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Hi,
Recently I built a parts bin hardtail for trail use, mainly to supplement my DHer which is the only bike I've had for years. As it turns out, I'm quite enjoying a change in riding style. However, I've quickly discovered a few limitations to the bike, which can be narrowed down to the frame. It's a 16" dirtjump hardtail which I had in the shed, and I don't find it ideal for trail use:
- I'm an average 5'10" but the bikes reach (~400mm) is, I reckon, 4-5 cm too short for extended use. My lower back kills after about an hour.
- The short wheelbase and steep headangle mean my chin's over the front axle and it's quite twitchy
- The rear triangle has the useful combination of being stiff/harsh/fatiguing with limited tyre clearance...
Ultimately, I'm aiming for a 140-160mm full susser. However, by the time I've cobbled the money together it'll be heading into the New Year and (this may horrify some on here!) I'll be putting the bike away and getting the skis out. The money would be better spent on winter sports gear/holiday, and I don't really want a brand new bike doing nothing but seizing up in a cold garage for 4 months. Hence, I'm thinking of leaving that investment 'til next year.
In the meantime, to save my back, I'm thinking I could spend £5-700 on another hardtail that's the right size. It would be better suited to muddy winter fitness slogs, but I could probably get one quite quickly to enjoy the last of the summer too. Now, after that preamble, I'd like to gauge the opinion: 27.5 or 29er hardtail? I've only ever ridden 26", so finding it hard to judge from reviews etc.
I'm no pro, but coming from a DH background I'm used to steep and rough; at the trail centers I've been at recently on the current HT I've headed straight for the black routes and enjoyed them. My local runs are techy, not a lot of groomed, smooth singletrack. On the downhill sections at least, I'll be trying to give 'er some for the Strava times (tragic...)
My impressions on 650b: might be more fun, flickable, easier to turn, stronger wheels for a given weight and bikes generally more suited to aggressive riding. But, apparently not that much different to 26" in size, so may not notice much difference in rolling smoothness.
My impressions on 29er: Bigger wheels and associated smoothness over the rough might be beneficial for a hardtail, apparently good speed once rolling, and when I get a full sus it'll likely be 650b, so will have a broader quiver of bikes. Downsides, less agile which might be a hindrance in tight and technical stuff, wheels and possibly just the overall build are more XC focused, so might be pushing it trying to smash it through black run rock gardens.
Apologies for the long post, but any feedback appreciated given my total inexperience in larger wheelsizes and trail bikes in general.
Given your position money and time wise, I'd say a second hand Bfe would fit the bill nicely!
New ones are 650b, old are 26" - either will be fun and fast.
Interesting you suggest 26" as an option yossarian, I'd more or less ruled them out. Not as I find them poor to ride, all I've ever ridden, just down to parts availability in the future, and the supposed advantages for big wheels on small bikes?