MTB'ers - to 29 or stick to 26?
Discussion
I've been racking up 2-3k kms per year over the past 6 years on my Marin 26" MTB. I normally go out every week with some mates who have recently changed to 29'ers.
My bike is pretty knackered but owes me nothing so I can either spend money on some major component replacement or get a new bike.
Now to put everything in context, whilst reasonably fit, I do carry a little more baggage than my mates and as a result take up the tail gun charlie position. This is for two reasons - when the going is open byeway/fire trail on the climb I will always fall back. If it's single-track then due to pure lack of ability I'll deliberately go last!
What I've noticed recently is that when riding open trails I'm losing ground to a huge extent. This was brought home big time yesterday when over a 5km, 50m climb I lost sight of the others. I put this down to the curry and too many beers the night before but when I uploaded to Strava it turned out I'd posted a PR.
So now I'm thinking 29'er.
So what's your experience? I noticed on Evans that of the 300 MTB's on offer, 50% are 29er, 25% 27.5 and 25% 26. The industry is re-inventing itself (surprise, surprise) but for my generally non-technical riding is it the way to go? And if it is what bikes should I be looking at at the £1500 price point?
My bike is pretty knackered but owes me nothing so I can either spend money on some major component replacement or get a new bike.
Now to put everything in context, whilst reasonably fit, I do carry a little more baggage than my mates and as a result take up the tail gun charlie position. This is for two reasons - when the going is open byeway/fire trail on the climb I will always fall back. If it's single-track then due to pure lack of ability I'll deliberately go last!
What I've noticed recently is that when riding open trails I'm losing ground to a huge extent. This was brought home big time yesterday when over a 5km, 50m climb I lost sight of the others. I put this down to the curry and too many beers the night before but when I uploaded to Strava it turned out I'd posted a PR.
So now I'm thinking 29'er.
So what's your experience? I noticed on Evans that of the 300 MTB's on offer, 50% are 29er, 25% 27.5 and 25% 26. The industry is re-inventing itself (surprise, surprise) but for my generally non-technical riding is it the way to go? And if it is what bikes should I be looking at at the £1500 price point?
I'd say that a modern 29er is undoubtedly "faster" for XC duties than an older 26 wheeled bike. Now that the designers have got a handle on geometry (packing in those big wheels) and if you buy one with reasonable components to keep the mass down, then the only reason NOT to go for a 29er for XC duties is because you are a bit short. But for anyone of normal height, they are definitely faster for less effort!
(we are not talking like 25% faster or anything silly, but in my experience, with the right tyres/build and suspension set up, i recon a decent 29er is around 3 to 5% faster for the same effort expended)
A riding buddy of mine has got a Specalized Camber Comp carbon, which he managed to get for a shade over £2k with discounts, and for that money it's an amazing all rounder for UK riding.
(we are not talking like 25% faster or anything silly, but in my experience, with the right tyres/build and suspension set up, i recon a decent 29er is around 3 to 5% faster for the same effort expended)
A riding buddy of mine has got a Specalized Camber Comp carbon, which he managed to get for a shade over £2k with discounts, and for that money it's an amazing all rounder for UK riding.
Could never get on with 29ers - just don't turn quick enough for my liking but I guess that's the gyroscopic effect of quite sizeable wheels.
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.
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.
Max_Torque said:
I'd say that a modern 29er is undoubtedly "faster" for XC duties than an older 26 wheeled bike. Now that the designers have got a handle on geometry (packing in those big wheels) and if you buy one with reasonable components to keep the mass down, then the only reason NOT to go for a 29er for XC duties is because you are a bit short. But for anyone of normal height, they are definitely faster for less effort!
(we are not talking like 25% faster or anything silly, but in my experience, with the right tyres/build and suspension set up, i recon a decent 29er is around 3 to 5% faster for the same effort expended)
A riding buddy of mine has got a Specalized Camber Comp carbon, which he managed to get for a shade over £2k with discounts, and for that money it's an amazing all rounder for UK riding.
It's got more to do with fitness (bodily fitness) and gearing than anything else.(we are not talking like 25% faster or anything silly, but in my experience, with the right tyres/build and suspension set up, i recon a decent 29er is around 3 to 5% faster for the same effort expended)
A riding buddy of mine has got a Specalized Camber Comp carbon, which he managed to get for a shade over £2k with discounts, and for that money it's an amazing all rounder for UK riding.
