Just returned from a bike ride to ridgway and read this post. it was uphill on the return trip... I prefer it the other way around, but not enough to sell the mine shack and move to ridgway. I'm out of "joy juice," my butt hurts and my legs are shot, but i'm really liking the Gary Fischer 29er. It was less than a grand, so it doesn't have the super light weight alloys that save an ounce here and there. what good does that do you when your camelback weighs in around 15 pounds and your tool bag and rack add another 7 :) "be prepared" mark.