Wednesday, May 7th, 2008
Mountain Bike 29er Wheels VS. the Standard 26 Inch Wheels
After a conversation with Matt Smart (contributor) where I explained to him the difference of Mountain bike wheels, in reference to surfing terms. He suggested I share my explanation of Mountain Bike wheel sizes and how each rides, as the market seems to be more and more flooded with 29 inch wheels on bikes.
The best way I can briefly explain a 29er is by comparing a long board to a short board… You can create the shape on a long board to surf pretty snappy and quick but it will never respond as fast as a short board. The 29er rides like that of a long board, it’s the soul riders bike. They peddle a little smoother over rocks and can climb better in most areas but they do not accelerate as quickly or pop out of turns as fast as your standard 26 inch wheeled bike. However, because of the bigger tires the 29er bikes do hold a line better while cornering.
You can see each type of bike has its own benefits and the rider has to decide which of the two they like with all the riding aspects that fit their style and weight factors which may apply with a 29er too. This weight is all due to the larger wheels which is also consistent with larger or a little more elongated geometry on 29er bikes which 29ers use to make up for the larger wheels.
The more I think of my experience with 29ers the more I want my Pivot Mach 429. The new 29 inch full suspension beast from pivot cycles.
Check one out: www.pivotcycles.com
-DSheek
Hang Loose Bike Geeks!
on Saturday, May 10th, 2008 at 6:39 am:
Hey man. Just found you via twitter. Great blog.
Los
on Saturday, May 10th, 2008 at 7:27 pm:
Thanks Los!