Henley 1 Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I finished the 240 km Trans Karoo single stage race last year on my reliable 26” Giant X2 soft tail. Everybody was shouting “29er” but my stalwart stood me by over almost 16 hr.Now I am entered for the 36ONE (361 km single stage mtb at Outdshoorn) and again I am told a 26er is a no brainer on non-technical gravel roads. It makes sense, so I’ll flog it then and buy a 29er.However, the question is soft or hard tail? Of relevance is the fact that I am an old, dilapidated geriatric, that I do not ride technical stuff, that cost is a factor, and that I think one should buy a road bike second hand but buy mtb new.Comments and advice from the gurus please.Thanx
marko35s Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 If you were or are happy with the bike you have why let other peoples opinions sway you?I'm assuming that the 29'r riders that were mocking you were basically on the same bit of course as you at the same time, how much better can they be then
Amberdrake Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I must agree here if your happy with bike ignore others. The 29er is nice but 26er does the job just as well. If your gonna insist on replacement then go for duel.
popcorn_skollie Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I finished the 240 km Trans Karoo single stage race last year on my reliable 26” Giant X2 soft tail. Everybody was shouting “29er” but my stalwart stood me by over almost 16 hr.Now I am entered for the 36ONE (361 km single stage mtb at Outdshoorn) and again I am told a 26er is a no brainer on non-technical gravel roads. It makes sense, so I’ll flog it then and buy a 29er.However, the question is soft or hard tail? Of relevance is the fact that I am an old, dilapidated geriatric, that I do not ride technical stuff, that cost is a factor, and that I think one should buy a road bike second hand but buy mtb new.Comments and advice from the gurus please.Thanx Why?
G00SE Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 OOooohhhh!!! You're gonna get it from the purists for referring to a dual sus as a soft tail...
Guest notmyname Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 OOooohhhh!!! You're gonna get it from the purists for referring to a dual sus as a soft tail... Pretty much what I was going to say. So.... snap Sir.
shova1 Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 For sure a dual suss will be more comfortable on long rides, particularity if you're no youngster. But, it will cost more both in purchase price & maintenance.
Bloukrans Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Never heard of a soft tail! Do you mean a dual sus?
SeaBee Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I had a kick-azz HT, handled like a dream, super on singletrack, the works. I just could not sit the rear end down on sinkplaatpad. I got a dually frame and built components over, happy as can be. Don't think you want to sit on a HT for that stretches of road you typically ride. You CAN, but do you really want to?
porqui Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Are you aiming for the podium? Then keep what you are happy with.Especially if you are comfortable on it.
beachless Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 I'm no guru but for me the 29'r is certainly better at that sort of riding especially if you need to keep up with riding buddies but if you are riding solo it wont matter much. If you do upgrade the Dual suspension is to me the better option. The bigger issue for me would be if you can buy a bike and sort out the setup, any problems get some seat time and be positive that it is reliable in the time thats left?
braailegend Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Never heard of a soft tail! Do you mean a dual sus? suspension without moving parts, except for shockhttp://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/nahbs-2011-dean-titanium-duke-belt-drive-full-susp-mtb01.jpg My personal opinion, for those long boring technical lacking rides, get a CX bike. Im planning to get one for XC races, once Im not unemployed anymore. haha http://forallmyfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/tonic-fabrications-cyclocross-29er-2.jpg
SAGecko Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Never heard of a soft tail! Do you mean a dual sus? There is most definitely a thing called a soft tail. Edit: Ah, I see Braailegend beat me to it, and wif pics too.
GoLefty!! Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 If you're going 29er then a Hardtail is a viable option. There's so much flex in the wheels that you have at least 2 inches of suspension in the tyre and wheel. If wanting new dual Susser, then there's no real benefit to changing to the 29er since Bike radar proved there is no statistical difference between the 29er 650b and 26er
SAGecko Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Anyway, my tuppence worth: If you're vas beraad on getting a new bike then go for a dual sus 29er for that kind of race.
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