Comments on: Cycling News testing out more 29 inch bikes

By: Cloxxki

Cloxxki — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 18:31:53 +0000

I still don’t see that facts to back that up, but if my bike would indeed end up being proved slower to accelerate, I’ll gladly take that, as on my favorite super-twisty track, I still feel at a huge advantage. I can stay off the brakes AND off the pedals, but give 26″ers a really hard time to stay on my wheel. It’s like cheating, but fair, and my competition is sure my bike sucks, and won’t even give it a real go.

By: monk3y mike

monk3y mike — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 14:49:25 +0000

I find itr very entertaining that some folks are investing so much time and energy into this. Methinks that the industry is now seeing how much money could be made from 29ers, and is looking for a semi-scientific analysis to tout?

I agree though, that James’ review will likely snub the 29er as a performance-oriented machine. Maybe liken it to a big European car: Not fast off the line, but handles like it’s on rails and takes corners with authority!

By: harold

harold — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 12:56:30 +0000

Hopefully James will put enough time in on the 29′er to acclimate to it’s ride characteristics. From my experience it takes at least a few weeks of solid riding to become proficient on the big wheels. He sounds as if he’s coming into this a bit jaded and is clearly going to feel much more at home on the 26 inch bike. I’m excited to hear his final test results, but i won’t be surprised if he poos on the 29′er a bit. We’ll keep riding ours though, more efficient or not their simply more fun to ride.

By: The Monkey

The Monkey — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 12:52:13 +0000

Running identical angles and measurements is a huge mistake, and a total waste of a perfectly good custom high end frame IMHO.
As for the bike feeling sluggish, he should probably borrow my One 9.

By: Guitar Ted

Guitar Ted — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 04:17:52 +0000

There are several glaring problems with this whole thing starting with the statement “James Huang takes an in-depth look at the issue through an engineering lens to figure it out once and for all….” Gee James, thanks for figuring that out for me. I’m sure it’ll work out just right for my riding style on my terrain…….pffft!

Then there are the variables of human input, which aren’t addressed at all. Hrrumpph!

Have you taken a look at that head angle, trail figure, gearing, and chainstay length? How about those super flexy Bonty hoops they are running on the 29″er? Riiiigggght!

And he’s using heart rate and no power output data? …….snort!

Engineering lens? Better bust out the lens cleaner, James, things are looking rather murky already!