realskiers

Learning to ride rough stuff on a hardtail doesnt really build skills for riding a FS. well it kinda of does but hear me out.

I spent the past 3 years riding nothing but SS hardtails till this summer. I also had a rigid 96er that saw some time as well all were steel. I did have DHish bike for a summer but it was only ridden when riding lifts. The fastest lines on my 29er FS are not what was the fastest lines on either of my Single Speed.

I also race, I do alot of 6 + hour race and 50 milers. If the terrain is mostly singletrack the FS bike is a huge advantage.

I think FS bikes are better in all around performance for anyone who can afford a nice one. FS 29ers are XC/trail destroyer that make everything seem slow. The thing is there are alot of crappy FS bikes out there.

With that said Single Speeds are stupid fun to ride and I will always own one. On smooth climbs with out much grade they are faster.