I am looking at 29er bike’s right now,although I"m looking at steel framed 29er’s.I’ve been on an aluminum 26" wheel full suspension for 5 years now.I’ve actually had fun with the bike,although I’m going back to a steel hard tail/rigid set up like I had in my first bike and gonna give the 29er thing a try.I am currently looking at the Surly Karate monkey
[url:yhbcm6xv]http://surlybikes.com/bikes/karate_monkey[/url:yhbcm6xv]
The Kona Honzo
[url:yhbcm6xv]http://konaworld.com/gravity_hardtail.cfm?content=honzo[/url:yhbcm6xv]
The Transition Transam 29er
[url:yhbcm6xv]http://www.transitionbikes.com/Bikes_TransAM29.cfm[/url:yhbcm6xv]
For me,these bikes are the best bang for MY buck,I come from a BMX background though,so the steel frame thing probably isnt for everyone but thought I would share.I’ve been thiking of going custom,although the waiting list’s are quite long when I only have one bike to ride and selling the other one.The price range for a steel bike if it’s your thing is pretty attractive,plus a steel frame will last forever,especially if the geometry is right.The Karate Monkey from surly is probably the best deal,I can get into that bike ready to ride under $1500,although I really like the Transition but it’s about a thousand more.Decisions decisions…..Anyway,hope I expanded upon your bike bike awarness as I hope to expand upon my own,,,happy trails and hope you find the right bike.