looking for a new bike

[feartheride]

I am looking at getting a new mountain bike. after riding a 29er over some bumps compared to a 26" hardtail,although I don't know much about bikes,it seemed a much more comfortable ride that is for sure....that being said if I was to buy new that's the way I would go .choice is limited around here to a norco wih sram x7 or cannondale with basic deore components..

Or my second option is to buy my friends 4 yr old rocky mouintian estx 30 full suspension for the same cost as the base line 29er .This is the way I want to go just a bit concerned about the wear and tear on a used bike. I didn't think it was a big issue but a friend is suggesting it may be ..This one doesn't have lock outs on the front or rear suspension but I'm not a hard core mountain biker either..

 

[Bobert540]

How much do you want to spend? What kind of terrain will you mainly be riding on. Are u dead set on a 29er? Do you want a hardtail or full suspension.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Norco makes some nice bikes. They are underrated. X7 is not bad, I have X7 shifters on my Titus with X9 rear deraileur. Which model?

Also check out ebay or craigslist.

Buying a used bike is not bad either if it has been maintained.

 

[SuperJETT]

For me, a 29" hardtail is more usable than a 26" full suspension. I have a 26" fs and my wife has a 29" ht, my next bike will be a 29" ht for sure.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Having both I like each equally. I use to have some lower back issues, with the FS alot of that went away. Getting in better shape also helped alot also. Honestly, I think it is a trade off. Now you take a 26er HT vs a 29er HT, then the 29er wins hands down.

 

[feartheride]

For me, a 29" hardtail is more usable than a 26" full suspension. I have a 26" fs and my wife has a 29" ht, my next bike will be a 29" ht for sure.

Why do you think so ,I would like your thoughts on this

 

[SuperJETT]

A hardtail climbs better, is lighter, simpler, and 29" wheels roll over the smaller stuff easier with more tire contact patch. I do love my bike, but for my riding a 29" ht would be better.

 

[Pablo]

I'd like to get my hands on a 29er. I've only had 26" hard tale and 26" FS. I'll take my FS all day over any hardtale I've ridden, but I've heard a thousand people say they love the 29's and won't go back.

As a side note, I've got either a 06 Gary Fisher Cake 2 DLX or a 06 Specialized Stumpjumper I'm interested in selling. Both are in good condition and only ridden on single tracks here in Ga. No big jumps or hard abuse. Both are in my garage

 

[heebs12]

A race ready FS MTB will climb almost as well as a HT. If you are looking for comfort I would at least test ride a FS bike. They take a lot of harshness out of serious bumps. As a heavier rider (230lbs) my lower back is always grateful!

I don't know what you are looking to spend but personally I am fond of the Cannondale Scalpel and Rush. They are excellent Full suspension bikes that will allow for some serious climbing and comfort! You stated Cannondale is a company you were considering, so I assume you have a dealer near you. Go there and ask to ride a HT and FS bike back to back and buy whatever fits best! They will measure you up and tell you the correct size bike you will need. With this information on hand look at a few bikes listed on kijiji and craigslist!

hope this helps,

Heebs