26 or 29er?

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Zack1978

Zack1978

Joined
Oct 12, 2004
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473
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3,099
Hi everyone,
I want a new bike, and I am not sure if I should get a regular 26 or go with a 29er? I am basically a new rider, and I want to ensure that the bike I get will be with me a long time. So for someone who is starting out and wants to get better, which is better? The bike I like most is the GF Mamba, what do you think of that bike?

Thanks,
Zack
 
Depends, the 29er is great if you are a tall rider, say over 5'10 or 5'11.

Honestly I would start with a 26" hardtail and then move on from there. You will always love your first bike, but it is a lot like cruisers, your dream will evolve into bigger and badder as you decide what branch of riding you prefer.

I have a 26" dirt jumper single speed hardtail, a 5" fs bike, soon to get a Spot Longboard 29er for racing, and someday a moots YBB or a lynsky.

No matter what, expect to end up getting more than one, and the upgrades never stop. It is an addiction of cruiser proportions.
 
Well I am about 6'2 or 6'3. so I guess the 29er would be a good choice?

Zack
 
Yes, give a 29er a shot. I'm 6'1" and it wasn't until I rode a 29er that I felt like I was on a bike that fit me right. However, my wife has gone completely 29er now, too, and she's 5'4", so don't listen to the so-called "height requirements".

Honestly, test ride both wheel sizes and see what you think. Could vary due to your terrain and preference.

As far as Gary Fishers go, they have a great warranty, as many in my area have found out through breaking multiple frames.
 
Zack1978 said:
Well I am about 6'2 or 6'3. so I guess the 29er would be a good choice?
Click to expand...

I find 29ers to feel tall, but I'm only about 5'10". Light weight 29er wheels will not hold true as well as 26" wheels. If you're heavy, over 200lbs, it's another factor to consider.

Try to get a real demo ride on whatever you're thinking of riding.
 
Check out Niner - Niner Bikes | The Big Revolution. Cool people; great bikes.
If they figure out how to make one work for a hobbit -I'm only 5'-6"- I'll rock one someday.
 
OK, I've never ridden a 29er, but I've been mountain biking yearly since 1997. I'm 6'0 and weigh 188. I think Zack should pass on the 29er as this will be his first mtb. I think 29ers still have a few years to go in development before the consumer has enough choices on tires, rims, front shocks and frame configurations.

Basically, the standard 26" mtb is now highly developed and the customer has literally thousands of options when buying or uprading parts.

While I don't think the 29er is just a phase, I just don't think the concept is ready for prime time, yet.

Like I say, I haven't been on one, but I've read enough about them on MTB Action to form an opinion.

Me? I ride a rocky Mountain Element 50, tricked out with Chris King and some XTR stuff. Bar none, it is the fastest, most stable ride I've ever tossed a leg over!
 
Gotta disagree with you. Might have been true 5 years ago, but almost every major company offers 29ers now. Maybe not in all the multiple oh-so-slightly different permutations as 26ers, but enough to make a healthy selection and cover the major riding categories (with the exception of downhill (only about 2 right now) and freeride (again, only about 2 right now). Hardtail, SS, geared, full-sus XC, full-sus AM? All covered.

Fox, RockShox, Manitou, White Bros. and others all make forks.

Lots of choices both in pre-built wheels and separate rims, from 23mm wide up to 35mm wide and wider.

Lots of tires out there as well, with more coming all the time.

Parts? The above is the only difference--forks, rims, and tires. Every other bicycle component will work on either 26" or 29" wheeled bikes.

Don't judge until you throw a leg over one. MTB Action isn't the holy grail of mtb opinion.

To the OP--ride both and see what you think. I'm not saying a 29er is right for everyone, just try it for yourself with an open mind.
 
I agree with the notion of trying both. At the end of the day, you need to be comfortable on that bike or you'll never ride it. Figure out your price range then hit a few shops and see what they have in that range in whatever sizes they have.

