In the market for a new bike...29er

[broadway j]

I am sure there will no shortage of opinions, but here goes...

I am in the market for a new bike, and based on my size ,(6'5"), think a 29er will be the best fit. Also, I want to stay under the $2K price point.

Here's my initial questions...

I have only ridden hardtails...am I missing much on the FS side? I have heard from several people that a hardtail 29er has a softer ride anyway and a FS may not be necessary?

Is worth doing a build with a Niner or Salsa frame or go with a complete bike (i.e. Fisher, Jamis, etc.)?

What's the difference between hydraulic ( Juicy 5) v. ball bearing (BBB7) disc brakes?

Are there any bikes out there that you other 29ers would recommend as a must demo?

Thanks

[riderx]

Unlike some, I don't think 29ers are for everyone, but at your height they are a no brainer. I can't help you with the FS question, but I can at least give you a couple of opinions and some info.

I have a Kelly 29er and a Q-ball 29er. Been riding the Kelly for several years and as soon as I got it I felt like they really nailed the geometry. Unfortunately they are out of business. However, the Q-ball has almost exactly the same geometry and is really quite an amazing deal. Hand built by one guy up in Michigan, it's his production line (vs. his custom bikes). Goes for around $450 for the frame and has lots of nice little touches. Can be run geared or single speed.

I know a few people with Niners and they all rave about them. More expensive than the Q-ball but a little lighter too. Supposed to be very similar to the Kelly geometry as well.

Kev0153 can chime in on Vassago, another reasonably priced steel frame that he's been riding for a few months. I know MORE sponsor The Bicycle Escape (http://www.thebicycleescape.com) just signed on with them and might be able to get you a demo to try.

Jamis makes a nice complete bike for a good price (about $1000 I think). With a few upgrades (brakes, headset) it will keep you well within budget. A few people on here have them and can offer some more feedback.

[eloach]

Try the baby blue Fisher (Steel) and the Paragon (AL) at The Bike Lane. The Paragon is a great buy for the money. Both bikes are under $2K. You will be hard pressed to find a dually 29er for under $2K that will last long, IMO. That may change as more are made, but I couldn't find anything.

Hydo's are better for downhill. If you ride mostly flats, I personally don't think you need them. But, really, who does that?

Look at the Fisher and be sure that anything else you buy is at least as good as they are for the cash. Jamis has just come out with the Dragon in a 29er. One thing to keep in mind is what kind of rider weight the bike was designed for. At your size, steel may be the way to go, but you could be thin an light. I think Surly has a nice frame as well and I have heard it is also strong.

[brian_brox]

Unlike some, I don't think 29ers are for everyone, but at your height they are a no brainer.

For what it's worth, I'm 6'4" and just bought a new FS 26er. I don't totally agree that tall people are obligated to ride 29ers. The pros and cons that a 5'10" rider face still exist for taller riders (except stand over height). From what I've seen, a geared and suspended 29er for someone as tall as you will be pretty heavy. I try not to be too much of a weight weinie, but advertised frame weight of the medium sized frame is usually a great deal lighter than the XXL. Add some big 29 hoops and it's tough to get under 30lbs for a FS (especially on a tighter budget). That being said, I'd like to find a way to add a 29er to my collection. However, I only have room in the budget for one.

I ended up with a 23" BMC Fourstroke (big thanks to Contes for help on the spec./build). You're welcome to ride it if you want.

What's the difference between hydraulic ( Juicy 5) v. ball bearing (BBB7) disc brakes

The 5s are a solid set of hydro brakes with most of the features of the juicy 7s. If you're 6'5", you probably weigh in around 200lbs. The increased power will help slow you down. You will also experiance less finger fatigue when braking alot.

[Vecsus]

6'2" here and I ride a steel 29er hardtail. I went custom from Waltworks and absolutely love my bike. Fits perfectly and Walt was a great guy to work with. Right now the bike is set up fully rigid. The ride is a lot smoother than I thought it would be but it's not like a FS 26er. People will argue that it feels the same but they are delusional. However, I would not go back to a 26er FS...not after riding my 29er. The fit and feel of the bike are just too spot-on.

[riderx]

I don't totally agree that tall people are obligated to ride 29ers. Not obligated, it just makes sense from a fit/proportion stand point. A 6'5" rider can ride a 26" wheeled bike, it just usually looks like a clown bike and you are probably doing weird things like using super high rise stems to get the bars even close to where they will be comfortable. Mind you, my own personal opinion is that 5'10" is about the cut off point where you should be on a 29er because of design compromises. A lot of other people will tell you different and many are smaller than that and riding them. I'm not going to get in that debate here, but there does come a point where a rider is big enough that 700c wheels make more sense than 26" - where would you make that cut off? 6'8"? 6'10"?.

As far as weight goes, you are talking a small percentage of the total package (rider weight, bike and gear). I'm going to guess we are talking maybe a pound or two total between similar builds.

For the record, I'm 6'0" and ride both 26" and 29" platforms.

[typeo]

I own both hardtail and FS 29ers, so here are my two cents...

...based on my size ,(6'5"), think a 29er will be the best fit.
To my mind, the biggest argument in favor of 29ers is the way that they roll, rather than frame size. I'm convinced that 29ers roll over rocks, roots, etc. much more easily and that they offer noticeably better traction on marginal surfaces (mud, sand, slime, even snow). For that you give up some nimbleness and some ability to accelerate in bursts.

I have only ridden hardtails...am I missing much on the FS side? I have heard from several people that a hardtail 29er has a softer ride anyway and a FS may not be necessary?
If you think that you're going to be riding lots of rocks (stuff like the alternate route down Shock-o-billy), then you probably want the softtail. For most of the stuff immediate to DC, like FH or Avalon, you really don't need it. I find myself riding the hardtail almost exclusively, but part of that is because it is singlespeed, which I have also come to prefer around here.

Is worth doing a build with a Niner or Salsa frame or go with a complete bike (i.e. Fisher, Jamis, etc.)?
You won't come close to the value per dollar if you choose a custom build over a stock bike. When I was first looking, people were stripping down new Fishers and selling the parts on eBay, because they could get much more for them that way. Unfortunately, the there are fewer choices on the market for the 29 specific parts -- forks, wheelsets, tires -- and what there is costs more.

On the other hand, you'll get a lighter bike if you go custom, and, if you know what geometry you are looking for, you'll have a better chance of finding it by looking at frames.

If you are considering a project bike, now is the time to do it. The 2008 parts lines are just rolling out, and there are deals to be had on last years clearance (check bestbikebuys.com or qbike.com). If you snatch up key items like the $365 Reba fork at Speedgoat, you should be able to build a fairly high end hardtail within your budget. But custom a FS would be next to impossible for the money, though...

Both of my 29ers are build ups (a Voodoo and an Asylum); but I have no self control when it comes to bikes...

What's the difference between hydraulic ( Juicy 5) v. ball bearing (BBB7) disc brakes?
I have Juicy 7s and have been really pleased with them. The clearance prices on the hydraulics are about the same as the mechs run new, and the stopping power is well worth it. I also favor the bigger disks (I have 185s) on 29ers.

[jon_baler]

just my 2 cents.

Bought a rigid steel 29er early this year (On One Inbred). My previous bike was a FS 26er (Trek Fuel EX) which cost 2X.

I no longer ride the fuel, because I like the Inbred so much.

BTW. I'm 6'4" and ride Patapsco/Avalon almost exclusively.

[t.roy]

5'6", 170 lbs.

I have a Jamis Exile 29, which I like so much, I sold my FS. Upgraded the brakes to Juicy 5, swapped the bars with Mary bars, swapped out the seat post for a carbon bontrager (which I got used), swapped the 16T freewheel for a 20T. The fork has some built in flex that takes a ride or three to get used to. I love this bike, it suits my riding style, and probably makes me a better rider (I was never able to adjust well to suspension). I have not had issues with the headset. And, after several hard crashes learning how to hop over a 2 ft log at Schaeffer, I can tell you it'll take a beating to (and to be honest, the 29" wheels probably help out a lot with getting over 2 ft logs :D )

[Jackson]

5'6", 170 lbs.

I have a Jamis Exile 29, which I like so much, I sold my FS. Upgraded the brakes to Juicy 5, swapped the bars with Mary bars, swapped out the seat post for a carbon bontrager (which I got used), swapped the 16T freewheel for a 20T. The fork has some built in flex that takes a ride or three to get used to. I love this bike, it suits my riding style, and probably makes me a better rider (I was never able to adjust well to suspension). I have not had issues with the headset. And, after several hard crashes learning how to hop over a 2 ft log at Schaeffer, I can tell you it'll take a beating to (and to be honest, the 29" wheels probably help out a lot with getting over 2 ft logs :D )

Did something similar - I bought the Fisher Paragon 29er. Juicy 5's for brakes. Good stuff. I also sold my Fuel FS ride, too.

Note: I did have a crack in my frame around the bottom bracket. But they were good with a warranty frame, and I like the feel of the bike. I'm 5-10, 165 lbs.

[brian_brox]

A 6'5" rider can ride a 26" wheeled bike, it just usually looks like a clown bike and you are probably doing weird things like using super high rise stems to get the bars even close to where they will be comfortable.
I think most of that has to do with some manufacturers selling 21" frames as XL. Many brands do not make a frame for someone over 6'3". As a result, people will try to force them to fit with crazy stems. However, I had a 23" Giant XTC and now I'm riding a 23" BMC. Both have 110 stems. There are not a ton of 26er frames that have a long enough top tube, but they do exist.

