new bike

[michaelcole]

Talk to me about 29rs.

I've been saying for years that my next bike would be a full suspension but I don't really like them. I just can't ”smooth” add much stuff as I used to because it takes alot of energy to float like a butterfly.
Some people are telling me that a hardtail 29 is just the ticket.
I'm looking for recommendations. Mark wants me to get a stump jumper carbon. I don't want to drop the coin for a carbon frame and I don't like the idea of a carbon mtb anyway. One good crash and I'm wondering if I have a bike or a very large maraca.
What should I get if my budget limits me to the range near the carbon stumpy that Mark is pushing?
.

[pace21]

I love my new (alum) HT 29er. We can chat tomorrow at FMR.

[michael todisco]

Coley, you crash?

[michaelcole]

Why do you ask? You know I don't crash.

[michael todisco]

Don't know, maybe it was your "one good crash and I'm wondering if I have a bike or a very large maraca" comment

If you don't crash, go carbon HT... You're still young, unlike old guys like me who need FS.

I love the 29er FS Epic, I don't think I would go HT unless I get a single speed, which could be next year.

BTW: I never floated like a butterfly, whatever that means...

[michaelcole]

You only quoted the second half of the statement. I was explaining why I don't want a carbon frame.

Problem (for my wallet) is that I want a Seven.

[michael todisco]

I stand corrected, thanks for explaining, I'm so dim-witted.
I was just referring to the crash aspect and your comment. Dumb me, how do you stand being with slow people like myself?

[RPerson]

I know this won't help Coley, but you're right... you want a Seven. I can't possibly say enough good things about mine.

Worst case, you do want a 29er hardtail. You know how bad I sucked. Just making the jump to big wheels helped significantly. Yes I know there are size/balance advantages for me, but they did help me smooth things out.

[taudep]

I'm really happy with my 29r SS aluminum hardtail Felt. Though I have a full-squish Yeti, it's usually reserved for the more technical riding. After this coming weekend, I plan on converting my SS 29r to a 1x9 because after it has gears, it'll probably be my race bike...except for the more technical/longer rides I do.

If I had only one bike: it'd definitely be a hard-tail 29r.

[taudep]

I should add, that if I were to get a carbon bike, I'd definitely get it from a big brand like Specialized that has a great warranty and financial resources to back it up. I've had issues with my carbon rear triangle on my full-squish bike and was quoted outrageous replacement costs.

[rmazzola]

Andy over at Landry's is putting together a Trek Superfly 29 hardtail for me that is carbon and will get an upgrade of a SRAM XO 2x10 crank/shifter/derailleur along with Mavic CrossMax wheels for Leadville. The Seven is a sweet option but way outside my price range.

[michaelcole]

Rich,
Wow. You're doing Leadville??
Have you ever even ridden a mountain bike?
Let me know when you plan to test out that new bike. I'll come too.

[michael todisco]

Yes, Rich is part of my team going to Leadville:

Rich Mazzola
Andy Gilbert
Chris and Margaret Kadlick

Team Name: Disco Fee-Vah!

Coley, we got some newbies that need some training...