26er FS to 29er HT

[scuzzy]

Hi Guys

 

Just want to know from experience what it is like to go from a 26er full suss to a 29er hardtail.

 

Any bad experience, or is it recommended?

[Super Sywurm]

You'll have to get used to the hardtail. I went from 29er ht to 26'' fs and I love it.

[Memnon]

I have a 26er FS (with dropper post) and a HT 29er to rack up the kms. One for work and one for play. I guess the final verdict is a combination of personal preference and what sort of riding you intend doing. Personally, if I am riding something tight and technical then the FS 26er is a lot more fun.

[scuzzy]

Sorry, had to say that it is mainly marathon type riding.

 

Gravel roads, tar roads, odd single track when it presents itself, but as we know, single track is most of the time done in a view minutes.

 

Things like the MTB Argus, Trans Baviaans, MTN Marathon Series type of races.

[Cyclosport]

Hi

 

I went from a 26 F/S to a 29er H/T only because I wanted to increase my mileage and fitmess levels. It made me faster on the hills and definately made me aware on the bike for things I would normally take for granted on trail riding a F/S.

 

I have since moved from a 29er Alu to Carbon.

 

It all depends what your goals are and if you intending doing stage races. Comfort would be a sacrifice in this regard.

[akneethling]

I have both, and If I were to choose 1, it would be the 26" Dual Suss. 120mm travel preferably. The 29er Hardtail handles most of the climbs better than the dual Suss. Depends on what riding you wanna do too. Don't expect the 29er hardtail to give you a smoother or equivalent ride on the rough stuff...... THAT IS A MYTH.

[SeaBee]

Okay, I'm no pro, esp on the mtb side of thing. But this is my experience, shoot me, don't shoot me.

 

I went from a 26FS to a 29HT. Like everybody says, it climbed like a rocket, it even gave me tons more DH confidence. Where I struggled was (don't laugh!) the flat stuff. I am relatively light, so I can't "sit down" the rear end when it you hit the bloody km's and km's of corrugated road (sinkplaat) we have at times. However, the front-end (even on corrugation) was a lot better for me. I simply could not sit down, let alone pedal!

 

I have since gotten a 29DS frame. It does not climb as well. It's got a longer wheelbase, so gives me a bit more confidence on higher speeds descends... and yes, it's not as if I'm magically powering on a bubble of air over the corrugation sections, but at least I can sit and pedal where previously I had to coast, slow down, pedal a bit, repeat... and check afterwards whether I still have all my fillings.

 

So - like with so many other things in life, the answer is... "It depends".

[W1Z@RD]

I did the 26 fs to 29 ht..... It was great.... But now I'm buying a 29 fs..... Wish I had just gone straight to 29fs ... Cheaper exercise!!

[rouxtjie]

I did the 26 fs to 29 ht..... It was great.... But now I'm buying a 29 fs..... Wish I had just gone straight to 29fs ... Cheaper exercise!!

Went the other way...went 26 ds to 29 ds back to 29 ht....I is happy now

[ChUkKy]

Hi Guys

 

Just want to know from experience what it is like to go from a 26er full suss to a 29er hardtail.

 

Any bad experience, or is it recommended?

 

I went form a Trance to a Carbon XTC and havent looked back.

Absolutely love it.

 

Dont listen to the crap that people tell you that a 29er is softer because of bigger volume and all that ***.

A bump is a bump is a bump, that bum still goes through that frame, up your arse to the base of your skull.

 

BUT

 

When you pedal, you go forward faster and not down then foward a little bit.

[yetiboy]

I also went from 26DS to 29HT and I love it. Have keep the 26 DS but never even ride it. Am sure it's "horses for courses", but for a Sani2c or most of the races in Gauteng, I think the HT is great. Also went XX1, which I know some love and some hate, but it' made the bike such a simple mating compared to the DS which has far more moving parts....

[ThePubSA]

its a mith...... wheel size doesnt make up for travel ....

[flyluis]

I've been through all the sizes and still think for the races and riding we got in Gauteng the 29r HT is still the way to go.

 

My 5 cents....

[johanpre44]

I've tried a couple of Dual Sussers - different wheels sizes and all - and could not get used to the getting on and off the bike, the bit of sag is just too different to a hard tail. Have to agree with Chukky, bump is a bump, but I do like the efficiency of the hard tail too much. When I eventually go dual suspension, it will probably be a short travel (like the Momsen Vipa).

[lucmccann]

Went the other way...went 26 ds to 29 ds back to 29 ht....I is happy now

 

...and what a 29er HT that is! Ordering my frame this month!

[itscraig]

I have a 29er HT carbon, and a 26 FS,also carbon, I am selling the 29er. I find the 26 HT easier on my body, I am less fatigued after a ride on the FS. I am not sure if it just a FS vs HT so I will have to try a 29er FS next.