Dirt Treaders Mountain Biking Community • View topic

OhNooo · **Posted:** Wed Sep 02, 2009 5:43 pm

I've got two 29ers, and I'm quite happy with both of them.

Haro Mary SS
This is the funnest bike I've ever owned. I feel like a kid on a bmx bike again. It's always a grin-fest when I'm riding Mary. I have the large 20" frame, set up as full rigid Singlespeed running 32x20. I do wish it was a tiny bit longer on the top tube as that would fit me better. The components that come with the bike are rather pitiful, and I've replaced almost everything. Too bad it doesn't come frame-only. I think that a Vassago or Curtlo would be equivalent frames and you won't have so many undesired extra parts. I do think that steel is the way to go if you run a hardtail. I've had other aluminum hardtails, and they are way too harsh!

Ventana El Rey
This is the beast, with a 23" Alu frame. I went up to the Path in Tustin, as that's the only place that has a bunch of full sus 29ers that you can jump on and try out. I'm new to this full sus stuff, after riding nothing but rigid and hardtails for over 20 years. I liked this a bunch because it does ride like a compliant hardtail rather than a squishy endless suspension bike. I've been riding this a lot more lately, mainly because it's just too hot to stand and climb hills on the SS. But given the opportunity and a SS friendly course, I'll chose the Mary first.

There's two widely divergent opinions from one source!

ocd · **Posted:** Wed Sep 02, 2009 6:16 pm

I have had lower back issues for quite a while and pretty much the only hardtail I can ride and be comfortable on has been a steel 29er. This being said, my 29er is a Redline Monocog... cheap, crappy components ... fully rigid... but I love riding that bike. It is a blast, it is comfortable, it doesn't send me away walking hunched over for a day.

I'm not going all "steel is real" but yeah, it is pretty damn forgiving.

Personally, I seem to crash into pointy things too often for carbon. I'd be afraid of sinking money into carbon and ruining it day 1.

Seems to be a plethora of Superfly's on ebay. I am close to believing people buy them, train for a season, do their races then offload them.

I am going to be in the market to build/buy a geared (looking to go 1x9) steel HT 29er in the near future. It will be my "2nd" bike. If I could, I would pick up a Fisher Ferrous 29.

The Vassago's have caught my eye but I am undecided on the longer wheelbase. Niners may be a bit too spendy, I am a budget conscious... maybe a Salsa if I can find a frame on sale. .

GP_pilot · **Posted:** Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:04 pm

Why don't you first narrow it down to: Rigid, HT, or FS and target price?

Scott Forty G. · **Posted:** Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:07 pm

GP_pilot · **Posted:** Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:10 pm

Scott Forty G. wrote:

GP_pilot wrote:

Why don't you first narrow it down to: Rigid, HT, or FS and target price?

I'm looking for a Hardtail.

SS, 1x9, or 2x9?

Scott Forty G. · **Posted:** Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:12 pm

PacMan · **Posted:** Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:30 pm

I can't say enough about the Niner EMD9. Retail is just $499. Weight is relatively low. Awesome bike!! I run mine 2x9. My current build is sitting at just a hair over 25 lbs.

I read an article recently where the theory put forth, was that a HT 29er is just as capable as a 4" travel, FS 26er. I have time on both and I'd say that theory is spot on. My EMD can roll up, over and down anything a 4" FS 26er can.

EMFC · **Posted:** Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:40 pm

I'll show what to get on Sunday, hell I may even let you ride it. :thumbsup:

danimal · **Posted:** Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:48 pm

motobcane makes a nice 29er

jonathan_sykes81 · **Posted:** Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:57 am

Scott Forty G., check your pm's.

Scott Forty G. · **Posted:** Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:12 am

5spot67 · **Posted:** Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:34 am

Check out the Redline Monocog Flight. Great Value!

EMFC · **Posted:** Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:46 am

Scott Forty G. wrote:

jonathan_sykes81 wrote:

Scott Forty G., check your pm's.

Got IT! Thanks Bro'

ohhhh secrets

Scott Forty G. · **Posted:** Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:06 am

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