I have. And the 29er downhill kills it. I was on the 29er hate train until I rode this Yeti. Makes my old bike feel like a tricycle.
not a hate train at all... my experience was different. Also the bikes I rode had ~30mm rims. A 29er with 35mm wheels and a 2.6 tire would be interesting a and 200mm rotors front & rear
Could be they figured out the geometry problem with the 29r's. 29rs definitely roll over stuff better but the wheelbase is longer.
Geometry has been improved a ton, especially on trail/all mountain bikes. With the push to Boost/Super Boost rear end spacing and everything being 1x chainrings the geometry just works way better now than first generation 29ers. Chain stays got shortened, but there is a push for even longer bikes for stability I ride a 160/150mm travel bike, with 1Kg tires that weighs 29lbs that can pedal for a huge day in Pisgah, ride park at Windrock/Mammoth, and has been a blast in the backwoods gnar in BC and Sierra Nevada. The new all mountain bikes are freakin magic.
The only time I didn't 100% prefer the 29" was in tight switchbacks. The smaller wheels flicked around easier. But even still, I'd take the 29" 98% of the time. And all 29ers are not the same obviously. Geometry makes a big difference (which I was stubborn to realize at first). I went from a Focus Raven that handled like a Harley, to a Trek ProCal that handles like a proper race bike.
I tried it for a few months...wasnt a fan. Anyway I prefer to use the front as the dominate binder and kind of built the dexterity of my left hand up to accomodate. Just spent 1/2 the day setting up my Decree.
What size tires are you running on the Decree? I'm getting ready to throw some new tires on mine and am debating on either 2.3 or 2.4's
came with maxxis minions dhf 2.5s so I just set up tubeless. Rode around my hood with 60 psi and climbed a few stair cases and log obstacles... wow. Thing does dope wheelies even though my execution is typically garbage...hehe
60 psi tubeless? I don’t know anyone that rides over 28 with 22r,24f being the norm around here without cushcore inserts
There are some really great deals on FB Marketplace, in the STL area. A couple 2018 Giant Anthem Advanced at $2K and $3K. A Stumpy Evo at $2K. The list goes on and on.
What type of riding? There are long, mid, short travel bikes. Very focused XC, trail, enduro, downhill bikes. Bikes that are all mountain friendly, that are XC/trail friendly, etc.
Reach, stack etc. vary significantly among manufacturers. Stating you're searching for an xl isn't really nailing down the size you actually need.