Have you tried a 29'er?

The 29-inch wheel size has "infected" the bike industry. I don't mean that as a negative, but it jumped from one mfr to another, and now everybody's got it. When this craze started I felt that it was just another fashion that would pass quickly. It has hung on long enough that most bike companies are offering at least one bike with them. At the last Interbike Demo event I got to ride a Marin Alpine Trail 29’er, and had some solid impressions. One of them is that it's not a fad...

1. The larger wheel size rides smoother, due it’s greater diameter. There’s a number of explanations out there, but you’re using a larger size hoop to roll over the obstacles. This reduces the effective size of trail irregularities which feels smoother. I was riding it in rocky desert terrain, and was very surprised. I had that “Hey it’s not MY bike, PIN IT!” thought from the start and was riding much more aggressively. It was very nice!

2. Due to the larger diameter, the bottom bracket sits lower to the ground. The net effect of this is that the rider is centered lower between the axles, so the bike carves turns in a more stable manner. I felt this on the first turn, and loved the stability. In the sketchy rock and sand I could trust this bike to roll thru the turn I had planned.

3. Possible negatives are A. The greater weight of the larger rim may reduce the agility of the bike. B. Different tube size, so walking out may be more likely if you get a "multi-flat" and are alone. C. Longer spokes may lead to a more flexible/weaker wheel. These are all fairly unlikely, but worth considering.

Any design can have negatives if you’re looking for them. In my view the 29” wheel size is a great alternative for XC riders that are clear on the non-jumper/non-downhill focus of this wheel size. Tire widths for this diameter rim vary from 1.125” to 2.3”, and rim widths also vary to match that range. One of our trainers has a fixed-gear bike built as a 29’er with Rhyno Lite rims- it’s really durable.

Summary- if you haven’t tried one, what are you waiting for?

DB Overdrive Pro '08

DB OverDrive '08

Marin Alpine Trail '08

Marin Muirwoods 29er '08

Quick-Release legal news

A New Jersey legislator has proposed a law banning quick-release devices on bicycle wheels. If enacted, it would only affect New Jersey but would also set a precedent for all other states. This item bears watching, as it could cause a sudden change in all bikes for sale nationwide.
Also, the case that spawned this law involves a bike sold by Walmart, who did not educate the customer in anyway on quick-release operation OR get a waiver signed. Walmart is not assisting the fight against this law in any form. "Big Thanks to Walmart".
Additional info: Montague Quick Release, Experts predict this to be used for all wheel QR's

From BicycleRetailer.com today:

NBDA Adds $7500 To Quick-Release Fight

COSTA MESA, CA (BRAIN)—Following an initial contribution of $7500 last summer, the NBDA Board has voted to commit another $7500 to defend the ubiquitous quick-release axle.

The latest contribution will be matched by the supplier side of the industry, said NBDA executive director Fred Clements.

The fight is against a ban on quick-release axles that has been proposed in the New Jersey legislature. While the law, if passed, would affect only New Jersey, it might set a national trend, making the fight a national issue.

The bill exempts axles that also have a “secondary safety device,” but fork tips apparently do not qualify for the exemption and there is currently no other technology that would.

The proposed law was a response to injuries to children riding Wal-Mart bikes with quick-release wheels, Clements said. But with the exception of some high-end BMX bikes, the kids bikes sold by independent dealers do not have quick-release axles anyway. The New Jersey bill as written would ban quick-releases on all bikes, adult as well as juvenile.

Funds contributed by the NBDA and the Bicycle Products Suppliers Association are to be used to hire a lobbyist to make the case against the bill.