Northeast TW mountain bike meetup at Kingdom Trails (VT) - June 25-26

I’ve been riding 27.5 for at least 5 yrs, I find smaller wheels are quick to accelerate and easy to turn in the trail networks I ride (tight turns, punchy climbs). I would look at 29 for a shorter travel bike (mine is 160mm) or for an xc type race bike. Wheel size is an endless debate, ride both of you can and see which is more comfortable/fun for you.

 

The only thing I’ll add is my (subjective) opinion, 29s are (a) too big for trails, it just becomes a traildozer and doesn’t become as much fun, and (b) Seth is on the shorter side, I am 5’10 and I think 29s are JUST on the cusp of the right size for me, if I was 5’8 or shorter, I wouldn’t even look at ‘em.

That said, geometry is a hell of a drug. You can ride them A okay, just my old-school subjective dumb opinion

But I do agree, especially coming from the BMX world, smaller and twitchier is more fun





P.S. Gents - I may have to bow out The situations for which buying a new bike have changed in the past few months, and I don’t think I’ll be able to drop the moo-lah on a bike, and my 26 has become my work bike. I thought I would be able to pull off converting that and getting a newer HT before this but it looks like that ship is untied and about to blow the horn to sail

 

Did you just ASSUME my height?

I'm not short, I'm space efficient. And I'm 5'-6". In some country's I'd be considered tall.

 

haha, no, I just know you’re shorter than me and I’m on the cusp of what (I say) is the right height for 29ers, even I prefer 650b.

space efficient - I like that. And yeah, we used to do work in Indonesia, we sent out ME over there who was 6’6 350lbs, I wish I could have been there for THAT visit.

 

Boo!!

 

I didn't check the specs on the Salsa again but one quick look at that bike and the only thing I think it has over the Salsa is that it has an air fork. It also has SX components which from everyone I spoke to when looking for a bike for my wife weren't very desirable. For a bike in that price range I was always told to look for Shimano Deore components. Much more reliable.
As far as the wheel size thing goes, I just went from a full rigid 26" wheel bike to a 29er with full suspension and all I can say is wow! I love it!
Also Landry's has a sale going on right now on 2 different full suspension bikes made by Fuji for $1000 off!!!!! One is a 27" bike and the other is a 29er.

 

You're shorter than me, I'd strongly consider the 27.5 wheels. Puts you a little closer to the ground, I really like mine.

What budget are you trying to stick to for a bike? When I bought mine, I had a list of things I wanted the bike to have and it all came down to serviceability and upgradeability. I wanted a 1x12 drivetrain, dropper post, dub spacing for the bottom bracket, boost spacing for wheels, tubeless compatible wheels/tires and modern geometry (slack head tube and steep seat tube angles).

The Salsa seems to have better geometry numbers but both bikes have compromised on certain bits. If you're only considering those 2, it's probably a toss up. Really depends on what you intend to do with it also, light trail riding, fireroads, nothing gnarly, both would do fine. If you want something to mob through the woods at speed, I'd maybe suggest something different.

 

Seth @Sloth I am getting my son this bike as a reward for getting on the Jr. National Honor Society.

https://www.milfordbicycle.com/product/trek-marlin-6-394731-1.htm

 

I am biased (and pretty tall), but I love my 29" wheels. I ride an XL so a 27.5" wheel would look odd, but I don't have any problems or feel like I am missing out on the fun of a trail due to their size. While I can definitely plow over obstacles with the larger wheels, other riders I go with who have a 27.5" plow over the same stuff. My bike is larger proportioned, but most of the time when riding I am not trying to keep it super playful or flick it around with intent - I am trying to not puke on the climb and make it to the bottom of the decent in one piece!

But if you have the ability, sitting on one in person would be a lot more telling. The 27.5 may work better with height and stand over ability.

 

If a bike is the only factor stopping you, I could loan you a ride, we're about the same height.

 

Bitchin’! Congrats Junior!

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Let me get back to you. I talked to my friends this morning before I posted and we may have already started planning an impromptu kayak weekend down at the airfield already.

Thank you sir! I appreciate it, I’ll let you know once I know if the plans solidify! Drats, wish I waited it out haha

 

I want it to do everything perfectly....

In reality mostly for riding with my daughter on the bike path, but also doing more xc style rides for adventure races

 

Knowing the types of races I've seen you post about in the past, I can see them being the type where the bike may take some abuse but also you taking abuse meaning big, long climbs. If that's the case, you may want to keep an eye out for a bike with the modern 12 speed cassette, giving you the big eagle gear for sustained steep climbs. Hopefully you won't need it often but it's a godsend when you do need it. Compatibility-wise, I'm not sure how difficult it is to change down the road from a 10 or 11 speed to a 12 speed, I'm sure it can be done, just a matter of cost and if you need a new hub to pull it off. I tried to maximize my initial budget but also ended up spending more than I initially wanted to as well... At this point, I have almost as much into the bike as it cost but that's another story

 

Was hoping my new bike would be in for the VT trip - but with a recent update and changes to my order, looking like it will arrive just after I get back. Currently have an alloy framed specialized stumpjumper, which to be completely honest is more than adequate. Been looking to go carbon for a while and bump up the travel to a more "all mountain" style bike. Opted for the Fezzari Delano Peak and due to supply constraints, switched over to the sram build (will sync up nicely with my carbon wheels and torch hub, so can't complain there!).

Maybe I'll have some luck and get it before the trip, but the weekend will be a great send off to the stumpy before I sell it.

 

Came across this and it seems appropriate for this thread...

 

We’re about a month out, hopefully you guys are getting some miles in!

 

I am.

 

Nice! Where have you been going? I`ve been on the trainer and getting out whenever my kids` baseball schedule allows.

 

Mainly just loops. Upton & Foxboro. Just trying to get my fitness up.

 

This ought to be fun!