Just to add some balance, if you’re considering a different wheel size for a bike in this category then don’t discount the humble 29er. I’ve got a 29er Covert and I think it is great. Alot of the negative stuff you hear about 29er is myth and legend – i’ve not noticed any of the so called downsides to them. On the upside, the thing climbs like a train despite its 33lb weight (probably a bit lighter now, but not much), is really and noticeably stable and easy to manoeuvre on slow technical trails (blows the myth about them being less manoeuvrable out of the water), the wheels roll through deep thick mud much better than a 26″ for sure, and does maintain momentum, especially over bumpy trails with rocks upto a few to 6 inches high – it just flows effortlessly over that stuff. When stuff gets really knarly then that is when more suspension travel starts to come into its own, hence why they’ve not made an impact into DH/gravity sports, but most recreational riders wont be hitting severe rock gardens, certainly not with much speed. It just does everything so competently and flatters me as a rider – but then a decent 26er or 650B bike would.
I’ve also managed to convince one of the guys in my riding group who was a staunch 26er guy and he’s now taken advantage of the sales and got a Norco Shinobi 29er – he got a grand off. It took him a bit of adjusting, but now he loves it and recognises all the benefits i’ve mentioned above.
I must admit the only reason I got a 29er was that I was coming back into mountain biking after a 20yr lay off so had no other bike. I didn’t really look into the whole wheel size thing and just got a 29er cause I thought bigger wheels seem like a good idea. I certainly don’t regret it and I haven’t spontaneously combusted yet. What’s the worst that can happen?