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| 29er-26 | Brakes | Disc Brakes | Frame Materials | Hardtail-Full Suspension | Handlebars | Lights | Lube | Pedals | Rear Shocks | Saddles | Shifter | Shocks | ShocksII | Shorts | Tubeless Tires/Rims | Water Carrier | |
Date: April 1, 2006
Nick a cross-country rider from Australia writes:
I have been riding a 26" cross country bike for several years (yes, it's only an Apollo cheap bike) but recently took up road riding as well - no, I'm not uncommitted to MTB, just open to new things. I've been looking at getting a Surly Karate Monkey (the real feel of steel) and I can understand the reasons that it would perform better than 26" bikes in certain situations. The increased rotating mass does mean decreased acceleration, but in my type of riding (any Aussies riding the Yarra trails in Melbourne send us an email on your opinion of this) the trails tend to require you to be constantly pedalling to maintain speed. In this situation a 29" inch wheel would be a clear winner for me. Ward from Yakima is right - don't be judgemental, have an open mind about these things. Just on open-mindedness, I want a Surly Karate Monkey made from steel, for several reasons. Many people are also judgemental about steel bikes, partly because of riding very old steel bikes which were heavy and slow. Undoubtedly steel as a material is heavier than aluminium, but don't judge steel only because of old bikes - engineering has come so far, and the better ride characteristics at only a slight weight increase are clearly justified in my opinion. Back to 29"ers in general, I know that many may find my opinions invalid because of my bike being an Apollo LSX 1.2, but I have done many of my recent rides on my mate's Scott Genius MC50 and Cannondale hardtail with full XTR spec and a Carbon Lefty. So, to conclude, my next bike would be a 29" incher due to...
- Increased rotating mass and a flywheel effect being achieved (ask a physicist about this one, or read your old physics textbooks)
- Having an awesome Surly Karate Monkey frame made from 41-30 Cromoly Steel (gotta love the feeling of steel)
- Not complying to a pre-dictated stereotype, standing out from the endless 26"ers and trying something new!
Vive La Revolution Cyclisme!
Any opinions or responses, nickmase@gmail.com
WINNER: 29er
I have been riding a 26" cross country bike for several years (yes, it's only an Apollo cheap bike) but recently took up road riding as well - no, I'm not uncommitted to MTB, just open to new things. I've been looking at getting a Surly Karate Monkey (the real feel of steel) and I can understand the reasons that it would perform better than 26" bikes in certain situations. The increased rotating mass does mean decreased acceleration, but in my type of riding (any Aussies riding the Yarra trails in Melbourne send us an email on your opinion of this) the trails tend to require you to be constantly pedalling to maintain speed. In this situation a 29" inch wheel would be a clear winner for me. Ward from Yakima is right - don't be judgemental, have an open mind about these things. Just on open-mindedness, I want a Surly Karate Monkey made from steel, for several reasons. Many people are also judgemental about steel bikes, partly because of riding very old steel bikes which were heavy and slow. Undoubtedly steel as a material is heavier than aluminium, but don't judge steel only because of old bikes - engineering has come so far, and the better ride characteristics at only a slight weight increase are clearly justified in my opinion. Back to 29"ers in general, I know that many may find my opinions invalid because of my bike being an Apollo LSX 1.2, but I have done many of my recent rides on my mate's Scott Genius MC50 and Cannondale hardtail with full XTR spec and a Carbon Lefty. So, to conclude, my next bike would be a 29" incher due to...
- Increased rotating mass and a flywheel effect being achieved (ask a physicist about this one, or read your old physics textbooks)
- Having an awesome Surly Karate Monkey frame made from 41-30 Cromoly Steel (gotta love the feeling of steel)
- Not complying to a pre-dictated stereotype, standing out from the endless 26"ers and trying something new!
Vive La Revolution Cyclisme!
Any opinions or responses, nickmase@gmail.com
WINNER: 29er
I am still very skeptical about the 29er thing. They say it is faster because of the larger wheels but look at tri-athletes on 26" wheel bikes. It does not seem to slow them down. Also I have done group road rides on a mountain bike with slicks and it did not seem to slow me down to much. The shock and the arrow dynamics seemed to affect things more than any thing else. A 29er would be much less arrow dynamic because the front end is so much higher.
WINNER: Tie
It seems to me most of the 29 inch fans are large riders. I am a small rider that is very curious about the advantages the 29" wheels have to offer. Unfortunately there are no 29" bikes that I know of (besides custom) small enough for me to ride.
WINNER: Tie
becuase they look better than the 26" that is y i think they look better than the 26" thank u 4 letting me vote love stacee
WINNER: 29er
Would not use anything bigger than 26" for XC. Bigger for road and touring. If I used 29", I would want a triple crank w/ granny.
WINNER: 26
29ers handle roots and small rocks better by rolling over them, 26s are better for speed power transfer and technicality wise, that 3inches more just takes the whole balance of the bike
WINNER: 26
I purchased a Nishiki Bigfoot TR-29 mtb/hybrid last autumn and I've been very happy with it. My last bike had 26" wheels but if say it sucked, it's true, but mostly because of the fact that the bike itself was way too small for me. Still I think 29" wheels work better in various situations, but I think they won't be as agile in a very difficult environment as 26". For me at least, 29's are a clear winner.
WINNER: 29er
no 'it depends' b.s. 29ers are hands down better bikes in every category, no matter how you measure it (subjectivity is not measurable). technology has made them possible and what we can say is thank you. if you think a 26 is for you, have at 'em. in a few years you'll look like bjorn borg with his wooden racket getting the crap beat out of him by superior equipment that progress made possible.
WINNER: 29er
small
WINNER: 26
Simply put it, I will never go back to 26" bikes. I am so totally
hooked on the 29er concept that I am a ture convert.
WINNER: 29er
I built a single speed 29er last year just to try single speed and a 29er. I now own three 29er's and sold my 26er's. I like the way it rolls over or off everything, better traction through turns or stopping. I am a big guy 6'5" 220+ pounds and riding a 29er has made things much better.
WINNER: 29er
All of my dirty bikes are 26, but I have a Rig. I like it, bot ohhh, I live in the mideast and I am very warm blooded so I am having a hard time getting out to punish, I mean ride, my month old Rig. At this point in time it is a tie, all have a pair of wheels and make me smile.
WINNER: Tie
I have recently purchased a Gary Fisher 293. I must say that I have an easier time with rock, roots, sand and mud with the 29er. Obsticles that I once had to consider now are no worry at all. I find that I can maintain speed easier with little or no loss of agility on single track and switch backs. I have found that I can take corners faster also. The only negative I can relate is that to get the bigger wheels up to speed takes a little more effort. However, I can compensate for this by maintaining speed. If you have not tried a 29er, rent one for your favorite trail and choose for yourself.
WINNER: 29er
I just received my Pugsley with 26x4.0's and will be putting on 29er SnoCat/Big Apples by Spring and both are 29" tall. I have a Hybrid with 700Cx42c tires and love the taller setup.
WINNER: 29er
I have been riding 26'ers for a while now (Giant, Trek 9.8). Just got a bottom end Fisher 29'er (Cobia) and I am enjoying the heck out of it. It is a completely different ride. (WOW!!!) BTW I am short (173 cm) and I still enjoy the 29'er!!!
WINNER: 29er
i own a trek 9.8 and a be-one 29er. The price difference is huge but i prefer the 29er. The netherlands are flat and i'm tall 204 cm. The 29er just goes faster more easy.
WINNER: 29er
before i got a 29er i did a comparison test between my fisher big sur- 26" wheels vs.a "demo" mt. tam 29". i rode the same course several times alternating between the 2 bikes. hands down the 29er was faster, more stable, and enabled me to ride over terain that i had to walk through on the 26" big sur.
this dramatic difference got me to sell the big sur and buy the mt tam 29er.
WINNER: 29er
29er rolls better, but 26" are stronger Im not sure which one i like better
WINNER: Tie
29" just goes over stuff easier!!!!!!
WINNER: 29er
the real answer is "it depends"
WINNER: Tie
Once you've "had" a 29, nothing else is quite as fine.
WINNER: 29er
The 29er flat flies! Much more stable, never twitchy or nervous.
WINNER: 29er
I'm 6'7". They just fit better.
WINNER: 29er
29er's for me. Roll better and feel nicer on the rocks
WINNER: 29er
29er's are pretty.
26" aren't.
WINNER: 29er
I ride a 29er and won't ride anything else unless I absolutely have to. I was gonna say "tie" as some people might like 26ers more who have actually tried 29ers for a bit... but what is the point of this if everyone says tie.
WINNER: 29er
Heck, whatever works for you. Both can be great depending on the rider and the bike. I have a HT SS 29er and a full squish 26". Rode both on the same trails marked as black diamond. Both made it. The HT requires more steering and finesse. Both were fun. Just different riding styles. FWIW 29ers are not just XC.
Seems that people need to have one better than the other.... then bag on someone else's opinion. If I see someone having fun and enjoying their ride, and its different than mine, why should I rain on their fun?
WINNER: Tie
It's a no-brainer for me since I'm 6'5". Shorter folks might not benefit as much as I, but the benefits are still there.
