semisub Posted November 17, 2011 Posted November 17, 2011 After many years of being a roadie I have decided to invest in a moutain bike and want to order a 29er. Now the question is, do a get a hardtail or full suspension? I am a rather large guy at 102kg and have been told that heavier guys like myself should rather go with full suspension bike, but then again, others have advised that the larger wheels produce a smoother ride and a hardtail is perfect. Are there any larger chaps out there who have done some stage races on a 29er who can give me some feedback?
Oli G Posted November 17, 2011 Posted November 17, 2011 Hard Tail will be good. if youre a racer the hard tail is probably more of the way to go (saw a lot more HTs on epic and such) it all depends on what youre willing to pay.Personally i would get a full susser and I'm lightweight (just over 60)but that's just my personal preference as i prefer going down a lot more than going up Go speak to Lance at the Epic Bike Shop 087 802 5959He is the boss when it comes to 29ers and he stocks the best of them.
CAAD4 Posted November 18, 2011 Posted November 18, 2011 Try and ride both. A hardtail is just that, hard. A big guy like you should enjoy the comfort of a rear shock..
GoatBoy Posted November 18, 2011 Posted November 18, 2011 After many years of being a roadie I have decided to invest in a moutain bike and want to order a 29er. Now the question is, do a get a hardtail or full suspension? I am a rather large guy at 102kg and have been told that heavier guys like myself should rather go with full suspension bike, but then again, others have advised that the larger wheels produce a smoother ride and a hardtail is perfect. Are there any larger chaps out there who have done some stage races on a 29er who can give me some feedback? Did Sani2C on a 29er hardtail - great fun, but I would have been able to spend more time on the saddle with FS than I did with HT. I weighed 95kg's at the time. FS would be my suggestion.
Stevief Posted November 18, 2011 Posted November 18, 2011 dont get a 29er they not as good as 26ers........................
ibruegge Posted November 18, 2011 Posted November 18, 2011 dont get a 29er they not as good as 26ers........................ uuuhm, why?
Cycler Posted November 18, 2011 Posted November 18, 2011 29 Full Suspension (Trek) - I had a 26 HT. What a difference (my ... after a ride and on terrain)
Stevief Posted November 18, 2011 Posted November 18, 2011 uuuhm, why?they are heavier and more expensive thats why
Tubehunter Posted November 18, 2011 Posted November 18, 2011 As you're coming from a roadie background I would suggest going with the dual suspension. One of the greatest benefits of the shock on the back is that it means more contact with the rubber and the ground on the back wheel, instead of the wheel bouncing across technical sections.
Flea Posted November 18, 2011 Posted November 18, 2011 I am about your weight - it is not really about the weight though.A FS allows you to sit longer as you do not need to use your legs as a suspension. If you are going to do stage racers (or 24hr rides - Baviaans/ desert Dash) then a FS is needed, it reduces your leg stress and this helps recovery (never mind the butt). for a while I had a 26" HT, and when I went to a 29er FS, the reduced stress on a hard training ride was noticeable.
semisub Posted November 18, 2011 Author Posted November 18, 2011 Thanks for all the feedback. I guess I will going for the FS after all.
ronniebuis Posted November 25, 2011 Posted November 25, 2011 KEEEEEREKT decision. I have a Niner Air Nine Carbon and just got the (1st in SA) Silverback Mercuty Elite 29er FS) CHALK & CHEESE. For smooth trails the HT is OK but MAN, is that FS comfortable. Just sold my Merida 96 3000D 26" full susser as the 29er is so much better. But, this is very much a personal choice. I am 56, 105kg and don't bounce well anymore. I am also selling my 26" HT.
Squier Posted November 25, 2011 Posted November 25, 2011 If you're looking at doing stage races your focus should be on comfort rather than speed as you will be spending a lot of time in the saddle. HT 29ers are fast, but nothing compares to a 29er FS when it comes to being comfortable in the saddle after 5 or 6 hours.
Sewanee Posted November 25, 2011 Posted November 25, 2011 Rode the Berg and Bush with not much training on a 29er hardtail. Was broken. Am going to get a 29er dualie for next year and also do a bit more training. Hard tail is fine for weekend riding, but when racing over a few days, it wears you out. New Lynskey 29er dual on the cards early next year!
pawpaw Posted November 27, 2011 Posted November 27, 2011 I weigh almost the same as you. Got the full sus, very happy!
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