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29er
Aug 29, 2011 13:53:50 GMT -5
Post by seenvic on Aug 29, 2011 13:53:50 GMT -5
Is for real.
It's all you've heard about and better.
If your next mountain bike isn't a 29er, you are buying the wrong bike.
I knew something was up when about 3-4 years ago ALL the SS 26ers were gone from the big races in the SE. And every little racer girl you see is on a big wheel bike. Tiny little girls with big wheels.
I didn't buy into it, at all. Then on a whim, I spent $330 on a steel SS 29er frame. Figured if I didn't like it, I'd sell it.
I am now 22 rides and almost 500 miles into this bike. I've ridden FATS, Wine, Modoc, Turkey, Keg, Mistletoe and Plum Branch with this bike.
IT ABSOLUTELY RULES.
It is a FATS slayer for sure. But the older, rougher trails is where it really shines. First time I took it to Keg, I "got" what they talk about in terms of it rolls over the bumps better.
First time I approached the "big rock" at Modoc on it....I just pointed it at it and pedaled right up it. I had never ridden up that rock since it has become challenging (say in the last 10 years).
There is a certain creek crossing at Keg I've never ridden on a 26er, and I've ridden it EVERY time on the 29er. It is confindence inspiring.
And once you get those big wheels rolling, they keep rolling.
I got on Tom Z's 29er F/S for a minute yesterday on the roughest trail we have. It was almost like cheating.
Big or small, it doesn't matter. 29er is the way to go.
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29er
Aug 29, 2011 15:06:51 GMT -5
Post by kconner on Aug 29, 2011 15:06:51 GMT -5
my next bike is definitely going to be a 29er. question is, should i spend a few extra bucks and go with a full suspension ride or stick with a hardtail?
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29er
Aug 29, 2011 15:08:43 GMT -5
Post by dgaddis1 on Aug 29, 2011 15:08:43 GMT -5
my next bike is definitely going to be a 29er. question is, should i spend a few extra bucks and go with a full suspension ride or stick with a hardtail?That is an excellent question.
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29er
Aug 29, 2011 15:38:41 GMT -5
Post by seenvic on Aug 29, 2011 15:38:41 GMT -5
I'd ride both on trails then decide.
Locally, I'd say a hardtail 29er is all you need. If all one rides is FATS (or say almost most of the time), it is a no brainer...hardtail. If you go to the mtns alot....you may want a F/S.
You may save some money on a hardtail, and put that money into lighter wheels for it.
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29er
Aug 29, 2011 16:14:05 GMT -5
Post by kconner on Aug 29, 2011 16:14:05 GMT -5
seeing as how it'll be a while before I can afford a new bike, I'll probably end up going full suspension. I won't be riding in the mountains a whole lot, but at least when I do go, I'll have that rear suspension if I want it I have heard that f/s on a 29er may be a waste of money, in that the bigger wheels smooth out the ride to the point that f/s is not needed. any thoughts?
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29er
Aug 29, 2011 16:42:40 GMT -5
Post by dgaddis1 on Aug 29, 2011 16:42:40 GMT -5
I have heard that f/s on a 29er may be a waste of money, in that the bigger wheels smooth out the ride to the point that f/s is not needed. any thoughts? That's all subjective. Some people ride without any suspension at all and like it just fine, others want 5" or 6" of travel front and rear. It's all personal preference. A lot of people do ride a 29er hardtail and then wonder if they really need/want FS. For a given amount of money, the hardtail will be lighter with a better component spec. There's less maintenance down the road too. But, FS will really smooth out the bumps and let you ride rougher terrain more easily and with less fatigue. Is the FS worth the extra complexity/weight ...that's for everyone to decide for themselves.
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29er
Aug 29, 2011 16:57:40 GMT -5
Post by kconner on Aug 29, 2011 16:57:40 GMT -5
That's all subjective. Some people ride without any suspension at all and like it just fine, others want 5" or 6" of travel front and rear. It's all personal preference. A lot of people do ride a 29er hardtail and then wonder if they really need/want FS. For a given amount of money, the hardtail will be lighter with a better component spec. There's less maintenance down the road too. But, FS will really smooth out the bumps and let you ride rougher terrain more easily and with less fatigue. Is the FS worth the extra complexity/weight ...that's for everyone to decide for themselves. Pretty much my thoughts. i'll be testing bikes whenever i get the money for it.
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29er
Aug 29, 2011 20:28:09 GMT -5
Post by Mark Y on Aug 29, 2011 20:28:09 GMT -5
I know the main purpose of the suspension is not to make my hiney more comfortable while in the saddle, but I do appreciate the extra comfort FS affords me on rooty trails like Keg. I'm a casual rider, so stay in the saddle more than on my pedals. For the more assertive/aggressive/faster riders, that feature isn't that big of a deal; they use the suspension for how it was intended, and most of the trails around here don't require it.
