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?
1 comment:
store 29 is number one in Overdrive sales and we aren't even turned on to receive them.
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