29'ers...single speed: advantages? disadvantages?

[seejames]

I am seriously considering the purchase of a 29'er. To make matters more complicated, the model (Gary Fisher Rig) I am looking at is a single speed. I am thinking that it might be an ideal combination for my riding style: I love to spin flats and bomb downhills (29'ers might be better for this, right?) and I prefer out of the saddle climbing to spinning a granny gear. (that is, when I am not PUSHING my bike) ;)

Given most of the research that I have done, it appears that I would also have some considerable advantages given my height (6'4'') and how I tend to ride. I would appreciate any input anyone out there may have on their "real" experiences with the shift to a 29'er or a single speed.

Also, those of you that may have had the experience and joy :confused: of having ridden with me can also comment on how this type of bike might fit my riding style.

Thanks for everyone's advice.

[LightWeight]

I also run about 6'4" and have never felt more comfortable on a bike than on my 29er. I also haven't run into any problems running SS on any local trails. I'm using 32:20 for my gear. Get it, I highly doubt you'll be disappointed.

[FSSS]

You could try a Redline Monocog 29er...

less of an investment if you are not sure about the whole 29er/SS thing.

[crux]

I am seriously considering the purchase of a 29'er. To make matters more complicated, the model (Gary Fisher Rig) I am looking at is a single speed. I am thinking that it might be an ideal combination for my riding style: I love to spin flats and bomb downhills (29'ers might be better for this, right?) and I prefer out of the saddle climbing to spinning a granny gear. (that is, when I am not PUSHING my bike) ;)

Given most of the research that I have done, it appears that I would also have some considerable advantages given my height (6'4'') and how I tend to ride. I would appreciate any input anyone out there may have on their "real" experiences with the shift to a 29'er or a single speed.

Also, those of you that may have had the experience and joy :confused: of having ridden with me can also comment on how this type of bike might fit my riding style.

Thanks for everyone's advice.

No 29er yet, but have made the jump to single speed twice. I have several bikes from a 3" race bike to 5.5" long travel, and two single speeds that I regurally. I enjoy both the single speeds and really don't know why I have two.

First single is a Ventana El Toro. It has seen several miles and is a super light bike build up with V's Its advantage is that it is the stiffist bike that I have ever ridden, which is also its disadvantage if doing long epic rides 100+ miles.

Second is a Ti Independent with disk brakes. If I could only have one bike this would be it, enough said.

Have ridden several 29ers (standing 6'2" not quite as tall) and have been very impressed with the way they handle and even considering one. The bikes seem to handle slower in quick tight technical turns, but not enough to hurt their performance. Other than that for a larger guy gettting in to a 29er makes sense and would not hesitate to jump right in. If you want to consider a Ventana of IF shoot me a PM.

[bigwheel]

29er's and beer are proof that God loves me.

I'm close to 6'4 too, and will never go back to a 26" except for emergencies.

If you already think you'll like a single-speed, you will definitely like it. You will have no problem on any of the metro trails. I have both single and geared 29ers. For me, the biggest advantage of the geared bike is the full suspension. However, this isn't critical. The Rig's Reba fork will soak up a lot of terrain.

The Rig looks like a nice bike at a reasonable price. The only disadvantages I can see are:
1: Being heavy, I haven't had much luck with GF frames.
2: You will be stuck with 2.1 tires on the rear. The chainstays don't leave a lot of room for fat tires.
3: GF bikes come with those flimsy 28-spoke bontrager rims. If you are overweight, they will flex too much.

[Aaroneous]

I loves me Redline.




I hope that helps.

[seejames]

Thank you for all of the comments so far! Here are the specs on the used '06 Rig that I am considering:

Racelight seat post, stem, bars, and tires. (all upgrades from the stock) And it has only been ridden about 30 miles. (the guy is a roadie) He is selling it to me for $800. Good price?

Any place that I can learn more about the Redline and/or the Ventana?
Keep the comments coming!!!

[flombe]

Do it!

Also check out the new Raleigh XXIX, the Redline Monocog, etc. There are new offerings nearly every day.

I snatched up a Rig last fall and I am very pleased. The Reba fork makes this a very sweet package for the dollar. Next bike will be a 29er dualie. My beloved 26" HT hangs in the garage.

29er SS gear ratios - 32:16 for road riding; 32:18 for Theo Wirth; 32:20 for Lebanon; 32:22 for real mountains.

Rigs are difficult to find due to demand. With the upgrades and the low miles, $800 seems fair.

[LightWeight]

He is selling it to me for $800. Good price?


Heck yes! If I were you I'd be all over that like white on rice! :jumpy:

[SuperClydesdale]

Jamis will also have a 29er SS bike very soon.

[bigwheel]

$800. Good price?

Yes, *IF* the frame is the right size for you.

[soupboy]

Few things. The price is fair, but only as Bob said if the bike fits. Based on your description of how you like to ride and your size a SS 29er should be a good bike for you. Not sure how much you weigh, but the only drawbacks on the GF bikes have been sub-bar reliability (cracked frames) and OE wheels that are a bit flexy, although heavy, for clydesdales. They are well spec'd for the $ as long as the frames don't break.

I've owned a KM SS and Ventana El Capitan FS 29er. I've ridden all varieties of the GF bikes, the Salsa Dos Niner and some custom steel 29" SSs. They can be built up to suit a taller rider as well as any 26" bike. You need to determine the pros/cons for yourself. For me, the pros of 29ers far outweigh any of the cited cons I've heard to date.

[seejames]

Thank you everyone for the advice and comments. I stopped by a LBS and sat on nearly the EXACT bike and took it for a stroll...nearly had a religious experience.

I am going to be picking up the bike tonight...

Sean, I hear you about the GF frame issues, and being a bigger guy, it is definitely something to consider. For some reason, however, I can seem to shake the allure of this bike, despite some of my reservations. The wheels and some of the other componnents have been upgraded to Race Lite, so those make me feel better.

It also helps that I know the guy selling it to me.

If you are at Buck Hill Thursday night, I will be giving it it's first real taste of the offroad there!

[flombe]

One thing I have read on MTBR is that you need to run a longer than the stock seatpost if you are taller/heftier. I am 5'9" and I have what seems like a mile of post sticking out of my medium frame (have had no issues with it).

[seejames]

Well I got it!!! And I love it. I took it for a quick spin last night and I really enjoyed the feel of the 29'' wheels as they absorbed some of my favorite (and not so favorite) obstacles on a path that I ride a lot.

So many changes for me...single speed, 29", and (finally) a clipless pedal system! YEY!! It probably is not even close to true, but I FEEL faster...and as we all know, that alone is worth the $800. The moment of truth will come tonight at Buck Hill...lol

Thank you all again for the advice/information!

[soupboy]

Pics por favor!

Well I got it!!! And I love it. I took it for a quick spin last night and I really enjoyed the feel of the 29'' wheels as they absorbed some of my favorite (and not so favorite) obstacles on a path that I ride a lot.

So many changes for me...single speed, 29", and (finally) a clipless pedal system! YEY!! It probably is not even close to true, but I FEEL faster...and as we all know, that alone is worth the $800. The moment of truth will come tonight at Buck Hill...lol

Thank you all again for the advice/information!