I test rode a 29er on my usual single track a few days ago. \u00a0The trails are\u00a0described as ideal for a 29er: medium to fast rolling with an average number of roots and very few climbs (the verdict is in on climbing – 26 kills it). \u00a0So I got the “between the wheels” feel right away. \u00a0It is in fact like sitting between two giant wheels. \u00a0Momentum was indeed very good. \u00a0Rolled over stuff smoothly. \u00a0Too smooth. \u00a0Felt like I was cheating the trail. \u00a0Until I hit a tight switchback, then it felt like I was going to fall over without some acrobatic handling.<\/p>\n
So all in all the 29er was exactly what people claimed it would be. \u00a0And I HATED it. \u00a0Just like the 29er fan base is going to hate this… The very first thing I thought was, this is a great solution for anyone who can’t ride worth a shit. \u00a0If you don’t want to feel the trails, could care less about handling, become an even worse climber then a 29er is for you. \u00a0Need some help because you suck and get rattled easily? \u00a0Get a 29er. Meanwhile my 42 year old ass will be going past your expensive, now standard, bike shop justification.<\/p>\n
Some bike shop goons have told me that if I’m really as good as my ego claims on a 26er then a 29er will just make me better. \u00a0That riding a 26 looks like I’m riding a kids bike. \u00a0Well to me the damn 29ers remind me of a mountain biker bringing a 26er to a BMX track. \u00a0Doesn’t quite seem made for the job. \u00a0Europeans, most of whom I’ve met and rode with generally seem a little less influenced by marketing, realize the incompatibility and limitations of the 29er feel and handling even with manufacturers working so hard on the geometry. \u00a0The 29er is a “rolling ride”. \u00a0To shred you must get the front wheel off the ground. \u00a0They roll over the roots and 9″ logs. \u00a0On my 26 I will clear them with zero interference to my flow and little speed reduction.<\/p>\n
For really big guys, like 6′ 3″ and taller, I can see the lure of the 29er. \u00a0You might be tall enough to handle a frame size that will equate the geometry and handling to a 26. \u00a0At 5′ 10.5″ and 163 lbs. I am certain I do not fall into this category. \u00a0I am one of those who struggles with the geometry.<\/p>\n
So what about the numerous podium finishes in the US on 29ers and the fact that they are being adopted everywhere on the US circuit? \u00a0My theory is that a good rider can train to ride anything for the right contract. \u00a0I have no such monetary influence forcing me to struggle to reproduce my working style on clown wheels.<\/p>\n
Now the 650b…. hmmmmm. \u00a0Here we may be on to something. \u00a0As soon as a few more companies than Jamis have them readily available I will see if there is any real benefit to this middle ground. \u00a0They are steadily being adopted in Europe where, truth be told, the best, fastest riders in the world still compete.<\/p>\n
The full suspension 29er has got to be a joke right? \u00a0Very few are going to have the mad skills necessary to keep from killing themselves on the clown wheels on the downhill. \u00a0I just have to laugh at the manufacturers for this insult to the market. \u00a0Mark this old mans words kids: If you’re riding a full suspension 29er on rolling single track you are the joke.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I test rode a 29er on my usual single track a few days ago. \u00a0The trails are\u00a0described as ideal for a 29er: medium to fast rolling with an average number of roots and very few climbs (the verdict is in on climbing – 26 kills it). \u00a0So I got the “between the wheels” feel right … Continue reading Everyone is sold on the 29er. Not me.<\/span>