speed, leaving the ground, and staying in control. With road biking, crashes are about uncontrollable variables, such as traffic, unattentive drivers, sudden pavement irregularities, etc.

I'm older and my body doesn't heal as fast, and I want to ride and do other activities tomorrow and in the next few months. So I don't push the limits doing down hill, my wheels rarely leave the ground for jumps or drops, and I'm usually the last one down on the descent. I still have fun, but am not chasing the adrenaline rush. I enjoy the grind and fitness benefits of the uphill.

I have a Santa Cruz 5010, a 27.5 wheels with 130 mm front and rear suspension. I also have a custom steel hardtail with 27.5 wheels 120 mm suspension fork. I ride them about equally, the hardtail is actually more fun in a lot of situations.

29 inch wheels will roll over obstacles better, but also take away some of the nimbleness of the bike. I prefer the challenge of 27.5 going up, and better cornering coming down that 27.5 offers.

Once you narrow down what you like, most brands out there you find at a bike shop or direct to consumer are pretty close in quality when it comes to frames. You may want to spend more on quality components on the drivetrain and wheels.