I'm not anti-29er. I just think they are being pushed pretty hard as the only suitable ride for someone over 6'2".

where would you make that cut off? 6'8"? 6'10"?.
I think it has to do more with the frame's geometry rather that the size wheel it can fit. Someone who is 6'8" or 6'10" would have a hard time finding a 29er on the shelf with the right top tube.

To my mind, the biggest argument in favor of 29ers is the way that they roll, rather than frame size. I'm convinced that 29ers roll over rocks, roots, etc. much more easily and that they offer noticeably better traction on marginal surfaces (mud, sand, slime, even snow). For that you give up some nimbleness and some ability to accelerate in bursts.
I agree with this. The intention of my first post was to point out that this trade off still exists for someone who is 6'5".

My personal experiance is that I am already less nimble than someone smaller and I can go downhill better than I climb. For me, it seemed that the 29er would compound my weaknesses and slightly improve my strengths. Clearly many riders, regardless of their height, prefer 29ers. That's fine, too.

[g_barr]

I am in the market for a new bike...

J, are you looking for single speed or gears?

[broadway j]

I am currently riding a 22-inch Trek. As someone mentioned below, I probably look like a clown on it and my riding style may support that. Most of my height is in my legs, so I have the seat jacked up pretty high, which has me leaning forward pretty aggressively. I can bomb downhills, but feel like I am missing something on the climbs, which I have attributed to a high center of gravity.

The few times that I have been on a 29er, I feel like I am a little lower to the ground.

Let me preface this by saying that I am not a techie, but here goes.

I am 6'5", 220. If I go the Fisher route, I am looking at the Paragon and Ferrous. The Paragon is an aluminum frame v. the Ferrous, which is steel.

Having not ridden a steel bike, what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Also, the 29er I was on had 160 rotors. With my size, does it make since to go to 185 or even 203. I think if I went the Ferrous route, I would probably upgrade the brakes to the Juicy 5s or 7s as opposed to the BB7.

Oh, and in response to the last question. This will be my primary bike and I want to go the geared route. Most likely, I will convert the old Trek to a SS.

Thanks again for the input. This has been helpful.

Aslo, I have no idea how to use the quote function to make this post flow a little smoother...my apologies.

[riderx]

Having not ridden a steel bike, what are the advantages and disadvantages?OH MAN, I am not getting into this one! It's more volatile than 26" vs. 29". :eek:

[rsosborn]

i also just made a similar decision to the one you just made. i think the determining question is "where will you ride?". i test rode the fisher 29'er and many sizes of frames. bottom line?

we ride alot of tight, tight newly-blazed singletrack in wakefield and fountainhead. if you ride more in the open and stay on XC style singletrack, i would get a 29". if you ride very tight single track bunny hop often and catch alot of air, i would get a 26" and a 1" or 2" smaller frame.

[jon_baler]

I'm hitting 220 lbs at times. I have the BB7 with 160mm on the Inbred. No complaints. I love the simplicity and being able to dial in both side of the pads independently.
Depends on your riding style and speed, I guess. I'm no racer or DHer, but no slow poke either.

[rmac]

I'll weigh in - I'm 200 lbs & 6'4". I ride a 26" fs & a fully rigid Inbred 29r SS that I just bought. I can't ride an aluminum hardtail anymore - my lower back can't take feeling every root on the trail, but that's me. Steel flexes & dampens the vibrations more in my experience. I had an aluminum hardtail for years but had to give it up. I love the 29r ss but won't get rid of the 26 fs just yet. If I had the opportunity to pick up a 29r FS, I'd do it, but it would cost me 3-4K (Intense 5.5). My Inbred has the carbon on-one fork, which may help smooth the ride, but it's no Reba. The 29r absolutely helps me get over logs & big log piles easier. Not having a large ring also helps clear logs. A 1x9 might be interesting if you're not ready to commit to ss. I paid just under $1K for the Inbred spec'd with carbon fork, juicy 3s, mary bar, & on one / planet x parts. For 2k, I think you can get a nice ht 29r.

I've got bb7 mechs on the fs - no complaints.

I rode a 23" BMC fourstroke for a few days in Austin. It was a great ride & if I was going to replace my 26" fs w/ a 26"fs, it would be at the top of the list. Very nice spec for the money.

[smdubovsky]

Most of my height is in my legs, so I have the seat jacked up pretty high, which has me leaning forward pretty aggressively. I can bomb downhills, but feel like I am missing something on the climbs, which I have attributed to a high center of gravity.


J,
I have a similar problem and am following a path similar to yours. Im 6'2" w/ 36" inseam (all legs).