WINNER: 29er
Not 100% sure yet. I have been demo'ing a 29'er single for about a week now, and I am not 100% sold yet.
WINNER: Tie
How the hell would I know... what's the tally... that's all I shive a git about !
WINNER: Tie
How the hell would I know... what's the tally... that's all I shive a git about !
WINNER: Tie
29ers rock!
WINNER: 29er
funny how the negative coments seem to come from closed minded people who judge what others are doing (and new ideas/developments) harshley...almost as if they'er purpose is to shore up they'er own righteousness. I've been an addicted cyclist since the late 70's...you know...before mt. bikes even existed. I've also done my fair share of climbing and backpacking and when mt.bikes first came on the scene,opened minded self propeled travelers saw a wonderfull new TOOL to embrace and move forward with! closed minded "traditionalists" or "seperatists" from both the hiking scene and the cycling scene instantly began scoffing and negitivly judging this new development of the bicycle. I was actually told, by previous partners no less, that I was no longer a mountaineer because now ride a bicycle on the trails(when applicable)and no longer a cyclist because I dared to braek tradition and ride a bicycle on something besides pavement.At this point let me remind you that pavement did not exist (at least as we know it) when the first bicycles were invented...and it wasn't that long ago.Basicly ,what I'm trying to say is don't listen to the people who make ultra negative comments or use words like "stupid"or"BS"to discribe anthing having to do with cycling in general! I currently Ride and love a growing stable of bikes including ; a jamis nova(700c cyclo-cross) w/fenders,rack & minni-pans proudly mounted for commuting and road touring;specialized enduro hardtail set up for jeep trals/rough single track with Mavic 321's,Geax sadona 225's and Kore elete pedals w/ custom mounted clips @ straps;Klien pulse II w/ snow cat rims and trimmed sadonas for sand (one of my favorites);a early 90's fisher mt. tam w/snow cats @ studded tires for snow ;and several other projects including an ex-army Hannebrink(talk about on the fringes). the reason I got on this website was because I'm siriously considering purchasing a Surly Karate Monkey 29er. Also considering between the wildfire fatbike and the surly pugsley for "alternative sufaces"(ifyou havn't checed these out and you have an open mind,do so!)What i'm saying is don't close your mind to new develoupments and ideas...embrace them and move forward. If you don't,you risk trapping yourself...you know...fencing yourself in!! In my bicycle set-ups I purposly combine developments from allthe faccets of cycling on all my bikes(I take alot of flack for this at local bike shops and on club rides)but hay,if it works its good and in cycling "it's all good"!!! Have a good ride whatever you ride and keep the round side down!
WINNER: Tie
29" sounds nice but I would sugest 26" because it is much easier to find tires and intertubes.
WINNER: 26
I like the 29s for just plain riding they role over things pretty easily and goes faster but for serious riding go for the 26
WINNER: Tie
Being relatively new to the XC scene I have limited experience with both but after spending a few hours on a GF X-caliber and comparably priced 26 hardtails the verdict is clear....29,29,29,29,29,29,oh and by the way, 29.
WINNER: 29er
I may be trolling here but 29'ers are strictly fringe items for the recreational XC crowd who ride groomed trails on hardtails and are willing to believe anything Fisher's marketing hype tells them. It's the same company that produced that POS called a Sugar, and who hasn't come up with one decent freeride bike that anyone would want to buy.
It's the new millenium folks. Who cares about better rollover with a 29? We have plush, long travel, stable platform suspension now.
Who wants to be propped up like you're in a high-chair sitting on oversized 29 inch rims? Recall roadie, Mikael Rasmussen crashing on the Tour de France 2005 multiple times in the final stage. The higher up the bike, the higher the center of gravity, the less upright stability. It's basic physics. Everything you DON'T want in mountain biking.
Who cares about "rolls faster" when you're doing a slow technical descent down slippery boulders?
Today's mountain bikes require low-speed finesse capability, generous standover clearance to offset long travel suspension, and reasonably low center of gravity for cornering and stability. It also requires components that hold up. 29 inch wheel is going to taco easier than a structurally similar 26, which in turn is inherently weaker than a 24. Those are the straight facts.
Given all that, why would you want a 29er? Oh yes, you only ride nicely groomed meadowy trails on a hardtail and/or you believe Fisher's marketing hype.
WINNER: 26
29's are way to skety at some times but friggen fast, go with 26's unless you like TO ROAD RACE XC!
WINNER: 26
After riding 26" wheels for the last 20 years, the riding experience on a 29" rim feels new and exciting! I am 6'4" and my Gary Fisher Paragon (21" frame) is amazing and fast on Singletrack and climbing hills. I will never return to the 26" wheel again (speaking as a tall rider). I think the 26" rim is fine for a person under 6 ft tall. Only a fellow tall man who owns a 29" wheeled bike can relate to what I'm saying. We have been stuffing ourselves into these smaller wheeled mountain bikes since the inception of the 26" wheeled design. I now understand the comfort my smaller riding mates have on there 15" and 17" framed bikes with 26" wheels. Bottom line... for my money, the 29 is more versatile (can be used on or off road) and an overall better fit for me. I am a better mountain biker now than I have ever been.
WINNER: 29er
one is not better than the other! both have their applications. 29 for high speed swoopy stuff with small ruts, rocks, &roots. 26 for technical or hairy lower speed.
WINNER: Tie
29 is better for off-road riding :)
WINNER: 29er
29 rules
WINNER: 29er
I've made my own "29er" out of a standard European trekking frame. It's not quite a 29er because I can't get 2" tires on the rear. I can only get a max of 1.85"/47mm.
Having said that, I keep up with everybody on a 26". I like the added height. I like rolling over bumps more easily. I like climbing a bit faster.
Unfortunately, there is a sad lack of relevant parts for the 29er. At least here in Europe, there's only a few big wheel suspension forks and even fewer that don't cost a mint. There are a few obtainable in the US, eg White Brothers, but then there's added import costs. There are very few 700x50 (or fatter) tires geared for mountain biking. I've found two or three, but they're skinnier than 50mm/2in. There are only a few rims that can stand up to true mountain biking. At least all of the parts that are available are good quality, though.
Also, it's fun to be different.
Go 29ers.
WINNER: 29er
Rode 29s yesterday a bit smoother and more stable for sure, above 10 mph even better. For long endurance riding, downhilling and rough/rocky stuff 29s are better. At 6' 4" the set-up and feel for me is like most euros and pros are on thier 26s anyway. Those above 6 foot, 29s are must as the bike is more stable. Tight conners were fine and the Lenz I rode had no pedal/foot overlap with the front wheel.
WINNER: 29er
If you haven't ridden a 29er yet, you should. Find a shop or someone who owns one and demo it for yourself. Even on a 29er HARDTIAL you feel way more stable and in control than ANY XC full suspension bike on the market. Feeling as though you are placed INSIDE the bike, rather than ON TOP of it, makes it easier for you to ride your bike much more aggressively. It is a better riding bike that uses the simplicity of larger wheels to out perform bikes with complicated state of the art technology. Climbs better, descends better, and hauls a$$ on the flats. Most of all, its just a lot more fun. And when I have more fun, I tend to ride my bike a whole lot more. And isn't that what its all about?-- Looking through reviews does no justice to finding out how a 29er rides. Don't read. Just ride. Also, I heard from a freind that its a better bike if you occaisionally herbalize during you ride:-)
WINNER: 29er
I switched to a Gary Fisher Supercaliber from a Cannondale Scalpel after one ride and will never switch back. Rolling over obstacles and rolling resistance are dramatically improved. Descending AND climbing accelerated, as is traversing mud/gunk here in upstate NY. I noticed slower steering at first, but as with anything this disappeared as I got used to and adapted to it. Running lower tire pressure allows for negation of the need for rear suspension (unless doing major freeride/big drops.) On open singletrack a 29er just cruises. To answer one of the more interesting comments/questions below: "Why hasn't the industry adopted the larger wheel long ago if it is so much better than 26" ?"
Think about any new technology or innovative idea...take televisions for example. 6-7 years ago plasma was nowhere near mainstream...now they are not even making tubes for standard TV's anymore!
WINNER: 29er
I can't judge cause I've never ridden a 29r. But dont you think if it were such an astounding breakthrough it would have been widely adopted and set as the norm years ago!? I mean, how many years ago did they invent the wheel?
