Full suspension and 29er advice required.

[Danny "Zuco"]

Some advice please, i am a 53 yr old with a few years of cycling behind me. Wanting to get into a bit more substantial mountain biking.

 

Currently own a merida hardtail with decent wheels. Is it worth the extra spend ?

[Li Mu Bai]

Yup, hardtails require a lot of fitness and concentration in chosing the right ride lines. bumpy flats and rocky decents require you to absorb most of the action' with your legs. thus you cant pedal and need to be pretty fit in the legs and upper body.

 

Dual suspension is definitely quicker on the flats and downs as you get oppertunity to pedal more. if you duff a ride line, the consequences are not as severe, and as for climbing, I think the percieved advantage of a hardtail vs a dual suspension is not really that significant. if need be you canlock out your shock and fork for more efficiency in climbing on the dual suspension.

 

it is slightly heavier riding a dual suspension, but imo the advantages outweigh the disadvantages by a long way. Much more comfortable and enjoyable ride, especially if you are not a rubber limbed 20 year old anymore.

 

the debate between 26" / 29" still rages on.

Edited March 21, 2012 by Rude

[Sepia]

Hi Danny

I had EXACTLY the same problem but I am 8 years older than you. I changed to a full suspension and have never looked back. Read what Rude has said because I find he is spot on. There are many variations with regards to set up and I am sure you will enjoy the riding much better. As for 29' well...................

 

First post? Welcome!

[leeu52]

I struggled with the same question. age 54 Had a hardtail + 2 x faceplants + 2 x ops, then borrowed a 29er duallie...and ended up phoning the bike shop from the ride to order mine. Softer, safer, much more comfortable and cheaper than the excess on my shoulder and hernia ops.

OR just borrow one and make up your own mind.

[BergForce]

Even on rocky/bumpy climbs I leave my rear shock open on my 29er dually, and also on long rides my rear shock stays open most of the time. It really is nice to have the soft rear on longer rides, a hard tail will bump me tired within 30kms.

[eraser]

Agree with the posts above, take a test ride and see what its like. Just one prob though... don't do it if you cant afford the bike. I took a Trek Gary Fisher 29er dual suss for a demo, got back to the shop, and yes... sold!

Edited March 21, 2012 by Eraser

[TheV]

Agree with the posts above, take a test ride and see what its like. Just one prob though... don't do it if you cant afford the bike. I took a Trek Gary Fisher 29er dual suss for a demo, got back to the shop, and yes... sold!

 

Did you make them fit bar ends also?

[Sarge]

Hi,

+1 to all the above,

Previously on a hardtail I had a sore back for days after a weekend of riding. Now on a softy I am like a new man Monday morning. As far as 26 or 29, not sure. I am on a 26 and am perfectly happy.

Regards

Sarge

[ALLMTB]

Hi Danny

I fully agree with what Rude said. My first couple of bikes were all 26" hardtails. They forced me to concentrate on my lines and it really honed my skills not just fitness. I have now converted to a dual and I am much faster on the same trails, more relaxed and more controlled over the rough stuff which all equates to more fun.

+1 for duallies!