1st MTB - eBay - 29er hardtail it 26 full sus?

[torqueofthedevil]

I'm looking to get my first MTB off eBay to save money - I've seen a hardtail I like and few full suspension.

Both are about half to 2-thirds the price they were new and I can't decide which I think would be better. I know 29ers and 27.5 are more popular now but I wonder if the full suspension outweighs this?

Mainly doing single track around yorkshire and up at the proper MTB trails in the forests around here.

Hardtail is an acid 27.5 actually the one I've seen is a 27.5 and is a 2014 model.

Full suspension is a cube ams 125 or 130 pro

[ecsrobin]

What is your budget?

[gazza285]

Full suspension usually outweighs hardtail, good for freewheeling down hills though. Hardtail every time for me.

[Blakeatron]

I ride 29" with most of my group riding 27.5" - personally I don't feel there is much in it.

Road riding and downhill in straighter lines the 29" is marginally faster, on technical climbs and descents the smaller wheels are a bit easier.

I can happily and easily ride both so don't let wheel size be the deciding factor.

I would go full suss as when locked most modern bikes are pretty rigid, the cubes mentioned are pretty decent bikes and will see you for a good while.

[anonymous-user]

27.5

[MC Bodge]

Mtb Wheel size isn't that important.

The rider makes much more difference. There are some 26" bargains around at the moment.