36 Inch Wheels: The Next “Big Thing”?
February 14th, 2007 by Guitar Ted
As if 29 inch wheels were not enough, now there is a geared 36 inch wheeled mountain bike roaming the planet. The picture shows the new beast next to a Salsa El Mariachi 29″er for comparison. You can see these wheels are huge!
What would the reasoning be behind such a project? What would something like this be good for? Will anyone want or be able to ever buy such a beast? Twenty Nine Inches hopes to answer these questions and more. This coming weekend, I will take a closer look at this bike and it’s designers intents. Hopefully, I’ll even be able to throw a leg over this bike and give you some idea of what this bike is all about.
Look for an update on this bike next week!
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Man those are huge wheels! Definitely need to use gears on that
I’ve seen these 36” wheels on unicycles I was wondering how long it would be till someone made a bike with a set. They make 29″ look puny. I would guess the ride will be smooth as silk. Can’t wait to hear a ride report.
That is completely absurd. Naturally we’re 100% behind it.
-M
Absurd indeed. I’d like to know… can you even turn the wheel without having it knock you foot out of the pedal??
Dave
Ridiculous, I drink the Kool Aid every day for 29ers, but a 36″ wheeled bike is just not practical.
Guys, I know this might sound far fetched, but early ride reports are that there is no toe overlap and that it is manouverable and not at all sluggish. Of course, the front end geometry has alot to do with that. I am privy to the actual numbers, but I can not divulge them at this time.
Again, look for more ride info and perhaps detailed specs next week.
That is good that it does not have toe overlap, but what about knee overlap? Looks like it could hit your knees.
new problem . if someone gets the bright idea to use a 29″ rear and a 36″ front , could you call it a 69er ? the current makers of 26/29 wheeled bikes might complain . you would have to explain what type of 69er it is . 36 or 26 inch .
Or as it was pointed out on another thread on another forum - if you go with a 24″ or a 20″ rear wheel you could end up with a…..
….Penny-Farthing!
Yeah baby!
oliver: No “knee” overlap either.
It looks like the bike on the cover of Dirt Rag #126. I believe that she has the “motor” to spin a single speed.
it turns out this isnt the first legitimate 36″er bike. coker, the company responsible for the 36″ tire and the afforementioned 36″ unicycle also makes a 36″ cruiser bike called the coker monster cruiser, check it out at: http://www.bikemania.biz/Coker_Standard_Red_Monster_Cruiser_Bicycle_p/coker_monsterstandardred.htm Now thats a serious pimpin bike!
jbird: Yes, that is correct. However, this 36″er is a geared, mountian bike specific bicycle. The Cokers tires weigh 3 times the weight of this bikes tires and wouldn’t be half as nimble as this 36″er is.
Did I just use the word “nimble” and 36″er in the same sentence? You bet! Wait until Monday’s post for more!
yeah, that coker weights like 65 lbs! cant wait to read the review
Is there any more info on this 36″ bike?
Inhimwelive: Check http://www.milltowncycle.com and give them a call. You’ll probably speak to Ben Witt, the designer, since he usually answers the phone, but if not, ask for him. He can give you the lowdown on information regarding prices, spec, and geometry, if that’s what you are looking for.
a razor with 5 blades?
a cassette with 10 speeds?
36 inch wheels?
Oh, I have ridden a 36″er. . .
But on quick turns you have to be careful the front tire doesnt’ hit your ears. Plus, where i live, the state requires a license plate - and anything you have heard about the seat belts - forget it’ they are very comfy. The radio rocks - 6 disc changer in the trunk. But by far the best feature of the 36″er was the power windows- no other bike has em’ - nothing like putting down all the windows and feeling the wind and bugs in your teeth.
(Now back to your regularly scheduled blog.)
where is the cheapest place to buy these 36 inchers
What day is it, fellas?
Hi guys, I need two of these 36-inch wheels for a quad prototype I`m developing. Would any of you happen to know where I might get them? castillo_pons@hotmail.com