WINNER:
I figure the 29 'cause the movie on fisherbinkes.com shows that u can escape bears and i was killed by a bear so i should have used a 29er
G
WINNER: 29er
hi my name is laken im 13 i live in magnolia A.R and my grandmaw lives in springhill L.A and i go there on week ends and the summer times
WINNER: 29er
can u put some 26 on a capice
WINNER: 29er
26 just because I have them. The industry always figures up new ways to keep bikers ditching out more money and the ones who do is obvious. I guess they want biking to become a million dollar sport. I have and never will go for the new garb they come up with, all you need is a good frame good hardware and strong rims the rest is just add ons. Its funny to see the bikers in the woods with there glow in the dark garb.Most cant make it up a hill with 26 let alone 29's. On top of that they are rude. Non mountain bikers in my opinion. I guess day glow makes you bad or something. The point is keep it simple and plain and respectful. The hikers and walkers will be less likely to say " oh then the neon glowing sissy biker ran us off the trail". My builds Azonic DS-1. K2 Brass monkey. Trek 9800 carbon Trek Y-11 ( nasty full susp. ever made)
WINNER:
I have owned a Gary Fisher Mt. Tam hardtail 29er, a 2004 (full suspension) Sugar 293 29er, and now own a 2005 Sugar 293, and am thinking of trading it and my Specialized Tarmac Road Bike in for a 2005 Gary Fisher Sugar 292 and a few upgrades. The 29er rides, especially Gary Fisher's 29ers absolutely without question rule!!! Going back to 26 for me is impossible! It would be like going back to completely rigid for heavy trail use. The 29 bicycle is the norm for road and cyclocross now its time for the off road world to catch up. I love 29!!! Way too much fun and comfort and efficiency and climbing and traction and speed and handling and stability and cool attitude! Thank You Gary Fisher you have reinvented the mountain bike. Although sadly your Cake mountain bike do not work for me as I have owned one and it did not compare with the 293 Sugar
WINNER: 29er
AM vs. FM, AC vs DC, 26" vs 29"
And the Winners by TECHNICAL knockout: FM, AC, 29".
WINNER: 29er
Like the looks and advantages of the 29er.
WINNER: 29er
Since i rode a 29er, i've never wanted to go back using a 26er.
WINNER: 29er
Test rode many bikes prior to my purchase in summer 04. Didn't know anything about 29ers, had never even heard of 'em. Rode it once. That's all I have to say about that. Full suspension Gary Fisher 292 - It's soooo much better to ride than 26. Why, you ask ??
Son, if I had to explain it .......just ride one.
WINNER: 29er
29 inches wheels on a custom built frame is the best thing a racer could ask for. Keep the front suspension and the freewheel and go either single speed or geared. Forget rigid or fixed wheel unless you have a masochistic bent like Matt Chester who makes awesome Ti 29ers.
WINNER: 29er
I just purchased a 29er Gary Fisher Rig. I don't think it is true about 26" being better in technical situations. I've always rode single speed and now I'll always have 29".
WINNER: 29er
29ers are the way to go for long bikepacking
treks, best of onroad and offroad.
WINNER: 29er
What creapin 29ers. WTF? Who normal rides those shits.
BE NORMAL, RIDE NORMAL.
WINNER: 26
My 29 she proud mary, big wheels keep on rollin', rollin', rollin' on a dirt trail. If you ride a 26er, bet you gonna find some people who ride, on a 29er, way much finer uh huh. Why do them porches spin 18" rims? mabey cause they no good for tight twist turn, but ok for 170 mph holmes. uh huh
WINNER: 29er
Hands down the 29er, the guy that said they can't do technical stuff is crazy (or maybe not a good rider) I can do everything I did on my little big and climb things I could not climb on my little bike. I will never go back to a whimpy 26 inch bike, 29 are fast the biggest problem I have is not using my brake I have a 05' 292 Gary Fisher and it KICKS F***ING A**!!!!!!!!!!!END OF STORY BE A MAN BUY A 29ER!!!
WINNER: 29er
I just purchased a Gary Fisher bike, The Rig... awesome bike SS with 29 inch wheels. Been biking since 1979 road, 1987 mountain. I've owned and ridden Hard Tails(4) & Full Suspention(3) and even two Tandems.
The Rig with the Big Wheels "ROCKS", single track, tight turns... are no issue, the GF geometry makes the bike very nimble. This bike handles, better then any 26 inch bike I've ever owned.
WINNER: 29er
been riding bikes forever , racing 10 years, not a fad, not hype, i don't care about being different. 29er better everywhere including mud ,climbing, and technical.
WINNER: 29er
I feel that for downhill riding, as well as freeriding and backcountry the 26"s are the way to go. 29"s are great for cross country where there aren't any tight techical sections to get through.
WINNER: 26
29er offers excellent ride for larger people. Friend bought one, and I thought he was crazy. I went and test rode one, and haven't looked back. Forward attack is much easier. However, smaller, less powerful riders should stay away from these bikes. I thought I was a power rider until I hopped on one. Anyone can sprint for a short time, but you need true overall power for consistent acceleration and speed.
WINNER: 29er
I liv in place were we hava lot snow in winter and I ride much with spikes and then I got 29, now I cant ride anymore spikes becase rim is to big and no tyre fit. I was mad so I wanted to give bike back, but he said no, so I said fak yu and shot him and tok his bike. Now I ride Banshee and is happy.
WINNER: 26
29" wheels are cool on unicylcles..that's about it. I rode 29" wheels last season and got no love. I got last place in every race because they are so lame. I used to win races! I think the next fad will be 23" wheels. Then we will get the same bandwagon fans claiming that they are the "next big thing."
WINNER: 26
29ers rule for my riding. lots of smooth fast dirt trail riding. lots of country roads. not too many rocky or bumpy trails. but the adult sized wheels make all objects seem smaller. first i got a single speed 9er. then i got a geary. bye bye cross bike and 4+4 suspendy. my favorite moments from last years racing was passing the suspended folks on my fully rigid ride. i'd have a very hard time buying a kiddie wheel bike again.
WINNER: 29er
much faster and smother to ride
WINNER: 29er
great for rocky trails smoother and faster
WINNER: 29er
Nobody has ever won a race in this state on a 29 inch bike. I think Mike Walewski is confused and misrepresenting the bike. He may still really like the 29" bike, even thuogh he has had limited time on one. Myself I can see the benefits for certain courses that are rolling but those are few and far between with the riding that I do. Big guys around here over 6"1' really seem to like them. I think that is because it places their center of gravity closer to their hubs giving them more control.
WINNER: Tie
I have race 26" bikes for years and swore that I would never switch but a friend of mine got a 29er and won races in West Virginia which has some of the toughes courses around so I got one thes year. I only have a little time on it due to weather conditions but all of my 26" stuff is for sale.
WINNER: 29er
i have both, 29er better
WINNER: 29er
I just bought a Sugar 293 and am soooo happy...rocks and roots were never easier or more FUN...
WINNER: 29er
I rode a Schwinn Moab for many years and switched to a Gary Fisher Sugar 292 and added shimano xtr hydrolic brakes and xtr shifters. The sugar 292 flys and rides so smoothly. I'm sure I will still use my Schwinn on some rides but it can never compete with the 29 incher. My vote definately goes for the 29er.
WINNER: 29er
I will soon join the rank of the Mountain Biking enthusiasts. I recently had an opportunity to take an up close look at the 26" vs. the 29" wheeled bikes. I see some advantage to the 29" wheeled bikes, but the geometry seems disproportionate. The rider was approximately 6" 1" tall, and looked awkward.
I think the market will still maintain a preference for the 26" wheeled bikes. My Mountain Bike will fall onto the traditional 26" wheeled bike once I pick up my Trek Fuel 80 at the end of the month.
WINNER: 26
The 29ers suck. Tried them on my bike but the tires were so loose they just kept falling off my rims causing me to crash - I hurt my head - Again. So I put my 26 inch tyres back on my wheels and am now happy.
WINNER: 26
I was skeptical about the big hoops, but took the plunge. Now after 3 months, I don't see myself going back to a 26" wheel. I took 15 mins off my best time on my favorite trail. I love the ability to ride overstuff. I can get out of the line and keep on trucking, where on my 26" wheels I would struggle. I'm not one for getting air, I just like to go fast, and that's what the big wheels do best. I ride on road too, about 5k a year, on a road bike, and I tend to ride off road, more like a roadie. The 29'ers seem to suit my style better.
WINNER: 29er
I was the ultimate skeptic regarding 29ers. I thought it was GFs way of shaking things up and giving people a reason to buy something new just to be different. The cycling industry has a way of doing that...you know? I dismissed the concept. Luckily, a friend of mine purchased a 29er and I personally witnessed the peformance gains. He is person whose opinion on cycling intrests I repect and thus the seed was planted. A year later, while still somewhat skeptical, I purchased a 29er and was blown away. For Epic XC riding, I think it's the bees-knees. It climbs like a goat, rolls over everything, super stable, great downhill (XC style) and corners well at speed. You've heard it all before. I do like my 26er for jumping, drop-offs, stunts, etc. No tool does everything. Still, I have to give the nod to 29ers. I hope it becomes the de-facto standard for XC styled bikes. It really is better.
Side note: I'm willing to venture that nearly 100% of 29er riders have spent considerable time on 26'' bikes while virtually none of the 26 proponents have put in equal time on a 29er. Like the old me, there are lots of people who are knocking the 29er concept without reasonable experience.
Worst thing about 29ers: limited (but very good offerings) suspension choices and tire selection. On a positive note: selection keeps getting better.
Don't buy one if 360s, 10ft drops and bar spins are your norm.
Do buy one if you love true xc technical riding, love versatility, are tall and hard to fit, and looking for a XC performance gain.
Just one man's opinion.
