Stupid 29er Discussions
October 21st, 2005 by Tim GrahlThe more discussions I hear and read on the 29er, the more I realize people just like to hear themselves talk whether they know the subject material or not.
A comment I read the other day:
“I got a chance to ride a 29 inch wheeled bike the other day. It made it a little easier to go over obstacles, however I like speed on a bike and a 29 inch wheeled bike just doesn’t hold speed as well and since I like to go fast I will have to stick with my 26 inch bike. - Brad”
Obviously doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
While it’s true you lose some acceleration with 29 inch wheels (about 2%), you gain a whole lot in roll resistance (about 10%) over 26ers. This means that while it’ll take slightly longer to get up to speed, you will maintain that speed for much longer then with 26 inch wheels.
The normal obstacles on trails, whether big or small, won’t have such a large impact because you’ll roll over them easier, therefore maintaining a higher rate of speed.
How about you spend more then ten minutes on a 29er before you make a judgement call next time Brad.
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Nice piece.
I once did a very rough calculation, and the 2% acceleration vs 10% rolling resistance actually hit break/even pretty much instantly. Once rolling, you’re not acceleration hard enough to be bothered by the 2%, as the 10% rolling resistance you saved already surpases it.
Okay, I’m the tallest and heaviest rider in most races I take part in, but I often loose out on the first maybe 3metres off the starting line, but can relatively easily take the lead in the first corner.
Last saturday I was on the full left, first corner was to the right. I cut the corner really wide, sharp along the apex and on the exit had overtaken 2 or 3 riders struggling to keep the corner, taking the lead right there.
It’s amazing how people, especially in cycling, simply don’t seem to have a clue.
I totally agree with you. The first time I rode my 29er, I felt a little slower, but once I rode it more and got used to it, I was blazing through and over everything. It really does hold speed better, and I don’t think you will ever find me on another 26 in mountain bike.
I think it’s fine that some racer folk question the superiority of 29ers and want to stay on thier 26 inch bikes. Let ‘em keep ‘em. We’ll see which is faster at the finish line.
I’m a 29er fan myself, but oh my God, I feel like I’m listening to the triathlon crowd debate 650 vs. 700 all over again… yawn.
One time I got into a fight, and a hockey game broke out…