MTB'ers - to 29 or stick to 26?
Discussion
Herman Toothrot said:
Both hard tails, Vitus is more XC based I guess shorter travel fork - I felt it was the wheel size making the differences though.
Okay. That could be a factor too. Usually tho, when terrain gets easier the bigger wheeler is more faster. Smaller wheel size is more competitive when things goes difficult. I do enduro/all mountain thing, and there is a obvious lack of big wheel bikes. There is some, but most bikes are 26" or 27,5".LasseV said:
Usually tho, when terrain gets easier the bigger wheeler is more faster. Smaller wheel size is more competitive when things goes difficult. I do enduro/all mountain thing, and there is a obvious lack of big wheel bikes. There is some, but most bikes are 26" or 27,5".
That's what I found, faster on bigger wheels everywhere except on tight, twisty, rooty, single track where the 26 was better.
Just to bump this I finally got to ride a 29er today - a Specialized over a 40km run I've done several times before and is typical of the riding I regularly do (mixed trail and single-track but erring on trail).
The set up probably wasn't ideal for me (stem too short and I should have put my regular saddle on) and my first thoughts were not as agile as the 26 but I grew in to it. On the single-track I never encountered any issues and in general I just found that it carried momentum far better than my 26. Also found it less susceptible to being thrown by ruts/roots etc plus there was no question that over rough surfaces it just rolled better.
Posted the run on Strava and scored 4 PR's. Looks like a slam-dunk now; although curious to try a 27.5!
The set up probably wasn't ideal for me (stem too short and I should have put my regular saddle on) and my first thoughts were not as agile as the 26 but I grew in to it. On the single-track I never encountered any issues and in general I just found that it carried momentum far better than my 26. Also found it less susceptible to being thrown by ruts/roots etc plus there was no question that over rough surfaces it just rolled better.
Posted the run on Strava and scored 4 PR's. Looks like a slam-dunk now; although curious to try a 27.5!
Well I've ridden either my 26" or 650b everyday since last posting - I'm purposely alternating between the two. 650b I prefer overall for the type of local riding I do, however a fast technical DH Strava segment I just got a KOM I was on the 26" and trying to get a KOM on another sweeping high speed DH section with sudden sharp tricky trail features I thought overall I'd be faster on the 650b I just crashed it snapping an XT shifter off :-( it isn't as easy to control as the 26" when things get complicated / difficult technical.
Spuffington said:
My 650b (SantaCruz 5010c), however is a different kettle of fish. Retains all the flickable characteristics of the 26" and marries them up with the good rolling ability of a 29er.
Are you pleased with the 5010? I'm thinking about one to replace my current Yeti ASR...29, pah! What you need is a 36er!!!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5ZOmYbeW-EM/TJoObtt1e4I/...
http://fcdn.mtbr.com/attachments/27-5-650b/577562d...
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5ZOmYbeW-EM/TJoObtt1e4I/...
http://fcdn.mtbr.com/attachments/27-5-650b/577562d...
having had my 26"er nicked, I bought a bike with 27.5's
it definitely rolls better over rough ground;
though to be fair, there are quite a few changes to the overall geometry of the bike from my previous ride, they could also be contributing.
Didn't try a 29 - so can't comment on that size.
it definitely rolls better over rough ground;
though to be fair, there are quite a few changes to the overall geometry of the bike from my previous ride, they could also be contributing.
Didn't try a 29 - so can't comment on that size.
I've only recently had a proper go on a 29 FS - a Turner fitted with Fox Floats and RP23. It was along a route I know well, tight twisty downhill, with lots of roots and rocks. It just sort of floated over the lot like a magic carpet, though wasn't anywhere as nimble. It might have been as quick as my 26 FS, but it lacked drama and any sort of getting into the track. Lovely for a 100km race with lots of firetrail, though the Yeti 5 I usually ride isn't exactly lacking either.
Reminded me a lot of the discussion around cars - getting bigger, more powerful and easier to go faster. Where's the thrill?
I have noticed how I find it harder to keep up with a group on 29-ers on flattish firetrail - can only presume the larger diameter is smoothing the trail. Or maybe I'm not as good as I was/think I am...
Anyway, not convinced about the death of the 26-er yet.
Reminded me a lot of the discussion around cars - getting bigger, more powerful and easier to go faster. Where's the thrill?
I have noticed how I find it harder to keep up with a group on 29-ers on flattish firetrail - can only presume the larger diameter is smoothing the trail. Or maybe I'm not as good as I was/think I am...
Anyway, not convinced about the death of the 26-er yet.
PomBstard said:
I have noticed how I find it harder to keep up with a group on 29-ers on flattish firetrail - can only presume the larger diameter is smoothing the trail. Or maybe I'm not as good as I was/think I am...
I experienced similar a few years back - hence my 29er HT purchase- and I can reassure you that it really is faster on 29" wheels and you're not flagging!Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff