first time mt. bike shopping~ HELP!

[Loraura]

Unless you have endless tricky and tight switchbacks, I think the 29er will do just fine for you. The only time I have ever wished I was on a 26er was when I was riding in Colorado where switchbacks were frequent and tight.

I had a Myka (26er) as my first MTB. It was the gateway drug!

I'd recommend you get the best brakes and components you can afford. I had lots of trouble getting cheaper brakes to stay adjusted and quiet. I've found with more advanced brakes, I never have a problem.

I also notice that 10 speed is way nicer than 9 speed, which is way nicer than 8 speed, etc. Those extra gear ratios are very very helpful with climbing. I personally don't have the power to just push a higher gear at times. Having the RIGHT gear available can make or break a techy climb for me. It's not just about the highest and lowest ratios available, it's about having smaller increments between them.

[Aggie_Ama]

I am one person that never misses my 26er. Most of my issues on a 29er are just needing more practice. I personally think my 29er handles tight switchbacks great but my 26er was a completely different geometry so it was sluggish turning compared to my race geometry 29er. Some of my friends can go between 26 and 29 but DH and I both did not like that. In fact he was going to keep his 26er but he disliked the feel so much after riding it while his 29er was in the shop he sold it. He also felt his bike handling was not as good on the 26er as the 29er. I just find I can't switch between different bikes easily mountain biking so for me I know the 26er would collect dust. Of course I didn't have the option to keep mine, it was completely damaged in a car wreck.