A new challenger has appeared: 29er

[gnat23]

Why didn't anyone tell me these things were so cool?

OK, so you said they were cool, but why didn't I listen?

I got to borrow a carbon Stumpjumper 29er hardtail. I took it out for an hour on my local trails, then next day hammered it for 4 hours at a race.

The floating sensation. I *get* it now. I felt like I was skipping across waves, only touching about every fourth rock, yet never did I feel like I was airborne. The thing loved to point downhill, begged to let go of the brakes, and just.. go. Never once did I feel like I'd go over the handlebars, even on the super steep stuff. It took me a little practice to get uphill switchbacks with the new center of gravity, but everything else just oozed beautifully. You could almost steer it like a road bike.

I am absolutely in love. I honestly didn't want it to feel that much better, so that I didn't get the temptation. But it is, it really is that much better.

My poor pink Era FSR! Even with those sexy I9 wheels! I don't think I can go back to 26" now. What do I doooo?

-- gnat!


(My PBR-handup lap... what can I say, I'm cyclocross at heart)

[7rider]

I don't think I can go back to 26" now. What do I doooo?

Don't talk to my DH. He's been jones'ing for a 29er for a while now.

[redrhodie]

If you do it, you could name it Stinking Bishop (to go with the rest of your cheese collection).

[Becky]

I know what you mean, gnat. My geared 26"-wheeled bike hasn't seen much action since I built my rigid SS 29er. That said, it's all about "horses for courses" IMO and there have been a few rides where I've been glad to have both gears and squishiness.

I still toy with the idea of stripping the frame, buying a 29er frame and fork, and rebuilding the hubs onto bigger hoops Just gotta water the money tree!

[gnat23]

If you do it, you could name it Stinking Bishop (to go with the rest of your cheese collection).

It would have to be a goat cheese, of course, since goats are good at climbing rocks.

Valençay? Pantysgawn? Feta?

-- gnat! (dammit, if I name it, I'm already done for...)

[redrhodie]

Oh, of course! Petit Billy?

[Catrin]

Gnat - just give up already, you are hooked Petite Billy is a good name! I am trying, very hard, to NOT look at any more hardtails until after the mountain bike clinic when I will have a free demo...

Of course, I suspect that there is the argument that if I take a bike with me that fits me that I would be more likely to succeed...