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Hi,
I always like to build bikes, and thinking about the limits of them. 🙂
I'd like to race some longer, but not so rough mtb marathons next year. I'm about to convert my Giant TCX Advanced, with 27.5b wheels, and about 2.0 mtb tyres... is that a good idea? Or a full-rigid 29er would be better? What do you think? Why? (Anyway, I have a full suspension mtb, too... 🙂 )
Thanks in advance! 😉
Rigid 29er here. There's no place I'd rather spend all day pedalling. For me (especially where I live) I'd much rather have the option of bigger rubber, especially when rigid. I use 2.3s at the moment, I can go to 3.0/2.4 if I want. The key comfort factor is the high-sweep narrower bar (On One Fleegle), a significant improvement over a wide normal style bar when it comes to comfort and putting down power. The position is quite stretched out and similar to a rode bike but better on singletrack.
If you have to go down to 650b to get 2.0s in your Giant you'd lose rollover ability compared to 29, I expect. And you might find (depending on your climbing style) that the gears on the Giant would be somewhat high, especially at the tail end of a marathon.
But if you have the means to try both, then do!
weenie rigid carbon 29er here. 2.25 WTB nineline front and 2.1 thunderburt rear, so fast enough on road and fine off, so long as it's not very muddy. So, a bit like a gravel bike but better offroad, just as light, and more fun to ride. I don't race it though, just bez about on tame bridleways.