I'm 5'10" and 205lbs, and have found that I feel most comfortable on a 26" bike with a 15" frame...just feels sturdy and comfortable to me...
 
mcewan13 said:
Check out Niner - Niner Bikes | The Big Revolution. Cool people; great bikes.
If they figure out how to make one work for a hobbit -I'm only 5'-6"- I'll rock one someday.
Click to expand...

You could ride this:
niner.webp
 
for sure try both out because different folks like different things. Another big question is hardtail, FS or rigid. I have 3 bikes (all 26") & the one I ride 95% of the time is a FS intense 5.5 (w5 1/2" of travel) - I also have a HT & fulll rigid SS. I have tried several 29ers and they have their +'s - better traction, roll over things better, but they are different - the stearing is a bit odd @ first but you will get use to it. The wheels are not as strong as 26". If I didn't have a rigid SS yet I would definately get a 29er because it like having a bit of suspension. I think I'll stick w/my 26 for FS & HT, but that's just me. Any of them would look good on a FJ : )

Have fun testing!
 
If you are just starting out I would go 26". Parts are cheaper and easier to find, plus it will be easier for you to get used to jumping off in a technical section. I would love a 29er, but I have other conventional mountain bikes and I am looking for a low maintenance rig to hit the easier trails on.
 
Don't miss the point!

Hey Zack1978,

what kind of riding are you interested in? what kind of trails are available for you to ride in your area? are they close enough to ride to? will you be shuttling? what other sports are you involved in?

most of these replies are valid, but they are all based on individual preferences.

surly
 
There has been more than adequate development of the 29er. I have been riding one for 5 years now, and at first choices were very limited...not now. The days of "29er wheels are not as strong, there aren't enough choices" are gone. If you are talking about a hardtail bike then the 26" (except for more budget oriented bikes) is about dead (from many of the custom builders). The only area that I see a 26" bike still having the edge is when you are talking full squish with 5+ inches of travel.
 
Fast Eddy said:
I If you're heavy, over 200lbs, it's another factor to consider.

.
Click to expand...

I don't see that much +6ft /200lb riders nor much 29er bikes on the trails especially steep technical trails.

I always thought that 29ers is a way to lure roadies into mountain biking so they don't miss their bigger wheels. Nowaday I see much more roadies on the roads than mbikers on the trails.
 
I agree that the types of riding and the trails you will be riding on should play a factor in your decision. Also your own comfort on the bike is very important. When considering a new bike I always recommend that you try out as many as you can, usually when you find the right bike you will know it. I used to try multiple bikes and save the Specialized for last... now I just go straight for the Specialized, they just fit (for me).

As for the 29'er vs 26. Over the past couple years there have been many advancements as others have pointed out so you can get a good solid 29'er if that is what you want.

Something else to think about is going with 29" wheels is like upsizing tires on an LC... more clearance with the 29'er, if clearance will be an issue in your riding area/style that may be a larger deciding factor.

Whichever you decide just get a bike YOU will enjoy. :D
 
mcewan13 said:
Check out Niner - Niner Bikes | The Big Revolution. Cool people; great bikes.
If they figure out how to make one work for a hobbit -I'm only 5'-6"- I'll rock one someday.
Click to expand...

I love these posts. I work for Niner Bikes (global sales mgr) and the founder Chris Sugai is 5'6" tall. So you know the bikes work for shorter people. My wife is 5'3" and 50mm stem. Her small is right on the "too big" size so I's say 5'4" and up you'll fit on a Niner.

I've been on 29ers for 11 years now and the parts selection is amazing. Way beack when we had three tires and I even bought 8 tires just in case. Look at it now...;p

Here are some of my bikes. If you are close to Fort Collins, CO you are welcome to try them if you can fit a size large (Yes, I like tang)

Brett
824U9857.webp
IMG_3674res.webp
IMG_3759.webp
 
Go with the 29er!! I have both also. I have a GF single speed and a trek fuel ex My next bike will be a GF 29er. Or may be a NINER, Love the smaller brands!! I have had a Moots Ybb and a Cinco. Great bikes from the CO. Go BIGGER! I would buy a 29er. Gary Fisher has a full bike with front shock for $1100. or $950.00.
 
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