What's a 29'er?

[Steve H]

I was following some links on here the other day and I saw some videos about people talking about new bikes and they used the term 29'er. I think this was in relation to mountain bikes with 29" wheels. Is this correct? What are the pros / cons of mountain biking with these bigger wheels?

 

[dellzeqq]

if you want a really good answer to that, go on to the CTC forum and ask CJ (aka Chris Juden)

 

[marzjennings]

Some say it's the next big thing, some say 29ers are just a fad. Some say they're faster, others point out they're slower to accelerate. Some say they roll over the bumps and roots easier on the trail and others claim they're no good on twisty trails and are less maneuverable. The debat (arguement) has been going on for years. Some love 'em some hate 'em.

It's huge in the states where most folks think they're the next best thing, but not so big in europe as the pro riders aren't winning any races on them yet (there was a third last week I think).

I'm thinking of getting one this year just to see what all the fuss is all about. I want to see if 29ers really do roll over small bumps and roots smoother and also, because of the larger contact area, climb better. But I'm concerned that the bigger wheels will be weaker (I'm an abusive 16stone rider) and that the bike will be harder to 'hoof' (technical term) in tricky sections.

Folks have done side by side comparisons to see if the bigger wheels improve lap times on known sections of trail and the differences if any have been very small. The best advice I've heard so far is go test ride one and see if you like it.

 

[TheDoctor]

I'm going to be controversial here, and say a 29" is just a hybrid with fatter tyres.
Seriously, it's a mountain bike that uses 700c wheels like a road bike, but with fat tyres like an MTB, giving a rolling diameter of 29 inches.

 

[jimboalee]

ISO 622 rims. 700C x 50mm tyres with knoblies.

Watch the frame clearances.

You can blame a Brit for this. It was the natural progression from 27 x 1" clincher Cyclocross.

 

[RedBike]

I loved mine!

The larger wheels absorbed bumps better, rolled over rough terrain better and there was more grip!

29ers now seem to be very popular at the 12/24hr MTB races, but you still don't see them very often out on the trail.

 

[sparkyman]

I'm going to be controversial here, and say a 29" is just a hybrid with fatter tyres.
Seriously, it's a mountain bike that uses 700c wheels like a road bike, but with fat tyres like an MTB, giving a rolling diameter of 29 inches.

I have got 700 * 50mm tryes on my Surly LHT (touring bike) anf the ride is much improved since i fitted them may even go for a set of 60MM as there seems to be room for a bigger tyre still. (though surly specs only 47mm)


Sparkyman

 

[frank9755]

if you want a really good answer to that, go on to the CTC forum and ask CJ (aka Chris Juden)

Does he think they've got toe overlap?

 

[The Walrus]

After much deliberation and consideration I recently got a 29er for commuting.

Of course it depends on the kind of riding you'll be doing 'most' of the time but once I get some slick tyres mine will be everything I wanted!