Q: I'm a 6'5", 195-pound aggressive trail rider. I built up a Niner R.I.P. 9 as my first 29er, and riding it for the first time was literally a revelation. For a guy my height, I’ve never experienced bonding with a 26er frame like I did with my R.I.P. 9. My confidence has soared, and I charge the trails harder than ever before. My R.I.P. 9 is perfect for 100 percent of the trails I ride; however, at 28.5 pounds, it's a bit hefty for cross-country racing, which leads me to my dilemma. I am still hanging on to my trusty Titus Racer X (26er) for racing. Given my height, would I be better off on the Racer X, or should I look at a hardtail 29er (Niner E.M.D. or Jet 9)?   
-Chad, who sounds rad


MBA: Come on, Chad. We bet you’ve already made up your mind. After gushing about your 29er experience, which by the way is similar to the reactions we hear from other riders who have made the switch to big hoops, it seems obvious that the Racer X is headed for the used-bike classified ads. You will get the same confidence boost you experienced on the R.I.P. 9 racing your new 29er on a cross-country course. You will have the best of both worlds with the two 29ers: a plush trailbike and a rocket ship hardtail for racing. One more tip: tell whoever buys your Titus Racer X that the rear suspension’s bearings can be sourced from Pivot Cycles now that the Titus that made your bike is no longer in business.

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