Looking For a 26 inch bike

After taking out part of a pine tree (missed the trunk thankfully), nearly going off a small cliff (about 4 feet) and endless hiking a bike up a hill, my 29er isn't making the cut. The agility just isn't there for tight turns and if you lose momentum going up a hill, it's just easier to walk the bike up. Even though is my 3rd time on a trail and a newbie, it wasn't fun and I think I want a 26er.

On the positive side, my DH brought his FS 26er Trek bike and other than nearly colliding with me every time I had to stop/slow down or risk going into a tree or over something, he had a blast. He said when he took his 29er out it did the same thing and he hated it. I'm surprised he went today but the Fuel EX made him feel like he could do anything until he'd nearly take me out when I had to slow down.

I don't need a full suspension or TOL features. My LBS sells Trek/Specialized and would probably take trade-ins. I'm just not sure I want either of those brands. I have a couple of bikes I could sale via Craigslist.

A lot of you say Jamis is a good brand, but I would have to order without knowing if it would truly fit. Salsa only has 29ers. Surly has the Troll which looks pretty cool.

Any ideas or bikes to look out for?

Thanks!

I would HIGHLY suggest you find a demo-day of ANY brand and spend an hour on a 26er on trails. I think you will be surprized that it's not the bike causing your issues, but just general skill and experience.

Unless you are doing endless hairpin switchbacks at speed, the 29er's agility is very likely not even part of your problems.

You could, however, have fit issues on your current bike. If the bike is too big, handeling will be more difficult. Have you been fit by a bike shop on your 29er?

Have to agree. This sounds more like an experience issue than a bike issue. Maybe just stick with one bike, and really get used to it? Take some riding clinics? If there aren't any in your area, perhaps a coach?

There isn't a magical bike that will suddenly make up for lack of years in the saddle.

Some of the issue may be in those heavier wheels. I know I don't have the beans to spin those bigger, heavier wheels up a hill. I am just 5'1.5", with short legs and don't have the torque. Physically they can make bikes with wildly sloping top tubes and 29" wheels that I can 'fit' but I really don't fit. And there is one thing I don't get on the 29ers. We know the gear ratios are higher because of the wheels, so the back can go as low as 36 now but Shimano and SRAM raised the lowest gear in front from 22 to 24 so you lost some of what you gained. I would want that 22 in front, coupled with the 36 in back, if I was spinning those big wheels. Heck, I would be walking up those hills too with the gear choices they are giving us.

Yes 29ers overall don't 'flick' as easily as a 26" bike but you should be able to steer. But it will not feel like a 26" bike in the handling/steering department and it will take time to get used to it. So I would start on an easy trail as if I was just starting MTBing, till I got used to the 29er.