The fundamental difference between 29ers and 26ers (duh, other than the wheel size) are the chainstay lengths. A 29 HAS to have ~1" more CS. A FS bike (in either size) adds another ~1". I have an old Trek HT that I ride w/ the seat jacked way up. I also have to run the seat at maximum setback (for even remotely close to knee over pedal setup.) That puts my "cheek"bones DIRECTLY over the rear axle. ANY hill and it wheelies over. So, I wanted to try FS and get a little larger bike, so I bought a FS 26er. Well, that puts the rear wheel farther behind the bum and it goes up hills FAR better (1/2 of this I attribute the the also longer TT on the new bike). Its still a bit wheelie prone, so Im looking for a 29er FS which will increase the CS over my 26FS by about another inch (somewhere right around 18"). I think that will finally allow me to keep my center of gravity ahead of the rear while while climbing seated.

Disclaimer: I've never ridden a 29er. But I fully believe that all people w/ long legs should be on them. Its not directly related to height - though most w/ long legs are tall;) If frame manufs continue to keep the rear triangle geometry the same from S to XL sizes, people like me are forced to go to a 29er to the right fit.

Now, there is no reason you couldn't build a custom 26er w/ 18+" CSs, but there sure as heck aren't any from the big guys.

BTW, there are several FS 29ers w/ msrps around $2k. GF HiFi, Kona HeiHei, and KHS Flagstaff pop to mind. Also look into the Voodoo Canzo frame ($800 local). I even *THINK* I can build a RIP9 for that price but its taken several months of searching for deals on parts.

SMD

[Dirt]

A few things about hardtails. Keep in mind that these are generalizations.

Generally, a good quality steel frame is has a very springy, lively feel to it. It has a bit more flex than an alloy (aluminum) frame, but the flex that you feel in the frame doesn't rob your pedal power, it actually accentuates it. It is a finesse frame.

Alloy frames are certainly more rigid. They feel like they give you more power transfer. They're generally lighter. Some people prefer the feel of an alloy hardtail. I do for shorter faster rides.

The most important thing in a bike is to find something that fits. A $500 bike that fits will always ride better than a $2000 one that doesn't.

I'd suggest test riding a lot. You'll get a feeling for size and if you like full suspension or not. You'll get a feel for whether you like steel or alloy, 26er or 29er.

One last thing... and it probably should have been first.... You really need to shop for a good place to buy your bicycle. Find a good shop and you'll be on the right path to finding the perfect bike. Look at the shops that are sponsors of MORE. Many provide discounts and it is good to support them the way they've supported MORE.

Good luck.

Pete

[rsosborn]

Where are you guys riding mostly? Reason I ask is because a friend at work is pushing to hit some of the rocks out west (Efurnace, etc). They only ride FS or 29'ers out there. With the deals out there this time of year, it's making me think.

[darren]

think about steel, Sid has broken three frames he is around 200lbs and 6'4" so Steel is heavier but can take more of a beating.

[riderx]

Where are you guys riding mostly? Reason I ask is because a friend at work is pushing to hit some of the rocks out west (Efurnace, etc). They only ride FS or 29'ers out there. With the deals out there this time of year, it's making me think.I ride out there on both the Surly 1x1 (26") and Kelly 29er, both rigid, both single speed.

[walsh]

Reason I ask is because a friend at work is pushing to hit some of the rocks out west (Efurnace, etc). They only ride FS or 29'ers out there.

This isn't a fair assertion.

If you're going to be riding aggressively in rough terrain, you may want a heavier-duty frame, be it hardtail or dual suspension. Weight, efficiency, and durability are the most obvious tradeoffs betweeen "trail bikes" and cross-country bikes. IMO, tire selection is just as likely to impact your comfort in rocky conditions as wheel diameter.

Some folks take their freeride bikes to Schaeffer, and others head to Elizabeth Furnace with what I would consider glorified cyclocross bikes . . . you ride best on whatever you're familiar with.

[Dirt]

Where are you guys riding mostly? Reason I ask is because a friend at work is pushing to hit some of the rocks out west (Efurnace, etc). They only ride FS or 29'ers out there. With the deals out there this time of year, it's making me think.

I think a lot of us ride all over. EF can be ridden with most any configuration and it is a heck of a lot of fun. You'll just ride it differently based upon the bike that you're riding.

I first rode EF with a FS 26er and enjoyed it. The fun didn't really begin till I started riding it with a fully rigid 26er single speed. I've since moved on to a rigid 29er single speed and love it all that much more.

There are some things that I'm not able to do with it. Riding up bear wallow for me was extremely challenging... even with my bike in 29er hardtail geared form. It wasn't that much easier for GrumpyJ on his 5" travel FS 26er. It was a hell of a lot of fun though.

Sorry. I realize this post isn't much help to you because I really don't tell you what kind of bike to get.

Good luck.

Pete

[Dirt]

Hahahaha. Lots of us are not helpful. :D Glad I'm not the only one.