MTB - 26" v 29"??

Posted by: Jonathan Gorse on 29 July 2012

I'm in the process of building up an MTB and would value some advice on the wheel size debate.  I currently have a 12 year old Scott Boulder hardtail and have never liked the ride compared to my 531 steel tourer.  I'm keen to find an MTB that has all the zing I get from riding my tourer and that hopefully will last for years and years (I tend to keep bikes a long time - the tourer is 27 years old!!) 

 

I ride lots of bridleways and forests in the South Downs area as well as National trails like the South Downs Way, Downs Link etc.  I don't do drops, jumps or other types of extreme riding and I'm too old to start now (43).  I'm tall (nearly 6ft 2) but heavy (lets just be flattering and say rugby player build!) which is why I'm keen to get out on the bike more and get fit/lose weight!

 

I have no experience with full suspension bikes and a budget of around £2k but can't help feeling that even though that budget might buy a decent one - it might still bob around all over the place under my ample proportions, they will be heavier and they somehow don't appeal quite so much to the purist in me.  As a result the frontrunner choices are  Cotic Soul or Solaris.  The Soul is 26" all main tubes made of Reynolds 853 while the Solaris is a 29" hardtail frame with a bit of 853 and something called True Temper tubing.

 

I know there are some keen MTB'ers on here and would value their views on 26 v 29 and hardtail v full sus bearing in mind the kind of riding I do.

 

Over to the experts!

 

Jonathan.

Posted on: 11 September 2012 by Jonathan Gorse

Bruce,

 

Great tip re: the tape and will order some - in fact the only trouble with having an immaculate MTB rather than the battered one I did have is that I'm now more worried about keeping it nice!

 

I was reflecting on my bike history earlier today and realised that this is only my third adult bicycle and indeed only my fifth bicycle in 43 years -

1974 Pavemaster Chopper style bike

1978 Raleigh Arena

1985 Raleigh Royal 531 tourer (still in use)

2000 Scott Boulder MTB (now sold)

2012 Cotic Soul

 

I've never been one for chopping and changing stuff too often - hence I'm still running Olive naim.  I tend to buy a bit better than I can really afford and then keep it for years and years.

 

Jonathan

Posted on: 11 September 2012 by yurivv

Jonathan, congratulations on a new bike. Very nice. Here is my current bike to complement yours, also British, steel and orange (and Mavic wheels too):

 

 

Posted on: 11 September 2012 by Jonathan Gorse

Yuri,

 

Lovely to see another British hardtail bringing so much pleasure in its natural habitat - it looks almost the same colour as mine -wonder if Cotic and Ragley got a job lot of paint!

 

Nice too to see you couldn't resist a few trick coloured bits either - love the purple seatclamp!

 

Happy riding

 

Jonathan

 

(PS I can't figure out what's supporting the bike in your picture!)

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 11 September 2012 by Bruce Woodhouse

My British 853 steel hardtail, also Orange!

 

Currently in 'on-road' format; skinny tyres, rigid fork and snazzy DT swiss wheels. I use it like this when we go away on holidays as it prevents me disappearing into the distance when my wife and I cycle together.

 

Heading off for France soon for our rather late summer holiday.

 

Bruce

 

Posted on: 12 September 2012 by yurivv
Originally Posted by Jonathan Gorse:

 

Nice too to see you couldn't resist a few trick coloured bits either - love the purple seatclamp!

 

Happy riding

 

 

Thanks Jonathan! About coloured bits, here is one of the previous bikes of my oldest son. Also British steel hardtail, as you see. 

 

 

 

In more proper environment:

 

 

 

 

though he use a full suspension now.

 

 

Originally Posted by Bruce Woodhouse:

also Orange!

 

 

Posted on: 12 September 2012 by yurivv
Originally Posted by Jonathan Gorse:

(PS I can't figure out what's supporting the bike in your picture!)

  

 

Sorry, forgot to answer. I use a thin stick which then I clean in a photoshop.

Posted on: 14 September 2012 by madasafish

Jonathan

I was sufficiently motivated by your project to contact Cotic with a view to a complete bike - to find availability outside the range of my body measurements.

Nearest I can find for my requirements (mainly track and trail touring) is the Surly Ogre or Long-Haul Trucker.

Posted on: 14 September 2012 by Jonathan Gorse

madasafish,

 

Good to hear my bike inspired you and intrigued that you couldn't find anything in their range to meet your sizing requirements.  I have to admit as I am 6ft 2 I was concerned that the Soul only came in a 19 inch frame in a large but have found it perfect and I gather Cy Turner the MD at Cotic is 6ft 3 and rides a large Soul.

 

They also do the Solaris a 29 inch tyred mountain bike - the 20.5" XL frame fits people 6ft 3in to 6ft 6in.  I guess if you're extra small that's a different issue but I know they have plenty of ladies riding them and they're great bikes. 

 

Anyway good luck with your quest!

 

Jonathan

 

Posted on: 14 September 2012 by madasafish

Jonathan

I'm 6'8", 37" inseam. I did appreciate Cotic's candour - sorry mate, won't fit - better than being sold something unsuitable.

I'm seriously considering a Surly Ogre or the Salsa Fargo but I think the Surly's winning atm:

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/ogre

 

Thanks

Mick

Posted on: 04 October 2012 by Vaughn3D
I can recommend Surly, having just had a Karate Monkey built, they make a beautiful product. Built with pride like Naim.