kamkam
Member
So anyway, with heavy snow now starting to become more regular in the UK I have noticed that a lot of guys are appearing for training and club rides on mountain bikes.
Although nobody around my way has a 29er yet I have been looking at the market and there are a good number on offer.
What do you all suggest and why? Why is a 29er better than the standard or vice versa? Any ideas would be most appreciated.
cheers
Kamkam
egordon
Member
29ers
1. Hold Momentum better.
2. Climb Better
3. Roll over onjects better.
4. Gyroscopic effect lets you lean over futher.
5. Negotiate technical trail better.
The only thing lacking is initial accelleration, but you have to work harder to maintain speed on a 26.
Mooto-X-YBB pull the trigger!
gearguywb
Member
yep, 29er is the way to go, especially if you are going to use it on training rides where portions of road, gravel road, etc. exist. There is a lot of info around on the pros/cons on various sites.
I have been on a MootoX for over 4 years now. Thought about picking up a great deal on a full squish 26er. Went on vacation to AZ and rented a similar bike to what I was thinking about buying. Long story short....I can't go back! Too many positives in those big wheels!
Having recently purchased a 29'er and riding it exclusively for a few months (before getting ready for the 24 Hours of Moab) and now switching back and forth between it and my freshly rebuilt Cinco, I feel like I can give an educated opinion on this subject. I just made a similar comparison over on the Dirt Rag forum and a guy flipped out that I haven't whole heartedly swallowed the 29'er Kool-Aid. It isn't that I don't like a 29'er, it is just that I wouldn't use it personally in all applications. Let me explain...
I used my 29'er in Moab for the 24 HoM as I stated. It was a PERFECT bike for sand and the wide open course there. I think a 29'er shines in those open, non-technical (in a twisty, turny sense, not a rocky sense) type of rides/trails. Conversely, I think a 26" bike is easier to handle in tight, twisty singletrack. Here is a comparison.
I compared the two bikes in similar circumstances on my local singletrack. I have a loop that I do in the mornings before work (or at least when there isn't snow on the ground). Basically, it is a switchback climb to the summit then a long, swoopy, twisty descent back around the mountain. Nothing too rocky or technical. The 29'er climbed a bit faster but the 26" descended faster. I am able to "throw" the 26" into corners better than the 29. As Egordon said, the 29'er does have a gyroscopic effect, which to me makes switching the direction of the bike rapidly more difficult.
I guess the bottom line is try before you buy. Go to your LBS and see if you can rent one or take it out on some singletrack that you're familiar with. See if you like it. I like mine a lot, but as I said, it wouldn't be the only bike for me. But that is cool, cause you know the old saying "How many bikes do I need? Just one more...."
gearguywb
Member
I agree with teamfubar. In the tight twisty stuff there are far more quick acclerations, a place the 26" bike shines. The 29er, to really show it's stuff, needs terrain where it can carry speed, where you set up in advance for the twisty's, and carry speed over the terrain.
Really depends on your riding enivornment, and how you prefer to ride.
Cyclerant
Member
Thank god someone said it. I love my Mooto X but frankly the trails right behind my house have some sections where I think the 26 excels. I think having a stable of 26 and 29s are the way to go. Bikes are like skis have to have the right tool for the job.
I have a Mooto X and a YBB so the exact same bike in 26 and 29 if you will and must say I would not part with either. They both have their moments and applications. If I had to eat one meal for the rest of my life I would have to go with my YBB 26 right now but I am still getting used to the 29er and can see that as my primary weapon at some point. Guess my conclusion is as long as it is a Moots you really cannot go wrong.
Quote:
"So anyway, with heavy snow now starting to become more regular in the UK I have noticed that a lot of guys are appearing for training and club rides on mountain bikes. "
If you are planning to use the MTB in lieu of a road bike for training on the roads, go 29'er. It can be set up as a monster cross bike, utilize road gearing, and keep you with the pack a little easier.
If you are planning to hit the trails, the decision comes down to how you like to ride. All my friends are die hard 29'er fans (most on MootoX's) but I still love my 26" Rigormootis. Even at a trail Sunday where everyone swears a 29'er is the best tool for the job, I enjoyed my 26'er without regret. Pros and cons aside, it will come down to what you feel most comfortable riding and which makes you smile the most. Can't really go wrong either way.
kamkam
Member
Thanks to you all.
The set up is going to be mainly for the Snow times so mainly road and club riding, I would probably occasionally throw in the technical trail stuff but as I say only occasionally
I have seen the benefit of fat tyres in icy snowy conditions. I am a die hard winter fixed rider, are fixed mountain bike hubs available? I am sure they are as I have seen single speed hubs. Google is being a bit sparse on this matter though.
cheers
Kamkam
Find fixed mountain hubs here: http://surlybikes.com/parts/hubs/
or here: http://www.philwood.com/products/hubspgs/KISSmtbhubs.php
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