what do you think of 29ers?

[weps]

for a while, i considered them the latest marketing gizmo. lately though, i've noticed the people riding them seem almost fanatical in their devotion. i've never ridden one, nor do i fully undersand the supposed design benefits. so im wondering what you guys think and if anyone can relate personal experiences.

btw, i think the name is odd too.

thx

 

[scant]

highly dependant on where you ride. I have friends who have them & for the slow, steep climbs & rocky shoots that litter the area where I live, they're far from ideal. For rolling, woodsy trails, even slight mud they're sposed to roll pretty quick.

 

[adamgent]

Very true about "depends on where you ride". I have just built a singlespeed - purely due to finincial constrains, I'm not gay or owt.

So much fun on the flat but decidely ego-killing on hills!

 

[gil_m]

Oh dear, guess you could call me "fanatical" about this, don't get me wrong, I don't go around preaching "Follow the way of the 29"er" but they don't half work for me

Guess its a bit of horses for courses thing but I've had one for 4 years now and if I had to pick it would be the one I kept and believe me thats saying something

 

[john]

What are you running Gil.

Never tried one but as most people mention probably very trail dependent. Probably great for the flatlands of Warwickshire.

 

[scant]

Bris bringing a 29er s.spd to the retro meet, he'll probs let ya hava quick spin if you ask nicely

 

[gump]

John,
Do you know Nightfire? Bit of a 29er man. But they are huge :shock:

 

[scant]

huge doesnt cut it, nightfires bikes are friggin massive

 

[fatterry]

24 hour power output test

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id= ... nlandmines

Some more thoughts on the 26 v 29 debate, a little more scientific than just feels better, but not much.

 

[gil_m]

Ok, its not retro but I can't resist posting my current ride

No laughing at the back