WINNER: 29er
qualifications: i rode 26" for 20 years. i have riden a fisher tam 29 since the year it came out ('02). i ride mostly in tahoe country, some in santa cruz and elsewhere.
in my experience, the edge can go to 26" on very technical trails (lots of tight turns, maximum steering control required) depending on the rider. however, the edge for me goes to the 29er for most of my riding. i have learned to compensate for the slight loss of control by slowing down when necessary, or taking my donuts. on only moderately technical terrain, the 29er can go over more things rather than around them, so less precise control is needed in most situations. the 29er has the undeniable advantage in climbing almost everywhere, and it tracks like a roller coaster, especially on swoopy xc and downhills.
after a couple years, i am almost ready for a fork upgrade, and there arent alot of choices for me. thats the only real drawback. i can find all the rubber i need with kenda klaws.
its getting time for me to get a full suspension all mountain bike. i am torn between all the sweet setups out there and only one mass-available (?) 29er (fisher sugar). there are worse things to worry about. cheers.
WINNER: Tie
26, cause im 14 and weigh 124lbs, and am 5'6"
WINNER: 26
I have both and ride both, single speed and geared, two totally different rides, the 29"er wheels have proved to be as strong as any of the 26" wheelsets I use and I ain't a small guy (220lbs)
The 29"er's roll so much better, the single speed will walk away from an equally geared fellow single speed rider, once up to speed it goes like a train, a little harded to get moving initially, also feel far more sure footed going down hill.
Must admit I still ride 26" wheels but mainly for convenience, tires are easier and cheaper to get hold of, but beyond that its a 29"er for me
WINNER: 29er
I am thinking about getting a 29er and I found this site. Please someone who votes 26 say something other than "Their stupid," or "I see them in the shop collecting dust." Or, my favorite:
"they look sucky, and are less strong laterally. they suck. smaller wheels are better for rigidity, 29ers will buckle."
How does this person know this? Has he seen it happen, has he ridden one?
It appears that close to every 26" voter has very little or no experience with a 29er. "I rode one once." doesn't cut it as experience. Does somebody out there OWN a 29er and wish they would have gone for a 26" wheel? I want to make an informed purchase and am getting sick of reading uninformed BS.
I will ride some 26" full suspension bikes as well as 29ers to figure out my next bike purchase. I would love to learn from the experience of others.
Please, please, please, don't make me wade through any more uninformed crap. You are wasting your time when you write it and wasting mine when I read it.
Thanks
WINNER:
I rode the 29 when it first came out. First Willits, then Fisher.
Agreed, on flat open courses its great. But all you people commenting on anyone not liking it is a closed minded person is on glue.
The 29ers suck when you are riding on steep courses. We have a lot of rock around here and the 29ers cannot lift the front wheels enough to clear large lifts. I found myself needing to expell alot more upper body energy than I should have.
29ers are slow to accelorate, sluggish in turns, and sloppy rides all around.
Maybe all these possitive comments about 29ers are are being made by people who still run Beta VCRs.
IMO they tried it, it was a fad, and if your "race course" is a freakin sidewalk, then they are ok. But don't kid yourselves in to believing they are going to take over as the norm.
WINNER: 26
I am pretty new to the world of mountain biking. I test rode more bikes than I can count over a period of about 3 months. I had finally settled on a Fisher Cake 2 DLX. I was at the bike store talking with the manager about one of the concerns I had with the Cake 2...its extremely high top tube. He pulled out a Fisher Sugar 293 and told me to go ride it. I instantly noticed the 29ers on the bike...he gave me a quick explanation of the benefits and sent me riding. I fell in love with the bike in the first minute, but kept riding it in the parking lot for about 30 minutes. I left that day with the Sugar 293. I have spent the last 3 months riding 2-3 times per week, getting a little better each time. Last week I swapped bikes withmy riding partner, who rides a Cake 1. What a difference! I felt as though I was perched high above two little BMX wheels, rather than the feeling of being slightly cradled between the big 29ers on the Sugar. Climbing was quite a bit different as well. I can honestly say the the Sugar with the 29ers is a CLIMBING MACHINE! The decreased angle of attack and the larger contact patch make climbing and navigating through loose sand and gravel a breeze...even for a newbie like myself. In my book the 29er is far and away the winner!
WINNER: 29er
If you ride a lift to the trailhead leave the 29er at home. For all other types of riding, the 29er kills the 26. I have both (GF 292 - GT LTS-1) and for some reason the 26 has spider webs on it....
WINNER: 29er
i have had my 29er for one year.raced it 14 times won all 14 one the seaotter.sport 45-49 won all cal state.races. all on a29er.iraced a cyclocross race on it and got 2nd.the thing a bout a 29er is you have make it light light tires i have tube less.i have been asked by bikeshops to race 26 bikes and i just cant do it.29ers are faster every where 6% on flats 3% on hills fact.for 2005 i will be riding ti lightspeed.29er.sorry but my bmx days are over.
WINNER: 29er
I will start of by saying that 29ers are great all around bikes. I had a '04 Fisher Sugar 293. Rode it everywhere I would ride a 26" bike. Yes they do ride faster on fire roads and smooth singletrack. I however never had a problem even on really techical rides.....climbing or descending.
This is what really convinced me:
While racing the 12hrs at Snow Summit solo this last summer on my 29er, a friend of mine decided to do a lap with me. On a long semi-technical fire road he was unable to keep up with me. My friend is a much stronger rider, plus I had already done 7 laps(70 miles). He was in his big ring on his Heckler pedalling his legs off trying to catch up to me. He never did. It suprised him as well.
I am sold on the big wheel.....for XC applications. If you are into jumping, hucking or DH, then this in not applicable.
WINNER: 29er
I have improved my performance by apprx. 20%, on my test-track ( 26 km)on my new Gary Fischer 29" compared to my old Merida 26". It seems that both the wheel-size as well as the geometry of the frame fits me better, I am 1 m 89 cm tall.
WINNER: 29er
I have improved my performance about 20% ( test-track, apprx. 26 km) on my new Gary Fischer 29" compared to my old Merida 26".
No doubt for me: the 29" takes it all !
WINNER: 29er
Once you go 29 you don't go back.
WINNER: 29er
I've never seen one on this super technical terrain out here. However I have ridden 29 inchers out east and I must say they are fun!!! All these theories about rolling fasting, 11% or 5% and so on are really just theories. Its about fun, and a 29 incher is just that. I felt like I was riding a road bike on the trails and lost a bit of control, but I was flying. I'm happy at 26 but if win the lottery I'll be sure to add a 29 to the collection. Remember, its about riding and having fun. 29, 26, 14.. and so on, stop postulating and get out there and ride!!!
WINNER: Tie
29er's are great in specific aplications. If you got fast single track (fire road style) that is hardly technical they're fast. I work at a local shop and our owner loves 29ers. Says they're the best thing ever (next to purple annodized parts!). I would only agree on the situation that I just mentioned. Here in FL we don't have too many tight winding decents or climbs so the 29er is fast. I, however, race collegiately and most trails that I ride up north do not seem like they are set up like the local stuff. MTBing is about riding a type of terrain. There are many types of terrain that MTBers love riding on (really where don't we ride?). That's why people like me tend to have a bike for every situation. This is just another one to add to my collection!
WINNER: Tie
Ultimately this debate will probably boil down to preference, until manufacturers start standardizing the 29" in the long run. The size of the wheels we ride will also be dictated by situation, as in our physical statures (I am a wimpy 135lbs at 5'8) and the specific terrain we have. From a pure technical standpoint the larger wheels do make more sense, particularly for the MTB arena, but for me, it would be a bit impractical since I'm a smaller build. But, at least our larger fellows can get some proportionate wheels to best us all.
WINNER: Tie
After years of riding only 26 inchers, I spent several days in Durango this summer on a Willets New Sheriff, I took it on rocky, tight single track, studded with big slippery log water bars, as well as more forgiving terrain. To say the least, I was pleasantly surprised. I'm about 6" and 170, and also found that the 29" frame stretched out my back a little better.
WINNER: 29er
I've had both, and for the midwest terain the 29er is winning. I've got a Slingshot Bigshot 29er, and this is the smoothest riding bike I've ever riden!! I will be honest though and say that if I lived in the west I might like the 26" whels better, the long climbs might go a little faster with the small wheels. For now, BIGGER IS BETTER!!!
WINNER: 29er
I believe that it totally depends on what type of riding you are doing. I am 6'4" 225, and I like to jump a little bit. I wouldn't jump a 26 XC bike let alone a 29er. If all you ride are fire roads and smooth single track, then a 29er would rule. Also most XC riders are under 175 lbs so they would hurt a 29er. But when you start talking about guys over 200 lbs like me, I'll take a long travel 30lb plus bike anyday. There is a reason you do not see 5inch travel 29ers, they wouldn't hold up. The person riding the bike is 90 percent of the equation and the bike makes up the other 10.
WINNER: Tie
Umm the larger wheels should smooth out the trails some what
WINNER: 26
I am a former rally and rallycrossdriver from the days when everyone used 13 inch tyres,we where happy with those tyres until we had the change to go to the 15 inch, then one could see how much faster the same cars where running on bigger wheels. I am living this time again now when I recently bought a sugar 293 2004 to relese my old sugar3 2001.The 293 is so much faster that it seems untrue,because you are having such a nice ride on these big wheels. The sugar3 is probably a little faster on a very twisty single track,other than that the 29er is a total vinner,,, not to mention in the snow.
WINNER: 29er
Smooths out the mistakes and climbs like a goat
WINNER: 29er
29 inch wheel bikes are such a joke I bought two of them and watch the little clown bikes slip, slid and eventually DNF.