RobDickinson said:
I do seem to zip along quicker on my 29er but prefer a 26 for most riding, may get a 27.5 one day , supposed to be the best of both worlds
How can it be best of both? It's going to be some of both, and maybe a better compromise for the riding you do. It can't roll as well as a 29er if bigger wheels make you roll over stuff better, and likewise it won't turn as well as a 26er if small wheels turn better. Oh, and 650B is actually 27.1" - but 27" wheels wouldn't have been quite so 'in the middle' would they.Whether or not you can feel any of the above is another question - particularly the turning question.
For balance I have a 26" FS trail bike and a 29" rigid XC bike for local stuff. I bought the 26er last year just before 650B exploded. If I had bought 3 months later I would probably have gone 650B to ensure compatibility for new products as they arrive (I've already seen quite a few 29/650B forks and rims launched).
I think my next MTB is likely to have 650b/27.5" wheels.
My current 26" GT Avalanche is long in the tooth now, and very much a 'basement' level beginner's bike. I've just spent a fair whack (as in probably more than it's actually now worth) renewing the drive train. So it'll probably last me another 3,500 miles, but if I get the funds together, and a bargain presents itself, I intend to replace it with something a bit more 'blingy'.
I'm too short for a 29"er. This much I know after trying several for size in bike shops. Going for smaller frames would still have me too short in the leg to be safe off-road, and the 'cockpit' would be too short. I already have the GT 26"er, so no point in getting another really, so I'm going to have to search out a suitable frame with 650b wheels, one upon which I can put my feet down without resting my knackers on the top tube.
As an aside, the owner of one LBS said just the other day the he "can see 26 inch wheels making a comeback within a couple of years. It wasn't broke, and didn't need fixing" in his opinion. I'm not sure about the new wheel standards. Will 26" die out completely on new bikes? Will 27.5" and 29" share the market and survive together, or will one win out and consign the other to the dustbin of history? I keep waiting for some Heavenly Host to descend from Heaven and announce, with much fanfare, which of the wheel sizes is the one to buy, but I guess that if you are buying a new bike now, you just have to buy the bike that best suits your own needs, and take the (relatively) small risk that you'll be the one left with the 'dead' technology, the MTB equivalent of the Betamax video player.
My current 26" GT Avalanche is long in the tooth now, and very much a 'basement' level beginner's bike. I've just spent a fair whack (as in probably more than it's actually now worth) renewing the drive train. So it'll probably last me another 3,500 miles, but if I get the funds together, and a bargain presents itself, I intend to replace it with something a bit more 'blingy'.
I'm too short for a 29"er. This much I know after trying several for size in bike shops. Going for smaller frames would still have me too short in the leg to be safe off-road, and the 'cockpit' would be too short. I already have the GT 26"er, so no point in getting another really, so I'm going to have to search out a suitable frame with 650b wheels, one upon which I can put my feet down without resting my knackers on the top tube.
As an aside, the owner of one LBS said just the other day the he "can see 26 inch wheels making a comeback within a couple of years. It wasn't broke, and didn't need fixing" in his opinion. I'm not sure about the new wheel standards. Will 26" die out completely on new bikes? Will 27.5" and 29" share the market and survive together, or will one win out and consign the other to the dustbin of history? I keep waiting for some Heavenly Host to descend from Heaven and announce, with much fanfare, which of the wheel sizes is the one to buy, but I guess that if you are buying a new bike now, you just have to buy the bike that best suits your own needs, and take the (relatively) small risk that you'll be the one left with the 'dead' technology, the MTB equivalent of the Betamax video player.
29 rolls faster, no question. On flat or uphill fireroad trails is where it seems to have the most advantage, but the benefit of the greater rolling radius shows up in other places.
To be clear about where I am coming from, I have three bikes; 29er hardtail (Curtis), 26 AM bike (Nicolai) and 26 DH bike (Intense).
I switched from a 26 hardtail early last year, initially to a cheapish one to try it out and got on very well with it, especially in the winter muck. If I were swapping the DH rig, which I most certainly am not, I'd consider 27.5, but am not too worried with it, whereas I am now seriously wondering about the AM bike - even though it is fantastic, I have a hunch I'd go better on a 29 full-susser.
Only on very, very slow, tight, techy trails does the 29 ever feel 'big' and for the rest of the time, once you attune to the slight difference in cornering technique, it is a very sharp tool indeed, confidence inspiring and capable.
To be clear about where I am coming from, I have three bikes; 29er hardtail (Curtis), 26 AM bike (Nicolai) and 26 DH bike (Intense).
I switched from a 26 hardtail early last year, initially to a cheapish one to try it out and got on very well with it, especially in the winter muck. If I were swapping the DH rig, which I most certainly am not, I'd consider 27.5, but am not too worried with it, whereas I am now seriously wondering about the AM bike - even though it is fantastic, I have a hunch I'd go better on a 29 full-susser.
