GOT his bike...29ers as good as dual suspension?

[b_b]

Good input from ColorVoyeur & Roy. My kids don't care about throwing down fast lap times. They like to play and hit the trail features (jumps, log piles, skinnies, pump track), so 29r was not needed. My 13 year old rode one skinny first attempt, but took me 3 tries. My oldest son (15) had one requirement. It had to be black.

[ibisman]

the "store" was just trying to sell you what they are stuck with. Don't listen to the bull. Nice bike by the way.

[Jayers]

Any local shops in the metro area demo bikes OR is there another demo set up in the tristate area soon?

Niner bikes seems to have a demo program. Go to their website and click on dealers with demos.

Dont do this! Your thoughts will become filled with Niner bikes and you will think of nothing else and it will become an obsession and you're wife will leave you and you'll be homeless!

Seriously, I rode one and it's now all I want!

[Di_bear]

Start them on a hardtail. If they can ride that, they'll ride anything. Like learning how to drive a stick shift first.

I69er.

I completely agree with this. I started riding in an area where there is a definite benefit to using a FS, and some of my friends even had FS 29er. However, I started with a $400 HT and learned some valuable skills that transferred over to being a better FS rider. I'm of the school of thought that starting with FS will allow a rider to avoid developing good habits thus becoming sloppy.

With all of that said, I still ride a FS 26er MTB even now that I live in the Detroit Area. I also occasionally borrow my friend's hardtail 29er and I even take my cyclocross bike on the trails. My bike and my friend's bike feel different in such a way that there is really no fair comparison, although we certainly have our preferences. Sure, one is going to be better than the other on different terrain depending on what you are going for, but everyone has different needs and wants.

In the end, I think a HT 26er will force better skill development. After some more experience, then the rider can make a more informed decision about what is best for him or her.

[kyleRIG29er]

It's all preference as everyone says, but my thought is that if someone can haul butt in MI on a rigid fork, who needs FS? (Aside from comfort)

[NotSoSuperlight]

What is wrong with comfort? Why dismiss it?

[b_b]

Kids don't need comfort. Make them earn it!

[cramer]

What is wrong with comfort? Why dismiss it?

Nothing wrong with it except that it usually costs more.

[rockymtbiker]

well, we ordered him a Giant Yukon FX. He wanted it, and it is in our price range $900. It ain't the best rig, but it beats nothin!

Thanks for all the help. I'll let you know how he likes it & I'll take it for a spin too TO see how it measures up.

[iamkickstand]

this thread, it's filled with a lot of stupid, and a lot of common sense, I wish you luck in deciphering.

[Sherpaboy]

29ers as mentioned above are not = to full susp. 26er. But they are smother and the bigger benefits are beyond the rolling over bumps. the tire size actually gives better climbing and gear inches. As well as lower center of gravity (BB is the same hgt off the ground as a 26er - axle path is higher = dune buggy feel, less top heavy or tippy feeling).

While I am biased the Cannondale frames take it a step further with aluminum tube manipulation. The chainstay and seat stays are flattened out to also take some of the harshness off larger bumps and hits. Again not full suspension, but added to the 29er wheel it creates an even smother ride. Double pass welds are stronger and cleaner looking (IMO).

Cannondale 29ers start at $700, the $850 is the a better bang for the buck, and at $1150 the bikes get 2x10 drive train too. All using the same frame.
Cannondale Trail Sl 29er 5 ($700). http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/mountain/hardtail-29er/trail-sl-29er/2012-trail-sl-29er-5-20765

Trail Sl 29er 4 $850, http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/mountain/hardtail-29er/trail-sl-29er/2012-trail-sl-29er-4-20758

Trail Sl 29er 2 $1150. http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/mountain/hardtail-29er/trail-sl-29er/trail-sl-29-er-2-20744

[ArcticRobot]

No. Comparing apples and oranges.

[rockymtbiker]

well, we went with a dual suspension 26er & it came in yesterday. We both took it for a spin. Very nice ride, did 10 quick miles before dark. Could not beat the price on this bike.

Taking it to Novi & maybe Custer this weekend for a good workout. I'll post some photos then...

Giant Yukon FX...

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/yukon.fx/9040/48913/

[deuxdiesel]

As long as they are hooked on riding, it doesn't matter what they are on. 26" fullys are not going away, and neither are HT 29ers. They are pretty good compliments to each other if you can swing more than 1 bike. Now a 650B fully, that's another story....

[rockymtbiker]

there is nothing like getting a new bike, like a super sweet pair of new sneakers, all white and shiny, comfy, ready to run...