29er vs 26 inch

[RedSquirrel]

I know it's been discussed, measured, and a major controversy but it's over for me. Today I rode a SS 29'er (rigid even) for the first time. I'm 5'8'.

Forget what you may have heard. I'm sold. At first I felt higher, that went away in about 2 minutes. I didn't notice any sluggishness or handling issues. By my watch my average lap was as fast or faster than last year. Flying!!

I absolutly noticed the bigger wheel over obstacles. Rocks and obstacles are barely there, total rule. Yeah I had to incline the bike or my body a bit, something, whatever yet I swear...I adjusted without really thinking about it. I'm short and light, AND I love 29'er!!!! Given my strengths and preferences, my full suspention will be a 29'er next year too. That's all I have to say.

[waitabit]

I finally got my new 29er out on the dirt and I agree, any bike I buy now will be a 29er.

[bakkeb]

After riding Mike's 29'er on Sunday.....I want one. Steel as well. I agree with everything you said about your first impression of a 29'er Heath. The hype is legit.:etard:

[bigwheel]

I think that we're going to have to close and delete this thread before I lose my only advantage over the masses.

29ers suck. They are just a fad that will never catch on.

[SKullman]

Welcome to the party Heath. I too have added a 29er single to keep my Dos Niner company.

See you out at Buck!

Oh, what gearing did you choose to start with?

Shane

[RedSquirrel]

Welcome to the party Heath. I too have added a 29er single to keep my Dos Niner company. See you out at Buck! Oh, what gearing did you choose to start with?
Shane

Haven't decided. Need to get on hilly course. 32x18 was totally fine at Theo, probally go 19, not thinking 20 anymore.

[crux]

My 29er feels actually faster handeling than the 26version. It does feel a bit heavier in up front though might need to put a set back post on it and she will be a bit more balanced with my fat ars up there.

BTW Leb on a 32:18 rode fine and was able to clean all hills. Rock garden section was avoided mostly since was still making some adjustments and was a bit unsure after the bar rotated on me.

[JBergland]

Hmmmmmm. My experience hasn't been nearly as clear cut with the 29 vs. 26 debate. From what I have heard, learned, and experienced, BIG people should ride BIG bikes. That is very oversimplified, but it's easier to explain and understand. For anyone over 6', a 29er is going to be a better fit for your size. Under 6', 26 wheels will likely be the way to go. I believe it's safe to say there is nothing scientific that says one wheel is better, faster, etc. over the other. There might be something about the fact that 29ers haven't seemed to make thier way into mainstream racing (XC, downhill, etc.)??

I was pretty hyped for a 29er for a while, until I realized the current bikes I have will do just fine.

JB

[qheuie]

Hmmmmmm. My experience hasn't been nearly as clear cut with the 29 vs. 26 debate. From what I have heard, learned, and experienced, BIG people should ride BIG bikes. That is very oversimplified, but it's easier to explain and understand. For anyone over 6', a 29er is going to be a better fit for your size. Under 6', 26 wheels will likely be the way to go. I believe it's safe to say there is nothing scientific that says one wheel is better, faster, etc. over the other. There might be something about the fact that 29ers haven't seemed to make thier way into mainstream racing (XC, downhill, etc.)??

I was pretty hyped for a 29er for a while, until I realized the current bikes I have will do just fine.

JB

this should open some neat dialog.

i agree and disagree. being tall myself, i can relate to the "big wheels for big people: concept. however, my wife is 5' 10" and loves the feel of 29" wheels. it's personal preference.

as far as scientific benefits, it doesn't matter. if i feel like i ride better and have more fun on a 29" wheel, great. if you don't, great. we'll both still have a good time on the trail.

you are totally right, 26" wheels have been around forever and have served us all just fine.

as for mainstream:
i think there aren't a lot of pro XC racers that use 29" yet because 1) they ride what they are given. there are not a lot of pro teams spec'ing 29" yet. there will be pretty soon. 2) acceleration on a 29" wheel is obviously slower than on a comparable grade 26" wheel.

i would guess that dh racers don't use them because the rim and tire tecnology isn't quite there to make a wheel beefy enough to take the abuse they shell out.

[Lezgo Cycling]

saty witht the original "26 baby:jumpy:"

[dvo1]

You can all keep your 700c "wides" I will not join you.

[bigwheel]

If you are interested, there is an active 29er forum on MTBR. They also have a faq that is pretty good, describing differences, myths, and other stuff you might want to know.

http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=61

[bigwheel]

saty witht the original "26 baby:jumpy:"

You can all keep your 700c "wides" I will not join you.

Good. It's nice to have people that don't mind equipment that slows them down. :p

[Ish]

If you are interested, there is an active 29er forum on MTBR. They also have a faq that is pretty good, describing differences, myths, and other stuff you might want to know.

http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=61


Isn't that forum on MTBR ran by a bunch of 29er zealots?

[Lezgo Cycling]

Good. It's nice to have people that don't mind equipment that slows them down. :p

not slow you down just make you work harder :banana:

[mtnbykr]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/mtnbykr/stuff/deadhorse03.gif

[Lezgo Cycling]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/mtnbykr/stuff/deadhorse03.gif

what the f*** :scream: