I’m tempted by a trail 29er… but currently not sure what to make of the 29er trail bike market… I’ve not ridden any so my view is subjective… yet still I’m interested… or perhaps not… I have the following reservations due to where and how I ride…
Forks I’ve found 32mm stantioned forks to be limiting for 26er’s so can’t imagine such a fork being any good when subjected to the forces applied to bigger wheels! Which means “for me” (gag 😳 ) a 34mm Fox fork is pretty much the only option I would consider for a trail 29er hardtail? I’m also not sure I would want the full 150mm of travel as I’ve found 130mm is enough on a 26er hardtail if the fork is stiff enough (Fox 36).
Wheels I don’t fancy having a weaker or heavier wheel than the 26er’s I curently use… which don’t tend to last me that long. 26er Flow’s are a fine light trail rim which last me for about a year but by then they are pretty much scrap. I don’t want to go heavier.
Tyres I run 26″ Conti Rubber Queens but I know they have a limited life span under me, but I will live with that for the lightness and grip compromise… and when the going gets daft at least with 26er’s I can shove on a full DH tyre. I can’t see many 29er tyres which even match RQ’s for strength never mind maxxis DH.
All that said I’m still tempted to a different wheel size… either 27.5(650b) or 29er’s… but I currently think the limiting factor will be the forest where I mostly ride and destroy equipment with stunning regularity.
Sorry to have posted my drivel on someone elses thread… but I can’t help wondering if a 29er trail hardtail is realy a viable option for someone like me?