WINNER: 29er
29 inch wheels are such a joke.
WINNER: 26
All bikes are good. 29" bikes may not be better, but faster and more comfortable XC bikes. I am getting older and have less time to ride. I depend on my Sugar 292 to get me down the trail faster(more comfortably) and I hope the 29" bikes are slow to catch on, when all xc riders are on 29 that advantage will be muted. Then I will have to figure out something else. It took me a while to get used to the 29, but once I did it handled the really tech sections better(faster) than the 26" Been riding 26" lots since 87 and have seen all the trends, I used to think front shocks were stupid and a fad, I also was a hardtail holdout till 2001. The 29 advantage is ridiculous in the xc/trail arena.
WINNER: 29er
If you are under about 6 foot, and do all your k's on highly technical trails, I would say that the 26 inch wheels are going to serve you best. However for the lofty rider doing XC you cannot beat the 29er. Yeah it does take a time getting used to cornering and going over slippery terrain, but well worth hanging in for the advantages.
WINNER: 29er
I like them thar 29's on tha back an the 26er on tha front cause it makes ma bike look all jacked up in the back like the "General Lee"
WINNER: Tie
All-around I prefer the 26.
Singletrack - 26 in.
Doubletrack and fireroads - 29 in.
Cross country - 26 in.
WINNER: 26
mkm
WINNER: 29er
people need to expand their small minds and open up to something a bit different. for all the 26" crazy people, the department stores such as wal-mart, target and the like made the bicycle industry drop down to the 26" size wheel. why? b/c the 26" bikes were considered "kids bikes". and dumb ass people will go to a department store before a bike shop because its "cheaper". the standard was larger than 26, look at schwinn or any older bike (previous to the 90's) was a 27" wheel with big balloon tires. ive been riding 29" wheels for a long time before the 26" craze happened, it was the dumbest thing the cycleing industry could have done (change the standard, because of idiots that go to department stores) if you like the 26's ride 'em. but if you want to graduate to an adult bike by all means go ahead and ride a 29er. happy trails to you
WINNER: 29er
29 inch wheels may roll faster and work on fast cross country courses but face it even 26 inch rims aren't strong enough to withstand today's riders.
WINNER: 26
you suck like aduck
WINNER: 29er
You're right Chuck. Thats why I want to sell my 29er & get a 9" travel 20" wheeled bike. (The wheels are lighter, right?). Any rider that is 6' or taller and can't ride faster on a 29er either isn't riding fast enough or likes the false sensation of speed on a small bike. Ever drive a small car on the highway, It feels like you're going 90MPH when your only going 70. After riding a 29 for a year I got on my buddies 26. Five minutes of a busy, bumpy ride was enough to convince me that 29ers are the new standard.
WINNER: 29er
At best, a 29er can be said to mimick the ride of a Moots YBB, Ritchey Plexus, Ibis/Castellano softails and such. Traction benefits?!? tire pressure, conditions, widths and tread patterns throw in tooo many variables for any claims of superiortity one way or another. I've tried 29ers, hardtail, ss, full suspension and none can compare to a decent 5" travel full suspension 26" wheeled bike. You want to talk about the ability to roll over stuff, try some suspension, lower your tire pressure, and open your minds to a good full suspension 26" wheeled trailbike!
WINNER: 26
26" wheels are far superior because, lets be honest, who really cares about xc gayboy speed racers who are really just roadies in (bad) disguise, who are in fact the only idiots who would buy into sucha pathetic idea.
WINNER: 26
Unless you're a wuss, 29" is the way to go.
WINNER: 29er
29" faster,faster and faster
WINNER: 29er
If you are tall enough to handle a 29'er, then there really is no contest here. The Fisher 292 is so much faster than my 26'er. You can't beat it.
mc
WINNER: 29er
This is not rocket science or anything new. they used to be called "hybrids" and were usually too cheaply made to use offroad. I am glad they are making better ones now with even more tire clearance, discs etc.
WINNER: 29er
29er, the new standard. better get used to it.
everybody who voted 26: ride one, then re-vote.
WINNER: 29er
29er's do everything they say they do. Roll over obstacles better, hold their speed well, climb and descend stable. However, under smaller riders, they feel big and slow. they are more appreciated ridden by taller riders.
WINNER: 29er
The 29 inch wheels are nice for going over big logs and stuff, but they're just too uncommon a size to find for me.
WINNER: Tie
I have had my 29er suger 292 for 2 weeks and am very impressed on the big wheels ability to roll over lemon and orange sized loose rock,I have done two climbs that I have never cleaned with 26 wheels and I have been riding since 1989 . so far all my rides on my new bike have been solo so can't see the real comparison yet but these thing roll so good.
WINNER: Tie
I think that 29 inch tires are retarded they are big and husky i ride a 16 inch bike tire and that hauls ass just fine with me
WINNER: 26
The 29ers arent magic, but for my type of riding, they have proven to be a real eye opener. We do lots of cross mountain here in GA with single, double track and technical climbs and descents, trails both rocky rooty and flat. Only thing that I dont do is jumps and downhills. My 29er makes me feel a lot more confident. I can go more places and do it faster than on my 26 inch bike which is a Stumpjumper. It even climbs as good as the stumpjumper and is fast enough to help me to maintain momentum better. I would advise that you build one yourself, the off the shelf stuff isnt nice enough to get your bike where you need it to be weight wise, Mine came in at 24.4 lbs and really feels quick to me. The comments about the tight stuff do not wash for me. The 29er is different, not worse. Just lean it into the turns more like a motorcycle and it will snap around those corners. Also dont forget to lower your tire pressure. We are now running 32-34 with great results, no flats, good speed and terrific traction. I'll vote 29er, but realize that I dont ride like some of you youngsters out there.
WINNER: 29er
big wheels keep on turn'in
WINNER: 29er
Ride both, 29"er is the b@lls especially for a SS.
WINNER: 29er
Ok, If you havent noticed already. People that only ride XC love 29ers, which is fine. However, with a 26 in wheel i can ride my 40 pound norco shore up a hill for over two hours, and then haul ass downhill. I would love to see someone try and ride at the red bull rampage with 29 in wheels. That would be some classic shit. If anyone has actually done a +10 ft drop on a 29er, i would like to know, but i think that the spokes would just snap.
WINNER: 26
depends on the trail..one size does not fit all.
WINNER: Tie
After years of using the 26" wheeled bikes, I switched to 29" wheels in 2003. For my type of riding on every trail I have encountered, the 29" wheels win hands down over the smaller wheels.
WINNER: 29er
29ers definetly rule. I have a nice jekyl that i have had for a few years, i built up a karate monkey 29er. i can't put a leg over the 26 any more. i am on the hunt for a full suspension 29er and will probably be ordering a titus racer x with 29 inch wheels.
WINNER: 29er
For non-technical trails my 29er wins handsdown, fast, and very comfortable, even as a hardtail it still feels nice and soft on the back. However a 26" bike is good if you are in tight singletrack, other then that I'll take the 29er.
WINNER: 29er
Tried both, 29 inch feel heavier, on tight stuff and fire roads or rocks feel great, still i find them slow and hard to keep a fast pace, eventhough you advance more.
Why do all top xc pros still use 26???, because they�re quicker and more responsive.
WINNER: 26
29" rocks! I ride a 29" steel hardtail singlespeed! And I love it:)
WINNER: 29er
26, 29 well 29 would make for slower excelleration, but would make the rock garden easier, both have pros and cons. depends on the rider.
WINNER: Tie
29er all the way! Please Gary, just sell some tougher and cheaper ones!
WINNER: 29er
Take a 29er into tight singletrack and see what happens. It's basic physics. Why do you think rally cars have small tires and funny fuel cars have larger diameter tires? Small=maneuverable, big means less technical capability. If you ride fire roads or the hard pack, 12' wide trails in Marin where the pot smokin creator of this waste of space product is from, great, they'll work. Come out here to the east coast, with the wet rocks, loamy terrain and see how many 29" bikes you see. I've seen them........on the rack at the shop, collecting dust.
WINNER: 26
Who cares just get out and ride. I own both, they both be surlys and they be fine rigs. I don't run suspension and i don't intend to. I think we need to quit comparing and just have fun riding.......
WINNER: Tie
In a relatively short time I've progressed from my first "cheapo"
bike, bought to go coast to coast as a one off charity ride, to near
bike addiction fueled by my constant amazement at how much fun I get
out of my "Gary" Ex-Caliber 29er. I arrived at this point via an
upgrade to a s/h "Gary" Pirahna rigid 26" and Specialised Rock Hopper
rigid 26" both of which served me well and got me hooked.
The initial change to the 29er (the Pirahna experience had convinced
me "Gary" was the way to go) was fraught with self (and financial
wisdom)doubt as the "take off" I'd been able to achieve most recently
on the "spesh" didn't appear to be available and I spent most of my
ride time at near exhaustion with apparently little to show for it.
I might have given up on it, had I not got around to fitting a
computer ..... no wonder I was knackered .... I was flyin'.
I'd been fighting the thing in all the wrong gears, as another
reviewer points out, however unlike him I didn't go for modifications
I simply dropped a couple of gears in most situations and just wound
it on and away we went.
I suddenly realised why so many of the poor reviews I'd read when
trying to decide on the 29er were based on the experience of one
short test ride and those who had stuck with it a bit longer were
raving about the whole experience.
I do a few road miles as well as tracks, trails and indeed XC with no
tracks or trails. Up and down the hills over the humps and
through the hollows, across the rivers and boggy mires, often riding
while others take their bike for a walk.
The only (slight) gripe is that I wish I'd gone for smaller than the
19" frame. I'm 5'11" and standing astride the bike on a nice level
road service, it affords me that vital clearance between crossbar
and fleshy bits, however given that I'm seldom on a nice level road
service if I've got to abort mission in a hurry (extreme uphill or
slow technical downhill) there is the potential for a degree of
unpleasantness !
But that's all, the only negative feature and hey ! ....
I've got three kids already.
Cheers !
Dave
off I'd enjoyed
WINNER: 29er
See Mark Howard's and Karate Monkey's reviews...They hit the nail smack on the head. If your idea of a bike ride is technical rocks, logs and roots, gut busting up challenging climbs, and rewarding yourself with downhills that demand bike handling skills, AND you are around 6' or over, 29er's will change your life for the better. Take it from someone who is older than dirt itself and would probably be looking for a little white ball on the edge of some golf course instead of smoking his teen-aged sons and their friends out their on the trails if it were not for a test ride on a 29'er. In a nut shell, its a better tool for larger, taller XC riders...its a matter of geometry and proportions. The bottom line is that if the long term relationship with your 26" XC bike ain't what it used to be, don't give up the sport, just try a different piece of equipment. The main goal is to keep the sport of mountain biking alive and well, and to keep it growing in a positive way. If all of us out there who are passionate about the sport fail to properly preach the gospel (this includes lots of work such as trail building/maintenance, proper respect for multi-use trails, etc.), then the growing popularity of the four-wheeler phenom is going to inherit a ready-made trail system. Think about it! it's all good...
WINNER: Tie
Been on a 29'er for almost 2 years....I would not go back. Definitely think they are great for taller folks. Certainly easier to roll over objects. Speedy up the uphills, no problems in tight corners. As for wheel strength, I have gone through a set of wheels...but I have never ridden a bike as aggressively as I have a 29'er.
Try it for a week before you cast judgement.
WINNER: 29er
the bigger would make it so I don't get thrown over the bars as much on rough desert single track. thats all victorville has is desert(located near barstow). Would be heavy though.
WINNER: 29er
I own a $6000 [ Can.],heckler with xtr,maverick ,ti bolt kit,bla bla.
I also own a $1500 Karate Monkey with a ridgid fork ,lets just say i have not used my heckler since!
I am afraid to say 29 inch wheels are the future!
WINNER: 29er
I'm 6'4" give me the big wheels. now.
WINNER: 29er
Like others have said- ride to decide, but for me the big meats say "take me out" every time.
WINNER: 29er
26'S, THATS HOW ALL MY HOMIES ROLL... IT'S CRAZY.
WINNER: 26
I can see the advantages of a 29er over a 26er on the rough stuff. 29ers just roll over the obstacles easier. I would think this would carry over to full suspension very well, with the trend towards 4", 5", and 6" travel trail bikes becoming ever more popular. The 26er has the advantage in the weight department, and in overall wheel strength. I can see where the 29er may be better suited to cross country racing on a hardtail, or even casual trail riding. Acceleration has to be factored in also, although I don't see the 26er as a big advantage here, it does make a difference on the trail when encountering obstacles and have to make adjustments to your line. The same can be said for racing, unless your out front, sooner or later you'll have to pas the slow markers and change your line at bottlenecks. Although I like the idea of the 29er, I'm going to stay with the 26er.
WINNER: 26
I AM 6'5 220 AND I TRIED THE 29'S AND LOVED THEM!!! I FELT MORE STABLE AND EASIER TO TAKE ON OBSTACLE'S.
WINNER: 29er
26 most deff!!! there are soo many more tires out there
WINNER: 26
Because I own 26's and I ride because its awesome..
WINNER: 26
I think 700cc makes good sense. On a personal level I have one bike, a 2001 26 inch Devinci. I race it, ride it and commute to work with it. I would love for it to be a two-niner however I don't want to part with it quite yet. For now I'm buying Mavic speedcity 700cc rims (disc hubs) and I will have a virtual 29 inch wheeled bike. It wouldn't be fully trail worthy but it will allow me to do a century, larger epics, and tours that would have been nasty on 26 inch wheels. Plus my Girlfriend is getting a 700cc hybrid and this way I can hopefully keep up with her ; 0
It's a pretty limited field for 29 inch stuff yet so I think it's best to wait. It's not that 26inch is unrideable.
WINNER: Tie
26 incher.... Good compromise between crisp acceleration and bump eating performance.
WINNER: 26
29 wheels have more rotational weight plus the inertia is greater so they will seem heavier than they really are. as well as the angle of spokes becomes less tangiel meanning that there is a need of running a greater spoke tension which means easier broken spokes.
WINNER: 26
Heres a thought, how about you guys get a life and buy a dirt-bike, cause they own mountain bikes all day long. People made motors for a reason you know. I dont wanna hear any crap about how you can go in the same places as a mountain bike, because you can go further, faster, and longer on a dirt-bike. Have a nice life and dont be retards :D
WINNER:
I have no plans to eat 29er dust like the 26ers do when I pass them on my Gary Fisher 293. And its fun to put a scare into the roadies with my slicks on. 700c Mountain Bikes rock.
WINNER: 29er
Once you've tried the "big ones" you won't settle for the "little ones" again. BIGGER IS BETTER!
WINNER: 29er
Generally I was alway a 29" supporter "by genes". Started originally with 700C trekking bikes, 3 years ago I layed hand on a nice Univega full-suspension trekking bike, which is still the best in its class but was subject to a dubious recall.
However I started to buy into mountainbikes, since than I have two Specialized Enduros (2002 comp and 2004 sworks), which I have found excellent on all the trails and have plenty of fun.
To tell the truth my sympathy would be always with 29" (I am 6'8" and 170lbs) both "optically" and functionally, but the industry still does not reward this huge market segment with quality forks and reasonable selection of tires. This was the main reason that I am currently having fun with my Specialized's on rough terrain. In my personal judgement still 3-4 years to go until 29" will finally be acknowledged both by the industry and the wider public. Until that point I am not going to compromise and stay with 26" and counting the days...
WINNER: Tie
@Warren (10 June):
With the present hub spacing standards, 29" is a much weaker wheel, unless spokes are added. I personally believe in 29" for DH, not hucking. In DH, soaking up obstacles is key, and bigger wheels go about that more efficient. Until someone makes a wide 800-900g rim, a 29" DH fork , 29x 2.6" tire and 29" DH frame, no-one will ever really know. For me, the rougher the terrain, the more reasons I find for my 29" wheels over 26".
WINNER: 29er
So why stop at 29 inches? Why not go for 33, or even 40 inch wheels. I mean bigger IS better, isn't it.
Why not go further, why not go back to the Penny/Farthing bikes. Huge wheels roll over everything, and anything, don't they.
Just think, with modern technology that old Boneshaker can be a modern marvel of unprecendented proportions. (Here is where all you interpid businessmen and venture captalists come in: to fund the developement and eventual production of the new Boneshaker Off Road Edition "BORE".) No charge for the idea, but you must agree to give me the first bike off the assembly line.
WINNER:
I love the way my 29er rolls so easy and is very stable. Who cares what other people pick - try 26 and 29 and go with what you like best. At 5'-8" I'm close to the limit on getting a good fit.
WINNER: 29er
I agree closely with Mike R (below), but it is not a clear cut issue.
I ride both 29" and 26" and I am definitely faster on most(70%) trails on the 29. However, the 26" is quicker turning and lower to the ground, and this is more important on most descents. The 29 loses it's ground when the going gets steeper (up or down) and the trails get tighter. I can see why Downhillers don't tend to like them though. When more products are availiable for 29's it will be interesting to have this poll again.
My feeling is this: for tight, steep, technical singletrack the 26" is the winner. For everything else the 29" wins.
WINNER: Tie
big wheels are faster for me. after riding a 29er for a year, i sold my 26" wheel bikes. they felt slow. no compromise for me in handling or acceleration. i love it.
WINNER: 29er
With 4 wins and 2 2nd place finishes this year I'll take my 29er to task with anyone's 26 on any terrain. My second place finishes were because I hadn't figured out the gearing. And this is the key to making this bike perform. For every revolution of the crank you move 11% further than on a 26 with the same gearing. To compensate for this go to a 42, 30, 20 chain ring set on the crank. Now the bike pedals and accelerates like a 26 but gives you all the advantages a 29er offers. This 29er is more competent and capable than any 26 I've ever ridden. I've never felt it was a disadvantage in any technical but a major, major advantage. If you need the steeting quicker shorten the stem or narrow the bars. I've never been on a better race bike. I climb better, I decend better, on the flats and in sprints there's nothing faster and in the technical, they're pushing while I'm rolling and most of all ther're spending precious energy that I'm not. Bring on someone riding a 26 anytime, it's the other 29er's I fear.
