Whats the advantage of the 29" mtb wheels?

[wa-loaf]

I used to know a lot about mtn bikes and even worked in a shop, but that was all 10 years ago. And the last 5 years I kinda drifted away from the sport and am now getting back into it. I see a lot of mtbs with 29 inch wheels for sale, but haven't seen a good explanation of the purpose.

[madman]

They roll over things better having a larger diameter. I rode a frends and it is nice but I am kind of leary about buying one until i can be sure they are here to stay.I have noticed a lot of companys are making them . Also I dont believe they are an actual 29" wheel I will have to check

[MR. evil]

They are supposed to roll over obsticals better due to the larger size and they also create new goemetry possibilities for taller riders. I tried them lat summer when shopping for a new bike and didn't like them. I felt they were sluggish and didn't handle as well due to the larger tires size. The other problem I had was that if I actually turned the front wheel a good amount my foward foot would rub against the tire while peddling. Front shock slection is fairly limited at this time and even the strongest 29" wheel is still weaker than some of the weakest 26" wheels. If I rode stricly cross country I might have given them a try. But I am not sure how those wheels would hold up aggresive riding on the more technical terrain we have around here. I have trouble keeping my 26" wheels true riding some of the nasty rocks gardens I ride.


There is a new movment out there for 27.5" wheels, halfway between 26" and 29". Apparently the 27.5" wheels will work with most frames & forks that were designed for 26" wheels, and they are not as weak and the 29" wheels.


waiting for the pro 29er responce

[wa-loaf]

Originally Posted by MR. evil

They are supposed to roll over obsticals better due to the larger size and they also create new goemetry possibilities for taller riders. I tried them lat summer when shopping for a new bike and didn't like them. I felt they were sluggish and didn't handle as well due to the larger tires size. The other problem I had was that if I actually turned the front wheel a good amount my foward foot would rub against the tire while peddling. Front shock slection is fairly limited at this time and even the strongest 29" wheel is still weaker than some of the weakest 26" wheels. If I rode stricly cross country I might have given them a try. But I am not sure how those wheels would hold up aggresive riding on the more technical terrain we have around here. I have trouble keeping my 26" wheels true riding some of the nasty rocks gardens I ride.


There is a new movment out there for 27.5" wheels, halfway between 26" and 29". Apparently the 27.5" wheels will work with most frames & forks that were designed for 26" wheels, and they are not as weak and the 29" wheels.


waiting for the pro 29er responce

Thanks, thats good info. I'm not rushing out to buy anything and prob won't do anything until next year at the earliest. I have been looking around a bit though and the 29ers were popping up a lot.

[cbcbd]

I think the reasons I've heard why 29rs are better than 26rs are like the reasons I've heard why Telemark is better than Alpine... seems like 29rs are forming a cult-like following but not necessarily for practical reasons.

I think Mr Evil has it right on... basically depends on what kinda stuff you're riding, but for technical rocky stuff that is usually what I have seen in CT riding it's probably not the best tool. Yeah, and I'll second that I really don't want to have to true my wheels more than what I have to do for my 26rs - and my 26rs still can't be trued perfectly right now from the abuse - I really don't want to have to spend more time fixing wheels.

[MR. evil]

Originally Posted by cbcbd

I think the reasons I've heard why 29rs are better than 26rs are like the reasons I've heard why Telemark is better than Alpine... seems like 29rs are forming a cult-like following but not necessarily for practical reasons..

Alot of the people that I have met in person or online that ride 29ers are down right fanatical about the bikes!

I am not sure what kind of riding you do, but these days you can't go wrong with a nice 5" trail bike (5" suspension front and rear). Also refered to as an 'All Mountain" bike. These are the newest category of bikes and are kind of the do all bike. Good at everything, but master of none. They will have a more upright (aka comfirtable) riding position over a cross country bike, and are built to take more abuse.

[I [Hart] Skiing]

I want to make my bike a 6'9''er 26 rear wheel, 29 front.

[MR. evil]

Originally Posted by I [Hart] Skiing

I want to make my bike a 6'9''er 26 rear wheel, 29 front.

I though a 29" front and 26" rear was called a 96er

[davidhowland14]

Trek sells a 69'er. It's a pretty nice bike, but not very popular.

[wa-loaf]

Originally Posted by I [Hart] Skiing

I want to make my bike a 6'9''er 26 rear wheel, 29 front.

That would probably really suck for climbing.