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Post by nick1971 on Nov 1, 2013 15:25:37 GMT
Hi All, Looking to get a hardtail for the winter and thinking of taking the plunge into the world of 29ers, looking to do some mile munching over the next few dry and dusty months :-)
But
Hear lots of varying opinions on the suitability for those of limited stature - comprimise due to the frame size for clearance etc. I'm 5ft 6 so borderline small/medium dependant on manufacturer but would like to hear some other points of view from those who may have been through this themselves.
Not wholly convinced on a 650b as think the qualities boasted by the bigger wheels will be more suitable for what I will be doing
Also anybody bought recently and highly recommend what they bought.....looking under the £1000 but not completely set in stone.
All the best
Nick
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roger
Have-a-go Hero
Posts: 185
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Post by roger on Nov 2, 2013 12:40:09 GMT
I bought a Trek X-Caliber 29er in medium nearly 12 months ago & have been amazed by it & can highly recommend it for mile munching. Its geometry is spot on its also ok for CyB if you don't mind a bit of shaking. I also don't see the point of 650b, surely you're better off with a bigger 26" tyre to get the diameter & also have the stronger 26" wheel? I'm about 5'9 & clearance is about right.
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Post by nick1971 on Nov 3, 2013 15:04:19 GMT
Thanks Roger, Will take a look at the Trek range, got the Scott Scale range in mind too so will try and visit some shops in the very near future.
All the best
Nick
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Post by motoxman on Nov 3, 2013 21:28:38 GMT
If you're paying up front and not financing or Cycle to Working it have a look at the Canyon bikes as you seem to get more for your money as they're direct sales. Some people are put off as they're direct sales from Germany but they've got an office in the south east so give them a call with any questions or concerns
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Post by akasmithy on Nov 4, 2013 18:14:24 GMT
If you're paying up front and not financing or Cycle to Working it have a look at the Canyon bikes as you seem to get more for your money as they're direct sales. Some people are put off as they're direct sales from Germany but they've got an office in the south east so give them a call with any questions or concerns Ditto
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Post by tangocharlie on Nov 4, 2013 18:55:10 GMT
Enjoying my Scott scale 960 right now. Rrp is 999. However, I am the opposite in height stakes being 6'4" so can't really comment on suitability for those of a different size.
I do find that 29ers don't seem quite as maneuverable in tight turns, but rolling noticeably smoother, as you'd expect really given bigger wheels.
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Post by buffypara on Nov 4, 2013 19:08:45 GMT
I'm 5'8" and ride a medium Santa Cruz 29er. The frame size is 17.5 inches. I was a bit unsure over sizing, but height-wise I was in the middle of their height range. The bike is a short travel full-susser, and the standover height is fine, although it's not as much as on my old 26er stumpjumper. If I was buying a longer travel bike I'd have gone for a smaller frame, but for more cross-country stuff the size and geometry is perfect. Don't believe the hype though, it's just as easy to go over the bars
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Post by kpt1972 on Nov 5, 2013 8:50:48 GMT
My On-One Scandal -£799 and the ride and geometry are spot on - I'm 6'3 and have the 19" frame so I'd think a 15 or 16 for you? Doesn't feel racey and feels quite at home on the gnarly stuff.
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Post by nick1971 on Nov 5, 2013 10:09:48 GMT
Hi First off many thanks for the replies, plenty of food for thought there. I won't be using a Cyclescheme or finance but the only drawback with the Canyon or direct Sales route is the sizing, as I tend to be a borderline Small/Medium I wouldn't feel confident ordering one without having tried one. I will give them a ring though to see if they can offer any guidance there.
Will be keeping hold of a 26inch bike, this one will be purely for getting out and covering a bit more distance in the winter whilst keeping it low maintenance.
Time for some more research - thanks all.
All the best
Nick
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Post by jon_2_flats on Nov 7, 2013 22:27:04 GMT
Recently got the wife a trek stache and I think its great, oh and so does she, highly recomended
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Post by nick1971 on Nov 11, 2013 20:14:52 GMT
Thanks Jon, another to have a look at, especially as so highly recommended by both you and your wife. :-)
All the best
Nick
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Post by cyclone on Nov 11, 2013 20:50:05 GMT
Hi Nick did you get in touch with canyon by any chance, got my mind set on one of their 29ers (nerve al) 5"8 and their sizing comes up with a small frame, reckon I'll have to start loitering round local trail center until I can get a quick go on one ;-)
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Post by 99percentchimp on Nov 11, 2013 21:02:16 GMT
Mate has a Niner hard tail from the shop at Llandegla. He rates it highly. I think a Niner SIR steel frame but not 100% on the model. Managed his fastest lap of the Marin on it so it seems tidy enough he's a similar size to you so the 29er geometry a seem to work well on the 'medium' frame sizes. I have a Singular Swift which is fine too but riding it rigid at present so not flying on the rough stuff. I'm 6'3" so it is like a gate but comfy on longer rides.
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Post by nick1971 on Nov 12, 2013 13:12:53 GMT
The Niners are fantastic but think would be a little bit beyond my price range - just noticed that Saracen have dropped a considerable chunk off their bikes. Some of the componentry isn't the best but the forks and Kili frame get good reviews. Sure could replace some of the bits out for what they are selling them for.....anyone got a recent Saracen?
All the best
Nick
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Post by christian on Nov 30, 2013 19:01:38 GMT
Have a look at the Whyte range mate, brilliant geometry and good price for the spec/weight.
I have a 629 and love it to bits.
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