Only on very, very slow, tight, techy trails does the 29 ever feel 'big' and for the rest of the time, once you attune to the slight difference in cornering technique, it is a very sharp tool indeed, confidence inspiring and capable.
Spuffington said:
Could never get on with 29ers - just don't turn quick enough for my liking but I guess that's the gyroscopic effect of quite sizeable wheels.
It isn't because they rotate slower at any given speed.There's no reason for a 29er to be any less competent than a traditional 26 wheeled bike other than sub-optimal geometry or weight (materials).
Westy Carl said:
If you're do it just for enjoyment like me then it come down to personal preferance / riding style and location.
^This.And no one can really tell you what suits the particular, unique set of parameters for any individual rider; height, weight, riding ability, fitness, type of trails, etc. etc. are all very individual things. Test rides are well worth the time and effort.
It really comes down to how you perceive the look and feel of the bike and how much enjoyment you get from it.
The replies seem to generally agree with my observations. I'm not particularly keen on overly technical riding and it sounds like a 29er would suit my riding so I guess I better get out there and try one!
I've got some cash burning a hole in my pocket, I've done the man maths and I've softened up the boss with a promise of a new sofa (although it'll still cost me dear
)
I don't think my budget wil stretch to composite to carbon/composite so suggestions welcome!
I've got some cash burning a hole in my pocket, I've done the man maths and I've softened up the boss with a promise of a new sofa (although it'll still cost me dear
)I don't think my budget wil stretch to composite to carbon/composite so suggestions welcome!
Still love getting my Canondale Flash 29 out, even though I've had it over a year I'm still impressed with the handling and how great the Lefty is. I've not noticed much of a difference in steering, it feels just as capable as my FS Specialized on trails. Sis in Law bought a Scott 29er a few months ago and hasn't stopped raving about it! And the crap about being too small, I'm 5'7" 30" inside leg and fit the Flash no problem.
I ride a specialized camber comp and highly recommend any of the specialized stuff, you can't go wrong with it really.
Personally for trail riding I prefer a 26er, but if you're unsure, 27.5 is probably the best place to be!
Evans cycles do some good deals, especially on "soiled" bikes that have been demo'd.
Personally for trail riding I prefer a 26er, but if you're unsure, 27.5 is probably the best place to be!
Evans cycles do some good deals, especially on "soiled" bikes that have been demo'd.
I recently bought a 29er full sus XC bike to replace a 26in full sus XC bike and for the most part I prefer it...however on some of the tighter more technical sections I just don't seem to be able to get the same flow going on the 29. Narrow trail as well I found I'm not as good at placing the bike - maybe my crap riding style, I don't know. Overall I do prefer the 29, but on some trails I do miss the 26. Find somewhere you can try one out I say as it is very much personal preference.
PaulD86 said:
I recently bought a 29er full sus XC bike to replace a 26in full sus XC bike and for the most part I prefer it...however on some of the tighter more technical sections I just don't seem to be able to get the same flow going on the 29. Narrow trail as well I found I'm not as good at placing the bike - maybe my crap riding style, I don't know. Overall I do prefer the 29, but on some trails I do miss the 26. Find somewhere you can try one out I say as it is very much personal preference.
Two things come to mind.First, as I've said, 26/29 transition takes a little acclimatisation. This is both initially and then also (if you swap to other wheel sizes) each ride. In time, it starts to make sense, but there is a definite change in 'timing' of cornering.
Second, there are many other aspects on the bike that can influence how sharp it feels. Suspension set up and also controls; especially stem length (shorter is faster reacting) and bar rotation (rolling bars to optimise alignment with front axle). All of these might be different and providing an altered feedback.
With these feet said:
Still love getting my Canondale Flash 29 out, even though I've had it over a year I'm still impressed with the handling and how great the Lefty is. I've not noticed much of a difference in steering, it feels just as capable as my FS Specialized on trails. Sis in Law bought a Scott 29er a few months ago and hasn't stopped raving about it! And the crap about being too small, I'm 5'7" 30" inside leg and fit the Flash no problem.
One of the guys I ride with has a Lefty 29er' He's a bit of a Cannondale fan so I kind of dismissed it but I reckon I'll try and convince him to let me have a ride.caiss4 said:
One of the guys I ride with has a Lefty 29er' He's a bit of a Cannondale fan so I kind of dismissed it but I reckon I'll try and convince him to let me have a ride.
Be careful, you'll spend the first 10 minutes glancing at the space where your brain says there should be a fork leg... then the evening searching for a Lefty on-line...Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff