What is the best downhill mountain bike you can get?

26 inch vs 29er - What are the pros and cons of each? Can you get a 29er Full Suspension Mountain Bike?

• I have a bad back but am looking at strictly mountain bikes. My previous question the community chose a best answer and the Trek 620 is not a mountain bike. I am inclined to look ...show more

• Answer:

  Good answer already. A few companies make 29" FS bikes, Gary Fisher and Niner are probably the most popular with Specialized getting into things last year. One big benefit I see in the 29 wheel is the momentum you carry with the bike. Yes, it does take more effort to get the wheels going, but it coasts like nothing I have ever ridden before. Going with a budget of 1k will get you a decent new 26" hardtail, nothing fancy, but very middle of the road. It will be harder to find a 29" new. You might want to check some local clubs for used bikes. Many times they will be in excellent condition and you can get them for 50% of retail. Full-Suspension bikes will be even harder. A good FS bike will generally start at 1500+ and 29'ers a little more. Again, used would be a good option here. Yes, you can find some great deals through on-line retailers (Bikes Direct, Ibex, Motobecane), but you will not be able to sit on one and make sure it fits you. I know several people who have one and it fits them perfectly, but I would have a very hard time spending a lot of money on a bike I have never seen in person. Go to a bunch of bike shops, look at Gary Fisher's and Niner Bikes and good luck.