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29er
Aug 29, 2011 21:48:24 GMT -5
Post by clydesdale on Aug 29, 2011 21:48:24 GMT -5
Because of my height a 29er has always had some attraction. But weighing 280+ made me fear the larger wheels because they won't be as strong. That all changed when I had a discussion with Ryan at IMBA. He is bigger, younger and rides harder. So I'm willing to give it a chance. I was concerned about all of the little things I had read. I had to buy and build without ever trying one. Much to my joy, the bad things were not there. Accelerates and climbs as good or better than my 26er. No problem on switch backs even though it is a long bike. I see the biggest advantage on rough ground like multiple roots. I had to go heavy duty which pushed me to a full suspension. As Dustin says $ for $ a hardtail will give you a better spec bike. But, a well set-up full suspension has plenty of advantages in traction and braking. All and all, I have enjoyed my Intense Tracer 29.
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 2:59:11 GMT -5
Post by SteveS on Aug 30, 2011 2:59:11 GMT -5
Question for those of you with experience on full suspension and hard tails. Looking to purchase my first bike real soon. I know it will be a 29er. Will I miss out on some learnings if I start out with a full suspension bike? I am currently riding a friends hard tail and it is definitely making me learn to find ways of handling roots, rocks, etc. I'm afraid if I start out on a full suspension there are some skills I may never develop. Any opinions?
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 6:03:37 GMT -5
Post by dgaddis1 on Aug 30, 2011 6:03:37 GMT -5
I'm not all that sure that the "hardtails make you a better rider" theory is correct. I think riding a hardtail a lot makes you a better hardtail rider. But you ride a hardtail and a FS a little differently.
Don't worry about missing out on skills, just get what you want.
And don't forget, Specialized is bringing their demo fleet to Bike Fest Nov 5th - that'll be a great chance to try hardtail and FS bikes on the trails and see which you prefer.
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 7:02:37 GMT -5
Post by rsmith on Aug 30, 2011 7:02:37 GMT -5
Considering additional steed to my BLT stable. Not a design or engineering expert, by any means, but several of the 29 designs, especially FS models, seem to be just "bumped out" 26 frame specs. Guessed many mfgs. were just pushing quick to market offerings, to grab share, vs. designing new frame to better suit 29 dynamics. Would seem 29 frame specs, especially in FS, would be unique and different than most exisiting 26 frame specs. Thoughts ?
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 7:03:16 GMT -5
Post by bikerpanda on Aug 30, 2011 7:03:16 GMT -5
LOVE my 29er. Its a HT Specialized. Like everyone has said, once you get those wheels moving, they keep moving. I dont agree that a 29er feels like a FS at all, its just unfair to compare IMO. It does seem to smooth out the bumps better than my 26" but it doesnt absorb it like a FS would. I want a FS, but I've always preferred a HT so Im biased to them.
I will say I struggled getting my 29er around Turkey and Wine the first time I went out there, took a little bit of time to 'flick' the rear like I could on my Haro when hitting some of the tighter switchbacks. I just forget how big the wheels are when coming in hot, it didnt take long to compensate though.
Like seenvic said, its coinfedence inspiring. I ride the great wall drop off every time now bc its not as hard. Havent tried that Modoc rock yet, it still scars the poop out of me.
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 7:14:50 GMT -5
Post by nitro on Aug 30, 2011 7:14:50 GMT -5
Question for those of you with experience on full suspension and hard tails. Looking to purchase my first bike real soon. I know it will be a 29er. Will I miss out on some learnings if I start out with a full suspension bike? I am currently riding a friends hard tail and it is definitely making me learn to find ways of handling roots, rocks, etc. I'm afraid if I start out on a full suspension there are some skills I may never develop. Any opinions? The way to getter better 'skills' is to ride more difficult trails. I have a hardtail and full suspension 29er, and I have the same skills whatever I ride. I just happen to be more comfortable and faster when I ride my full suspension. With that said, you don't need a FS around here as long as you go tubeless. But if I was to have only one bike, full suspension all the way!
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 7:37:52 GMT -5
Post by dgaddis1 on Aug 30, 2011 7:37:52 GMT -5
Would seem 29 frame specs, especially in FS, would be unique and different than most exisiting 26 frame specs. Thoughts ? Don't forget that, generally, 29er forks have a larger offset than 26" forks Examples, all manitou forks 'cause it was easy to find their offset: R7 (26") = 38mm Minute (26") = 41.27mm Tower (29") = 48mm So even if the headtube angles are the same, they'll steer differently. Trek/Gary Fisher even have proprietary forks made just for them with a special offset (52mm I think?).
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 7:44:40 GMT -5
Post by seenvic on Aug 30, 2011 7:44:40 GMT -5
When I got on the FS 29er for a minute the other day, I felt "less connected" to the trail. The rear suspension just soaked up so much of what I had been "feeling" on the hardtail. I was on the roughest trail around here. But one thing is for sure, climbing steep and bumpy is much easier on a geared FS than a hardtail SS 29er.
