Well Ive final given in and bought a 29er. For those that arent familiar with 29ers, its a mountain bike with 29 inch wheels.

Ive gone for a retro style steel frame, a Haro mary xc. 80mm rock shocks up front, and a hard tail, as I want it for general fast xc riding, as its my second bike really, to give me a change form my full sus Gary fisher.

Ill be out this avo, once I get some peddles, so itll be interesting to see how well the big wheels roll!

Sounds like fun.

I'll have to join you for a ride soon.

Al.

Oh Shem, SHEM!

Size isn't everything

(despite what the sheep tell you)

Well u may be wrong spooks. Time will tell if the few extra inches help!

29er's also a class of boat,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA2HM49G0u0&feature=channel

Ah ye. Isnt Rupert from Aberdyfi into 49ers? I think they just did some article racing them against a kite.

Also. First proper ride on it yesterday. Very smooth when in rutted or muddy conditions. The big wheels really let u flow, and the 80mm travel is plenty for any xc riding. (even when considering my usual bike is 140mm full sus). I didnt fancy hitting any jumps as I was on my own and getting dark, so no comments on that. The big wheels really do encourage you to stay in a low gear and charge up hills though!
Enjoying so far!

To be fair I've seen 49er's a work sailing better than this. Worth a watch though

,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l29gGKzmlkU

Have fun on your new bike Shemste

[Edited on 15-2-2011 by dunk]

3rd ride today, and a 20 mile off roader from pennal oer the top and then round the climax with a extra trail as well. In short its probably slightly harder, but is way faster, noticeable difference in uphill speed, and totally flows over everything. I normally make the rock garden without a foot down, but only just. On the 29er, It totally flew over it with ease. Hit a few jumps, but tat is where it lacks in my opinion, maybe its just that Im not used to hard tails.
Stoked