New mountain biker 26 vs 29

[nailgunn]

want to roll over stuff? 29"

want more than 4" of rear travel? 26"
/endthread

Oopps Party Foul
My RIP 9 4.5' Travel 120mm on my current Forks
Niner WFO 5.5 " Travel

[300hp]

no party foul. I know about those bikes, along with the Lenzsport offerings.

I simply feel that longer travel offerings work better with a 26" wheel.

They are less restricted by axle path and tire/seattube clearance issues.

I certainly see the merit in a 80mm-100mm FS 29er. However, if you want an aggressive trail bike, and are considering 5-6" offerings, I think a 26" bike is more suited.

[SteveF]

You're gettin into areas and fine points now where it would be helpful to know how tall the OP is...?

[300hp]

I was under the impression that rider height is no longer a factor in determining whether a 26 or 29" bike is appropriate, and that the benefits of a 29" wheel outweigh how disproportionate a short rider might feel on a size S 29" frame.

(FWIW, I think 650B makes sense)

[b_b]

The first time I rode a 29r was a beat up demo last summer at ILRA on a busy Saturday and had to pass many people, but my lap time was still a good 3 minutes faster. Now I know ILRA is a freeway and you may not see the same benefits on more twisty trails, but I didn't feel the big wheels would be detrimental either. I just picked up my first 29r for this next summer.

[gossamer]

I was still faster on my 26 FS bike over my 29er HT last year.
I am giving the 29er another chance this year, dropped some weight and put a set of light weight wheels on it, hoping to help it accelerate better.
So the jury is still out…

[b_b]

I was still faster on my 26 FS bike over my 29er HT last year.

Interesting. What bikes and trails?

[c0nsumer]

I was still faster on my 26 FS bike over my 29er HT last year.
I am giving the 29er another chance this year, dropped some weight and put a set of light weight wheels on it, hoping to help it accelerate better.
So the jury is still out…

Yep, you're sure slow on that 29er HT...

[gossamer]

I was still faster on my 26 FS bike over my 29er HT last year.

Interesting. What bikes and trails?

I tried Stony, same day, same route, I was almost a minute faster on the 26.

From an Epic to a Stumpjumper 29er... were the test bikes

[dirt]

This thread needs this:



..and it ain't for measuring wheels.

Lot's of opinions being stated as facts in this discussion.

[gossamer]

I was still faster on my 26 FS bike over my 29er HT last year.
I am giving the 29er another chance this year, dropped some weight and put a set of light weight wheels on it, hoping to help it accelerate better.
So the jury is still out…

Yep, you're sure slow on that 29er HT...

I can't wait to try it out with the new wheels

[dirt]

Yeah, you pretty much have to ride a few of each to decide for yourself which you prefer. Get thee to thine local bike shoppe!

BTW, the thread ended here.

[300hp]

I would be VERY curious to see a year to year comparison of a race that uses the same course. One before the 29er boom, one after.

I'm not saying they are not smoother, or more fun to ride on certain terrain. I'm more curious about all out speed.

[gossamer]

In my opinion...

I like the 26 Epic for trails, it accelerates fast and is very nimble, the roots and rocks do not slow me down, it turns fast and on demand, the bike is "twitchy" and much more fun in the tight stuff.

I like the 29er for dirt road rides, smooths out the annoying road chatter, easy to lay some power down without the rear suspension and of course it is great for pulling the baby trailer.

I THINK everyone should have one of EACH, depending on where the ride is taking you.

[Paul Brown]

Lot's of opinions being stated as facts in this discussion.

What's new?

But I will add if you have a custom 29er frame made without suspension correction (435 a/c) it will make it handle quicker. Word.