Ok. So here's the thing. I have a Surly Pugsley, which is like a 29 inch diameter wheel/tire setup, but on 26" rims, with 4 inch tires.
I also have a Cannondale Caffeine frame, 26 inch wheels.
I have been riding the Pugsley almost exclusively since I got it in like December or January or so. Which was also when I started riding places like Sals, i.e. places with obstacles like log-overs. Just hopped back onto the Cannondale, and taking it to places that have log-overs and such has been a shocking and unpleasant experience.
I am not sure if it's just that the Pugsley spoiled me and I am now used to big wheels and the tires absorbing stuff, or if I am just needing to get re-acquainted with my 26er.
My next bike, will be a 29er. Will happen sometime after I get married in October. But I am not sure if I need full suspension or if I can get away with a 29er hardtail with some like 2.3 or so tires.
I am thinking about this NOW because I like to obsess and ponder major purchases for long periods of time before actually buying, lol.
The actual question: In stuff like the rocky parts of Sals, are hardtail 29ers fine in that sort of setting, or is the full suspension the way to go? I do not like my 26er on that stuff. I like my Pugsley well enough but I can't tell if that's because the tires at 5 psi cushion me, or if I'm feeling the effects of the larger diameter wheel.
If you care to read on, I am looking at three choices, maybe 4:
1. 2012 Trek/GF Rumblefish 1: I work for Subaru so I can get this for like $2000, tax free. So there's that, which is nice. Friend has one and I've ridden it but it's too big for me to figure out if I like it or not. Not sure if it will be obsolete after a few years, suspension wise?
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/singletrack_trail/rumblefi...
2. Canfield Yelli Screamy- I am really liking this, it just seems like it would be awesomely fun, and it seems real affordable if I build up something at home:
http://www.canfieldbrothers.com/frames/yelli-screamy
3. EWR OWB 29er- I have yet to ride one but it looks like it could fit the bill too, albeit at double the price of the Canfield (that's not a gripe by any means, I can see where the cost differences add up, it's a nicer quality frame).
4. Niner RIP 9- I recommended my other friend check these, Turner, and Pivot out, and he just ordered an RIP 9 frame. So jealous. But kinda $$$. I will get to ride his when it's built, and his size will fit me so that's cool.
Anyways, any input is appreciated!