I also think you will get answers all over the place on the FS vs hardtail issue. Some of us rode in the late 80's / early 90's when there was no front or rear suspension. It was fully rigid or you didn't ride a mtb. I think these riders (I am one) will say FS is less necessary than say someone who's first bike was a 29er (maybe been around 8 years ago, I dunno).
One thing for sure. It is more difficult to get the front wheel lifted on my 29er. Especially if I am tired at the end of a long ride. At first getting the rear wheel up and over logs was noticeable difference as well. But I have gotten used to it. For the front wheel, I just go back to the basics and exagerate the form needed to get up and over something. This means I really get my weight back, way back to help lift the font wheel. As soon as the front wheel clears, I push all my weight over the front wheel and this helps lift the back wheel up and over. I give a firm "up" with my pedals. It is the new normal for me now.
The other major difference for me is the bottom bracket height. Mine is VERY low relative to other 29ers and certainly lower than a 26er. I have old school '95 XTR cranks on there....175MM. I pedal strike alot more with the 29er. I am mindful of this now....another new normal. From what I gather, other 29er models have a higher BB and this may or may not be a good thing. I think the way my BB is gives that "in the bike" feel I get on it compared to the "on top of the bike" feel I have on my 26er. BTW, this "feel" is something I noticed only after riding the 29er a good bit and then getting back on my 26er. The feel goes away quickly no matter which bike I am on and feels normal for the situation.
I'd give the Nov 5th a whirl and ride some different 29ers out on the trail. Keg Creek is a rough trail to get a good gage on a 29er. More so than Bartram, I'd think.
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 7:55:54 GMT -5
Post by dgaddis1 on Aug 30, 2011 7:55:54 GMT -5
One thing for sure. It is more difficult to get the front wheel lifted on my 29er. The Jabber has a loooooong rear end, which is a big part of that. Heck, there are FS 29ers with shorter stay's than the Jabber. Smooths the ride out, but makes for a less 'flickable' bike. It's really stable at speed though. Jabberwocky (HT): 455mm Camber 29er (FS): 447mm Stumpjumper 29er (HT): 435mm Not sure where the Jabber's chainstay length is measured to, since it's adjustable.
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 8:01:09 GMT -5
Post by azdrawdy on Aug 30, 2011 8:01:09 GMT -5
I have a hardtail and full suspension 29er, and I have the same skills whatever I ride. I just happen to be more comfortable and faster when I ride my full suspension. But if I was to have only one bike, full suspension all the way! My feelings 100%. The HS vs. HT issue gets tossed around on every mtb forum on the 'net daily. Lots of people opining on the comparison. Me: A hardtail is a hardtail. Twenty-six or twenty-nine inches. It is still a hardtail. You hit a root or rut seated, and you will get kicked. You will also lose traction. I do love my Cannondale F29er, but it gathers dust. Gets used for Lock-to-Lock rides and pulling a B.O.B. When it is time to just ride, whether it is FATS or Horn Creek, I get on my Epic 29er. Well built and designed suspension. No bobbing, but you don't have to unseat for the roots and rocks, or more importantly, I don't have to swerve all over the trail looking for that smooth spot (that is oh-so-obvious). Just point and shoot. MD
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 8:08:20 GMT -5
Post by azdrawdy on Aug 30, 2011 8:08:20 GMT -5
Considering additional steed to my BLT stable. Not a design or engineering expert, by any means, but several of the 29 designs, especially FS models, seem to be just "bumped out" 26 frame specs. Guessed many mfgs. were just pushing quick to market offerings, to grab share, vs. designing new frame to better suit 29 dynamics. Would seem 29 frame specs, especially in FS, would be unique and different than most exisiting 26 frame specs. Thoughts ? You know, Niner and Gary Fisher, IIRC, were two of the first to flat nail the 29er capabilities. The others caught up, but like you said, many of them jumped in without doing their homework. Would have to agree on this comment if it was written three to five years ago, but nearly all of the recent ('10, '11 and '12) models have been tweaked to use the unique features and capabilities of the 29er wheel. I rented a 2009 Stumpjumper 29er several years back, and it was like driving a dumptruck. Plowed through the corners horribly. Spec. went back to the drawing boards. Their newer designs are night and day. MD
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29er
Aug 30, 2011 8:35:57 GMT -5
Post by wooglin on Aug 30, 2011 8:35:57 GMT -5
You know, Niner and Gary Fisher, IIRC, were two of the first to flat nail the 29er capabilities. The others caught up, but like you said, many of them jumped in without doing their homework. Niner was pretty late to the party, and is actually a relatively new company I think. They've just gotten a lot of press. I'd put the Lenz Leviathan in that slot instead. And I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
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