By the way for you 29er's that want to see what smaller chainrings chainrings can do, contact Dave Smith at Speeddream Wheels. He also makes a sweat set of 29er wheels.
WINNER: 29er
You really have to laugh at some of the comments here from the 26" diehards! Ride to decide.
WINNER: 29er
I am 6 foot 6 and use a 27 inch frame with and extra long seat post.
With 26 inch wheels, it looks like I am riding a bmx.
WINNER: 29er
I had a Strong racing frame made for me back in 1998 and rode 42's on 29 inch wheels in the winter and road tires and drop bar's in the summer. My bike was stolen just a week ago and I've been riding a borrowed mountaian bike with 26 inch wheels and I have one thing to say.Man,I want my bike back.
WINNER: 29er
26- what about the 24" rear wheel? I think that would be a better match up. I am sure a 29" wheel has it's advantages on certain terrain. However, for DH and Freeride applications, I would rather have the 26", maybe for an ultra long cross country ride I would rock the 29".
WINNER: 26
The 26"wheels have the big wheels beat in the tight tecnical stuff, but as the trails open up the big wheels have a distinct adventage. My only issue with the big wheels is trying to find good rubber.
Keep the rubber on the road
WINNER: 29er
I've ridden both. Uphill, downhill, flats, sand, mud, gravel, over roots and rocks...29er is the only way to go. will you please just try one???
WINNER: 29er
For people who haven't ridden a 29" on a regular basis PLEASE
don't pass judgement on something you have NO experience on !!!
I own both 26" and 29" wheeled bikes. For open country XC riding the 29" rules. For technical stuff I would stick w/the 26" wheeled bike.
So in a nutshell you have different tools for different tasks.
My advice is to have one of both and enjoy the advantages of both !!!
WINNER: Tie
u people stop makin' fun,. what the f$%.
WINNER: 26
You've got no options with the 29er but it rides great.
WINNER: Tie
Lets see, I want a wheel that is heavier, doesn't excellerate as fast, isn't as durable, handles slower, has limited tire and suspension options, and looks like a mutant road bike. I think you and I both know who the winner is.
WINNER: 26
with the 29' wheels you can't compete in competitions.
On the other hand the 29' wheels is beeger and socks the absorvers better.
at the end I will go for the 26' because thier lighter too.
WINNER: 26
To tall for the masses
WINNER: 26
It's too early to tell, I'm content with 26", but ask again in 5 years.
WINNER: 26
29?? forget it, let's do 32's!!!!! and 48 gears!! and shifting by thought!!
Inovation is one thing, coming out with something new just to be unique or make people buy something new when what's out there is working is just LAME!
But what do I know?!?
WINNER: 26
If the motocross bikes aren't using 29ers, then it must be a fad that will pass with time. 26 on the front and 24 on the back is where it's at! How about a 29er on the back and a 24 on the front? Wouldn't that be a Stingray?
WINNER: 26
fashion trend like your riser bars
WINNER: 26
Being a taller rider requires bigger equipment. For the most part, it is all weight penalty with no mechanical advantage. 29" wheels bring the second component of mechanical advantage to larger size. The first was 175mm cranks. Why use 175mm cranks, don't they weigh more? A little bit, yes, but the increase in leverage is worth the few extra grams if your tibia length supports it. But here's the REAL ticket. If you're just using 175mm cranks with 26" wheels, you're only getting part of the mechanical advantage out of them. The real advantage of longer crank arms is that it makes it easier to drive larger wheels. And there's your mechanical advantage compensation for the extra size/weight of the components. It's the best way to even the playing field for larger riders. The nexus between crank length and wheel diameter is central to understanding why 29" wheels might be better, and who would benefit from using them: if you need 175mm cranks, you should be riding 29" wheels. If you ride 170mm cranks, the theoretical advantage of 29" wheels is reduced. 26" wheels actually look funny on frames over 19", so visual balance is a rough guide. Eventually, manufacturers will put 29" wheels on all XC frames that are bigger than 19"...scale it to the rider...175mm cranks imply 29" wheels.
WINNER: Tie
29er's are for tall people, but like everything else made for abnormal people, it looks funny.
WINNER: 26
Okay, I admit I have never tried a Fisher 29'er so maybe I should reserve judgement.
But I can't see it for my riding purposes. Heck, I'm thinking of putting a 24 on the back for better wheelies.
WINNER: 26
Here's how I see it. I have 2-geared full full suspension 26ers, a Soulcraft 26er SS and a Soulcraft 29er SS. Back in the early 90s a great wheel builder told me that 26" mountain bikes were a big mistake. Now some 12 years later I'm on a 29er and understand where he was coming from. I do have great fun on my 26ers but the 29er just helps me do things I can't do on my 26" bikes. It's true that a 26er is quicker out of the hole and can be flicked a bit quicker when a surprise pops up on the trail. Ask yourself, "how often at a race or on a ride do I need to to accelerate quickly right out of the hole?" Once a 29er is rolling it is as quick to accelerate as a 26er, so attacking to pass or break away is no problem. Manuvering in tight technical sections is not more difficult, it's just different with a 29er. Since it isn't as nibble, you just roll over most of the stuff you have to steer clear of on a 26er. Everything looks smaller when aboard a 29er, so rocks and ruts are just easier to deal with.
Acceleration out of the hole...26er
Acceleration once rolling...Tie
Traction...29er
Momentum...29er
Quick steering in very tight sections...26er
Climbing traction...29er
Technical climbing and decending...29er
Maintaining speed on the flats...29er
Coasting... 29er
Weight...26er (when comparing apples to apples 26er is about 1.5 lbs lighter).
Larger riders (If you are over about 5-10)...29er (See Gary Fishers web page for a simple example).
I only have two grips about owning a 29er. First, Suspention fork selection is very limited. "Wake-up Fox & Manitou!" Secondly, I don't get to ride it enough since my friends always want to swap bikes on our rides.
WINNER: 29er
do
WINNER: 29er
My Voodoo Dambala 29er is juicier than bitch teets. It turns my fat ass into a climbing machine. The Reynolds 853 gives a smooth ride with minimal flex. IRC Mythos 2.1 tires are the way for Big Wheelers. The 29" Bomber has about 75mm travel, but the larger wheel diameter makes it feel like much more. Altogether a blast to ride.
The old adage "its not the size, its how you use it" applies here, I say tie.
WINNER: Tie
i RIDE INCH WHEELS
WINNER: 29er
no contest, much faster, smoother. even the supposed big negative of being heavy and sluggish on slow, steep, twisty climbs isn't an issue cause it's offset by the better traction. i wish all my bikes were 29"
WINNER: 29er
Both have pro's and cons. 29'er roll better and faster, but wheels are so large it's hard to get a good, compact, lite, well handling bike.
26'ers accelerate better, having smaller wheels and less unsprung weight (wheels) makes it easier to get good suspension and easier to design a compact frame that handles well. It's currently much harder to get quality aftermarket components, and the selection is limited.
Some people site road bikes as an example of the efficiency of a 29" wheel but most of the efficiency gain on a road bike is because of a more areodynamic seating position, hunched over the bars.
In the end it all depends on what you are doing with the bike.
WINNER: Tie
29 is da shit
WINNER: 29er
I like the 29 ridgids, what an awesome ride, never felt more sure footed as I do on my 29's. Just incredable. And their fast.
WINNER: 29er
Over here only 26" tyres are allowed in XC races. Yea 29ers can roll over things better but aceleration and turning is slower and less responsive. 26 all the way
WINNER: 26
I've never gone faster, easier, with less physical demand than I have on the 29er. I don't care if your 5'5" or 6'3"(which I am), there is just not a 26 that can compete with a 29er over varied terrain. My girlfriend is a convert and she's never rode better. Neither of us will be back on a 26. In my races no one understandsthat my secret wepon is my 29er. When everyone get's one, then I'll be in trouble.
Warning if you like to wheelie and into freestyle stay on your 26". If you want to go faster in XC over better deal with whatever comes at you get a 29er.
WINNER: 29er
Since i've been using my new Gary Fisher X-caliber every 26" bike feels like a kid's bike to me. Big wheels keep on turnin'!
WINNER: 29er
My Chamelion 26" is easier to pull into a wheelie. My Cook brothers 29" single speed is easier to ride a wheelie on. They both rock. The best solution is clearly to buy one of each. Oh, one more thing. A 26" wheel built with Paul hubs and Rhyno lites is stronger than a 29" wheel built with Paul hubs and Rhyno lites.
WINNER: Tie
i love them both, but they are on completly opposite sides of the spectrum, the 26's are quick and excellent for tight stuff as well as your average to small sized rider, As for 29 they are amazing, especially if u are an ogre like myself, they fit bigger riders great, and if u have anykind of skill there isnt anthing that they are truly slower than 26's, 29er's all the way
WINNER: 29er
I tried a friends 29er, wasn't sure what I thought of it. It felt different and floppy at low speeds. I am used to a specialized FSR. Well I got a big tax return and said what the hell and bought a hardtail. If you start doing the math these things don't make sense, but you really have to try it for an extended period to understand. The faster you go, the better these feel. I actually think my hardtail 29 is easier to go fast on then my full suspension bike.
