One of the main concerns for those who might be interested in trying a 29 inch wheeled bike is the lack of a test ride. There just are not many opportunities out there to swing a leg over a big wheeled rig and find out what the buzz is all about. While Gary Fisher has several models of 29 inch wheeled bikes available, not every rider has access to a Fisher dealer, and for that matter, not every Fisher dealer carries the big wheelers. What to do?

Well, unless you are a risk taker, and willing to plunge in headfirst with your cash for a rig without a test ride, you have little choice. That is about to start to change, thankfully! News is rumbling about a few new opportunities right on the horizon.

There has always been the Surly Karate Monkey, which a few enterprising shops carried. Now comes news of Kona, and their confirmed entry into the big wheeled scene. Kona’s single speed 26 inch wheeled bike, The Unit, is the jumping off point for this project. Tweaked to run with the 29 inch rubber, this as yet un-named model will also be single speed specific. Plans are to market Kona’s most excellent Project Two fork as a mate for this frame, also done up to fit 29 inch wheels. No word yet as to the availability of a complete bike, but I can’t imagine shops that are down with the biggie wheels not having a test sled built up to try. Another bit of good news comes from On One, the wonderful wankers from the Land of the Queen, who are in process of getting an Inbred 29 inch frame and fork available soon. High possibility of a complete bike offering here as well. On One is available here in the Colonies, so you may very well see some of these on a shop floor soon. Finally, Soma Fabrications is coming out with a frame and fork set to fit 29 inch wheels named Juice. This will be made from Reynolds 631 tubing, and be a “jack of all trades” set up, much like the Karate Monkey. Soma has been known to sell complete bikes, so who knows? At least all these offerings should be in the “Blue Collar” range at $400- $600 for frame/ fork combos.

Also, for those that may be inclined to spec out their own rig, if the price is right, there is a pretty solid rumor about that says Airbourne will be hitting up the cheap end of the scale with a sub $400 frame out of aluminum to fit your big 29 inch rubber into. Sweeet!

Look for more opportunities to check out the 29 inch wheeled bikes soon. Until then, don’t be afraid to go big! You won’t regret it!