Hardtail Build - 29er or not?
OJS
Posts: 130
I am looking at building myself a hardtail bike that I can use through winter instead of my full suss and also use the rest of the year on less rocky/non trail centre rides. The full suss I can then keep for trail centres, rockier rides in the Peaks and dales etc. I have a Trel Ex9 as my current bike so I was thinking of something a bit different really - i.e. less of a mainstream name and something that I can buld up as I like (well within a budget of £1500).
The main question I am trying to convince myself of is whether to go 29er or not. It seems a sensible decison as it gives me something that is very different to my 26 inch full suss. However at 5' 8", with a short reach I am borderline between small and medium frames - The Trek is a 16.5" actual size and is perfect for me. So do I still get the benefits of the 29er or will I encounter drawbacks such as toe overlap, which I really dont want to deal with (fine on a road bike but not when dealing with twisty stuff on an MTB)?
If I go 29er I am thinking a small frame Kinesis FF29 with a X Fusion Slide 120, then build it up with a SLX groupset, Superstar, Mavic Crossride or Hope Pro 2 wheelset and probably superstart finishing kit. Can anyone suggest any similar alternatives or 26" options that may fit the bill better?
I dont want a race bike, but something quickish and fun to ride, that is good for an all day ride and a short blast around.
Cheers.
The main question I am trying to convince myself of is whether to go 29er or not. It seems a sensible decison as it gives me something that is very different to my 26 inch full suss. However at 5' 8", with a short reach I am borderline between small and medium frames - The Trek is a 16.5" actual size and is perfect for me. So do I still get the benefits of the 29er or will I encounter drawbacks such as toe overlap, which I really dont want to deal with (fine on a road bike but not when dealing with twisty stuff on an MTB)?
If I go 29er I am thinking a small frame Kinesis FF29 with a X Fusion Slide 120, then build it up with a SLX groupset, Superstar, Mavic Crossride or Hope Pro 2 wheelset and probably superstart finishing kit. Can anyone suggest any similar alternatives or 26" options that may fit the bill better?
I dont want a race bike, but something quickish and fun to ride, that is good for an all day ride and a short blast around.
Cheers.
0
Comments
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Reach varies enormously and bikes - you can't pigeon hole yourself as being between small and medium really, depends on the top tube lengths. And you should have no problems with a 29er at your height.
Whether it is the right bike though is another matter - can you try any out? Many people report 26er as being more 'fun' - and 29ers being more stable/easier rolling. But is generalising.
Personally I don't think you can go wrong with an OnOne 456 carbon.0
