29er hardtail vs. suspension?

Hey Lee,
Love your book, I have question, I am looking to buy a new bike next year I want a 29 er, should I go with a full suspension or a hard tail?

I have Gary fisher sugar 3 never been real jazzed with it ( too small). I was looking at the Cannondale caffine 29 but also have entertained the Gary fisher full suspension 29 ers. I see Kona as has a full suspension 29 er. I ride a lot of single track nothing too crazy and some paved bike paths. I am kind of gun shy about fisher products only because of my sugar.

I am 5’11 214 lbs. What do you suggest I know it comes down to what I like best, but would love your thoughts on the subject.

Bill

---

Michael was RIPPING his single speed 29er hardtail at last week’s clinic.

Hey Bill,

If you want to traverse trails as efficiently as possible, a 29er is a smart choice. The larger wheels roll over roughness about six percent easier than 26ers.

The hardtail vs. suspension debate is identical for 29ers as 26ers, except:

One benefit of short-travel suspension is that is rolls over small bumps more efficiently than a hardtail.

On mellow trails, a 29er hardtail will give you a similar benefit — while reducing cost, weight and moving parts.

A 29er hardtail will give you a smoother ride with none of those drawbacks of suspension.

Ergo …

I think a 29er hardtail is the bike for you. You get a light, quick, inexpensive bike that will feel smooth on your local singletracks.

And you can still say braaap!

— Lee

---