There seems to be a lot of mixed reactions in my area about 29ers. Most of the guys riding 26 full suspension bikes think they are just a fad. Today I was in a race (mostly for the experience and the t-shirt) and I noticed something. When the 29ers were passing me they were extreamly smooth. Most of them were experts but they were going over the rocks and through the mud very efficiently. I think its time to start shopping