Mr. Bornman, I am also skeptical about all the marketing speak (and still am). <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> So at the last ?Ride before you buy? I made a point to ride the two Gary Fisher 29ers (HT and full sussers). I first rode the 26? HIFI and was not very impressed I prefer the Zula/Anthem X/Scalpel. I then got hold of the HIFI 29er and there was a big difference. It really felt as it kept its speed better and it was smoother (Very unscientific, I know ). The one reason, and I am reluctant to mention it due to ?logical? conclusion it may lead to, may be the larger diameter, slightly heavier wheel that has a ?higher? flywheel effect. No it doesn?t mean it is a good idea to add weights to your wheels or the ?perpetual motion? sliding weights on the spokes idea. The big negative is that it will effect you acceleration. I think <?: prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Santa Cruz summed it up nicely in their write up on the Fatboy: ?Long haul trucker?. If you want a fast accelerating XC bike go for the 26?. If you want a marathon/stage race/24hr bike have a look at a 29er. I think you can extend the idea the relative merits of low profile climbing road wheels and heavier ?aero? wheel sets for a hill stage vs a TT.
