Thanks for all the responses, now that I can see I got the hardcore believers attention I can bore you with my thought process to help me narrow this down. Some factoring details, I did some work for my lbs where I get my Orbea bikes from and am considering this as a barter so I have the following options: Unit as mentioned, Big Unit (obviously nicer but no longer rigid),Orbea Lanza (I am partial to Orbea but this is a 29r geared with front suspension and I think defeats the purpose of the experiment, although these are really nice...). Fuji also has only this option so not really a contender. I also have access to Giant and Felt( but no options). Without creating an uproar I know there are lot of people who say no need for suspension for a 29r. Obviously this has all to do with where you ride which also makes this tougher as it varies as much as the H2H courses do. I am also average height, 5'8"+ and I have read that there are those similar who felt 29 was not for them because of that. Then I thought 26ss but I think I could benefit from the 29... and then I go in circles. So here is how I wind up back at the unit as I do plan on racing my Orbea hardtail this season and it seems a reasonable way to check out both single speed and 29, with the question being rigid or not.