Does size matter

[The Walrus]

I'm new around here so be gentle with me, please.

I've been an on and off cyclist for years but never hardcore or serious. Just love the feel of riding off and having fun. Probably reminds me of childhood!

Anyway, I have a 5 year old MTB that was a basic model at the time but it's been fine. I'm considering a new bike and wondering what style to go for. I commute just 10k round trip about 10 days out of 20 and like to hit the local bike paths at weekends when time allows. My off road stuff is basically dirt paths and jumping kerns etc, so nothing major.

A hybrid seems the obvious choice as I don't go for road bikes at all and like to have the option of taking a trail if the mood desires. But while looking I've come across 29r's that have been suggested as a good option for my needs. So it made me wonder how important bigger wheels are? Obviously a MTB has 26 inch and I believe a hybrid has 30 inch and then there's the 29r. So I guess it's 2 questions. What kind if bike should I consider and does wheel size make commuting/road riding quicker, easier or both?

 

[asterix]

I have 26" and 700c and also a Brompton.

It seems to me that the difference between 26" and 700c is marginal. The more important issue is tyre type as MTB style with knobbly treads are definitely slower and IMO less pleasant in almost all situations except mud i.e. surfaces that slicker tyres might not grip on.

The cycle paths w/o tarmac that I use don't require MTB tyres.

WRT speed, if you are not a racing cyclist, then the choice between 26" and 700c is down to tyre availability and perhaps comfort, as fatter tyres are more comfortable than very narrow ones.

The most important issue determining how quick and easy you find riding is not wheel size, it is how ell the bike fits you. The 3 points of contact : saddle bars and pedals, the distance between them and their related positions.

 

[The Walrus]

Thanks for the input. So of I was to go for a 29'r I would be neither losing or gaining anything? Assuming that the bike fits properly and if it fits better than my current MTB should prove to be better anyway!

What are Antibes thoughts on a 29'r as a good all rounder for commuting and weekend pursuits that are not too hardcore?

 

[The Walrus]

That was meant to say 'what are the general thoughts on a 29er as a commuter/allrounder ?? Cheers

 

[The Walrus]

Anyone got any 29er thoughts?

 

[marzjennings]

I've just picked up my first 29er a couple of weeks ago and so far I'm pretty impressed. I ride and race mostly off road so I'm comparing the differences with my 26er's. Things I noticed so far, momentum does seem be preserved a bit longer, the bigger wheels do roll over small bumps easier and climbing tricky trails does seems to be a bit easier. The only downside so far does mean I have to work a bit harder in the corners getting those big wheels down.

I'd have thought a 29er would make a great commuter, the 29 wheels are the same size as 700c and so depending on rim width there's a whole bunch of road tyres you could use. Or you could fit some 29er semi slicks for both on and offroad riding.

 

[The Walrus]

Thanks for that. Sounds like the 29er is agreeing with you!

I'm basically undecided between a Giant XTC 29er and a Giant Seek. Obviously both different bikes for different things but I'm aiming to get as close to a wine bike fits all situation ad I can, which I know is never going to truly happen. Just a bike that suits all my needs as I'm not into multiple bike ownership (I'll keep my exsisting old MTB) and want something can cope with most of my jaunts, which is nothing hardcore in anyway. Some commuting, some low key off roading, the odd charity long haul fun ride and weekend fun!

 

[Davidc]

Smaller wheels are supposed to be stronger.

I've never noticed any difference though.

 

[Ghost Donkey]

Cyclocross bikes might be on sale this time of year. Just a thought.

 

[The Walrus]

Decided that a 29er is what I want. Test rode 2 today and felt great although inconclusive in terms of a decision. Will be tring out more in the coming days and weeks. Any brand suggestions?