Don't be counting grams when you try one of these. Take a good fast course and roll it. It doesn't have to be smooth, just one where you can keep your cadence up. I think it will surprise you (positively).
WINNER: 29er
There are things the 26" format is better for like trials moves and dirt jumping. But for all around fun the 29" wheels kicks booty. They roll much better, grip like crazy w/ their bigger tire contact patch (braking, accelerating, climbing, and corning), and the big wheels give the bike tons of stability and confidence. I think this last point is a consequence of the higher axels of the big wheels. W/ the bike suspended further up by the higher axels the rider's center of mass is situated in a more stable location relative to the axels. It's kind of like a tightly strung hammock (26er) vs. a low hanging hammock (29er). The rider's mass rides lower "in" the bike as opposed to on top of it. This makes it much easier to stay in the sweet spot between the wheels and carve turns like crazy, climb w/o fighting wheelies, and descend steeps w/o doing nose wheelie endos. It truely makes a big difference.
For this exact same reason the 26er is better for trials moves where you want to get up on the back wheel or nose wheelie. General hopping around is easier on a 26er. But for the majority of a ride the 29er rules. It's just more fun. Save one of your 26ers for playing around on trialsy terrain but get a 29er for all around fun. And by the way, you can do trials manouvers on a 29er, its just not the bike's forte. For the average rider and especially for the >6' tall crowd the 29er should be the go-to bike.
WINNER: 29er
I've owned and ridden both. It isn't even a contest to me. I'm 6' tall and will never go back to a 26in. bike. 29ers rule!
WINNER: 29er
Why do the ultra-technical wizards (trials riders) use 24" wheels or LESS to do their amazing pallet-stack climbs, etc.? I've watched many demos by these lunatics and if a rider attempts to do the same stuff using a "real" mountain bike (26") he's just showing off. I personally have a converted Trek 24" kid's bike that I use to practice my bunny-hopping, stoppies, wheelies and other nonsense and it is MUCH easier to do these tricks on this little toy. I ride road on your usual 700c bike and it does roll well, but I couldn't do a wheelie on it for my life (well, maybe 2 seconds). I'd love to have a 29er to add to my collection (six bikes as of this week) and it would probably be outstanding IN SOME SITUATIONS but not all. My wife always wondered why I had 4 or 5 different hammers, too. Gotta have the right tool for the job!
WINNER: Tie
im short so 26 for me
WINNER: 26
A bunch of my friends are heavy into 29er singlespeeds, and they were always trying to convert me. I resisted the best I could, but in the end it was to no avail. I ended up riding a Surly Karate Monkey for 40 miles on the trail on the 4th of July. It was so extremely fast and rolled over everything like a champ. Now I'm a 29er singlespeed geek, and I'm even going to be racing the SS category in this year's Mountain States Cup on my custom Ti 29er.
WINNER: 29er
rode one four hours liked everything about it (fisher29)smoother,faster,climbs much beter than my 26. no contest.
WINNER: 29er
for me 26". i think the 29" are great if you are overly tall they "shrink" the bike size to fit you a bit. but they sacrifice some quickness especially in the turns.
WINNER: 26
I used a 29er for a year, and I felt that the technology needs to come along in the wheels and forks, they are just too flexy. Also they are a little slower to accelerate and turn, but they are faster and roll over things better. In the end, I think in a couple years I will try a 29er again and see if they got it right yet, till then, me and my klein palomino will stay together.
WINNER: Tie
I used a 29er for a year, and I felt that the technology needs to come along in the wheels and forks, they are just too flexy. Also they are a little slower to accelerate and turn, but they are faster and roll over things better. In the end, I think in a couple years I will try a 29er again and see if they got it right yet, till then, me and my klein palomino will stay together.
WINNER: Tie
i'm 6'3. 180lbs. I had a chance to test ride the GF sugar 29 yesterday. wish I was a poety to put into words how comfortable the ride was. Finally a large frame for large guys....
WINNER: 29er
Although I have never ridden a 29er, I would think that it would be a more appropriate choice for someone of my stature (6'4", 230#).
WINNER: 29er
Give the 29" to the tall guys, and give the 26" the short & medium guys.
WINNER: Tie
ok if your riding on wide open straight trails the 29 inch wheels are fine, but if your riding in single trac then 26 is the way to go they handel better through tight. plus drops and bridges are eaiser on 26 inch wheels. if its that much easier to roll over stuff then why do some dh ryders run 24 inch rear wheels or why dont they run 29s.
WINNER: 26
I've been a "Roadie" for as long as I can remember. My first experience with mountain biking came about 4 months ago when a friend asked me to cross-train with him on some single track. I first tried the Fisher Cake 2 and had fun.... But once I got on the Fisher 293, my world changed forever! What a GREAT bike! The 29's handled better, rolled over the "baby-head" rocks like they were pebals and the rear suspension kept me hooked up and fluid-smooth! I bought the bike the next day and on my first group ride, (all with very experienced riders and only my second time on a mountain bike) I had no trouble keeping up with them. As a matter of fact, most of the guys had a hard time keeping on my wheel! Was it my skill? No way! The 29 just made me a better rider than I would have been on the 26. Starting from square one like I did and making an honest comparison of the two, I wonder what the debate is all about..... The 29's are WAY BETTER and WAY FASTER! Now when I ride, I feel sorry for the guys that just bought new 26 inch bikes they will tied to for a long time. Get with it, 29's are the future now!
WINNER: 29er
26 in i think are better i'm a bigger rider and with more area comes less strength. i've been riding 26in forever and wouldn't change without a good reason they have never failed me. i would be open minded though and would try a 29in wheel to see the true differances.
WINNER: 26
29er's are an exagerrated versions of bike! 26" rules.
WINNER: 26
The 29" wheels don't make for a bigger bike, in fact some 26" bikes have a higher standover height. I am 6'7" and shopped long and hard. I went with a fisher cake 3 dlx with 26" wheels. I found the frame sizing was more important than the wheel sizing. The 229 was the other fisher I was looking at.
WINNER: 26
The 29" wheels don't make for a bigger bike, in fact some 26" bikes have a higher standover height. I am 6'7" and shopped long and hard. I went with a fisher cake 3 dlx with 26" wheels. I found the frame sizing was more important than the wheel sizing. The 229 was the other fisher I was looking at.
WINNER: 26
I had been riding a hardtail and was looking to upgrade to a full suspention. The local bike shops were sponsoring a Fisher - Trek demo days. I had read about the 29ers so I decides to try one. I tried the 292 first. when I first got on the bike it felt a little weird. After I got on the trail I was really amazed at how well the bike performed. I rode the bike over some of the more technical trails and had for the most part decided I had to have one of these. But I wanted to try one of the 26 inch full suspention first. I rode the sugar 2 next. It was deffiently a better bike than my hard tail but the 292 was by far my first choice. I bought a 293 and have been very pleased. Everything you have read about the 29ers rolling over things and faster and easer is true. Before I bought this bike, I was struggling to keep up but now it's the other way around. I really enjoy this bike. It handles very well in the technical stuff. It accelerates up hills faster than the 26" hardtail I had. The full suspenstion really keeps the bike hooked up and moving through rocks, bumps and roots. The hardtail I had would bounch around and lose traction through that stuff. There were times I would get bounched off the trail and have hit trees with shoulder by doing so. I had hydrolic disc brakes installed and really love as well. They have more braking power and control. Especially when its wet and gritty. Sure the bike is a little heavier than a hardtail, but you have give up something to get something. The trade off is well worth it. I really love this bike. I can't say enough about it. If you a open mind, try one. I think you will have the same reaction.
WINNER: 29er
Twenty Nine is mighty fine and make mine a rigid.
WINNER: 29er
The 29er rolls over trailjunk so much better! Although the 26ers are more nimble, you need it to go around stuff on the trail, but with the 29er I found myself just plain rolling it straight on.
WINNER: 29er
It depends on what the rider likes or needs. A person who is 5' talls needs are differant from some one who is 6'6". You wouldn't want to ride a Cyclocross bike at a Red Bull Rampage.There's room for all.
WINNER: Tie
It's my 292 angainst Sugar 2 (upgraded with intelligent shocks). For the road: 292; for the trail: Sugar 2;
WINNER: Tie
My vote is definitely for the 29er. My husband brought one home for me to test ride last May so I took it out for a few rides. I was happy with my 26" and was pretty skeptical of a 29" mountain bike. After the first ride I was no longer skeptical. I rode faster and with much more confidence on the 29. After the 2nd ride I went home and ordered a 292. I have had the 292 for 10 months now and I have yet to take my 26" bike off the fluid trainer. I thought I would use my 26" in the more tight technical stuff, or for certain races, but I like the way the 29er handles in those environments as well. Also, I'm not sure why some people feel that the 29ers are only for taller or bigger riders......I'm 5'9"/137lbs and feel much more comfortable on the 29" bike. A friend of mine also has a 2003 292 and he refers to his other bike (a 26" Sugar 3) as his "slug" bike. I would have to agree with that assessment. A word of caution......don't demo a 29er if you don't want to spend money on a new bike.....you will never feel the same way about your 26" bike again! Just my 2cents.
WINNER: 29er
After reading through the other comments, it's clear that the majority of you that vote 26" have never ridden a 29er, and I'm sure you all said that the full suspensio