26" or 29" new trail rig?

[jamisjake]

Hi. I am just trying to get some general info. I am going to start building a new trail bike with about 5" of travel, and am trying to get some opinions. I am contemplating building a 29er. Thinking about a RIP9 or Voodoo Canzo. I ride pretty aggressively, and am just wondering if 29"wheels can take the abuse. And where i can go to test ride a 29er? Is there anywhere around Riverside County?

[BrewMaster]

There are lots of 29ers around Riverside, Corona, Chino Hills. Chewyeti has a Canzo (XL) that he loves.

For a trail bike, I would consider the Giant Reign or Trance X. They are not 29ers, but I am in the same boat as you now and I have not found a 29er trail bike that I like for a decent price. I have a Niner Air 9 and I love rolling 29" wheels, but Giant's line of bikes has really impressed me.

[jamisjake]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

There are lots of 29ers around Riverside, Corona, Chino Hills. Chewyeti has a Canzo (XL) that he loves.

For a trail bike, I would consider the Giant Reign or Trance X. They are not 29ers, but I am in the same boat as you now and I have not found a 29er trail bike that I like for a decent price. I have a Niner Air 9 and I love rolling 29" wheels, but Giant's line of bikes has really impressed me.

yeah, Giant does have some nice bikes, and I really do like the Trance X. If I stay 26", I think that will be one of my top choices.

[Code Blue]

Originally Posted by jamisjake

Hi. I am just trying to get some general info. I am going to start building a new trail bike with about 5" of travel, and am trying to get some opinions. I am contemplating building a 29er. Thinking about a RIP9 or Voodoo Canzo. I ride pretty aggressively, and am just wondering if 29"wheels can take the abuse. And where i can go to test ride a 29er? Is there anywhere around Riverside County?

[Chewyeti]

werd -

How tall are you?

[freekengo]

Go to every concievable bike shops in your local area and test ride everything you can. Then you can make an educated decision on what fits you best for the application. If you're in menifee, there are two good bike mfgr's in your local area ( Intense & Turner). Wouldn't hurt to talk to them either. Just my 2 cents.

[Rockinthecasbah]

if you are in the shorter 5' 8" or less range stay away from the 29ers big wheels and smaller geo dont mix well

[CPATCRASH]

Originally Posted by Rockinthecasbah

if you are in the shorter 5' 8" or less range stay away from the 29ers big wheels and smaller geo dont mix well

I don't know about that. I have some friends that are shout and ride Niners. After all, they do make a small frame.

[ladera Dave]

The Niner is a great bike, I race with a friend who has a single speed niner.

Originally Posted by ladera Dave

The Niner is a great bike, I race with a friend who has a single speed niner.

[andino]

I'm 5'8" and I ride a niner it feels awesome compared to my 26er haha. It all depends on your geo. The best way is to get out and test a bunch of bikes

[Chewyeti]

define trail bike tho.....

I take my 4" canzo with a 120 fork off small drops, high speed singletracks, small jumps, etc and havent broken it yet. Build a stout set of wheels and you are good.
If you plan on dropping 8' to flat or anything, i would probably go with smaller hoops and more travel

[Rockinthecasbah]

Originally Posted by CPATCRASH

I don't know about that. I have some friends that are shout and ride Niners. After all, they do make a small frame.

I think it depends on how agile you want your bike to be, I can ride 29ers I just don't feel as in control of the front end. I went through 3 of them before deciding to stick to 26er trail bikes, now the only 29er Ill ride is CX bikes

[Evil Chocula]

I'd take a look at Specialized Pitch's too. The cheaper one only went up $50 in '09, comes with a Pike and has a stock 67 degree head angle. Cranks are shite, and the X-fusion shock is an unknown, but those are realtively easy upgrades. Su-weet.

[KBL]

Originally Posted by CPATCRASH

I don't know about that. I have some friends that are shout and ride Niners. After all, they do make a small frame.

The shorter top tube on the smaller 29er frame sizes makes for toe/front wheel interference when turning. I know Mr. Casbah had trouble with this. You (jamisjake) haven't stated your height, so you may or may not have to worry about your 29-inch front wheel grazing your toe when cornering.

I, too, vote to test ride like crazy. Ride both wheel sizes on the trail (demo days) if possible.

[Code Blue]

Originally Posted by KBL

The shorter top tube on the smaller 29er frame sizes makes for toe/front wheel interference when turning. I know Mr. Casbah had trouble with this. You (jamisjake) haven't stated your height, so you may or may not have to worry about your 29-inch front wheel grazing your toe when cornering.

I, too, vote to test ride like crazy. Ride both wheel sizes on the trail (demo days) if possible.

Newer forks have more offset.

the new Sultan with a 120mm Reba TA maybe my next rig

[Chewyeti]

deezee... i have seen the light. I lost the reba in favor of 120mm fox. Damping and stiffness is a night and day difference....

the price is close.... and i would say fox.

[CPATCRASH]

Originally Posted by Chewyeti

deezee... i have seen the light. I lost the reba in favor of 120mm fox. Damping and stiffness is a night and day difference....

the price is close.... and i would say fox.

I sold the old Reba and got the Fox F100. I understand the new Reba will be stiffer though.

[jamisjake]

Sorry it took so long for me to get back on here. I'm 6'5", 230 lbs, so I definitely need something tough. As far as trail riding I mean 3-4' drops, high speed singletrack and a few jumps here and there. I am actually liking Chewi's advice on just building up a strong 29er wheelset. And I'll put that set on an Ellsworth Evolve(have to save a bit more) I still gotta test ride one though.

[CPATCRASH]

Originally Posted by jamisjake

Sorry it took so long for me to get back on here. I'm 6'5", 230 lbs, so I definitely need something tough. As far as trail riding I mean 3-4' drops, high speed singletrack and a few jumps here and there. I am actually liking Chewi's advice on just building up a strong 29er wheelset and putting it on an Ellsworth Evolve(have to save a bit more) I still gotta test ride one though.

Check out a RIP 9! Jeff Sims rides one and he is about 5'17".