LostNeverFound

Not my experience, the loops are predominately constructed singletrack, granted a few climbs are on fireroad but they are over quickly.

For me the shock will die really quickly as its subject to a constant barage of crap. Wheel size debate :-)

Just taken delivery of a pair of TwelveNineFive XC wheels - fantastic quality. Keep up the good work!

I own a 26" Anthem X1, and thought I'd try a 29" equivalent version (same equipment spec and overall weight), Looks aside, I found the bigger wheeled bike quite disappointing to ride. Acceleration is something that I treasure and the slower initial feel of the 29er really spoilt the ride in technical situations. Downhill both bikes do a great job; although... and this is just as important to me, the 29er did not deliver an exiciting ride. On tight twisty forest climbs and decents the 26" bike has the edge, and for me on most other climbs the 29er just felt heavier and less fun. I now understand why my friends on 29ers prefer to stay on the fire roads and straight line singletrack. For the time being, for me, I think 26" wheeled bikes provide a better overall riding package. 26" for mountain bike riding. 29" for some mountain bike riding. After riding a 29er, I feel better for it, knowing the marketting hype.......is just that.