With the recent developments in longer travel 29″ers, big meaty tires, DH worthy forks for 29″ers, and a willingness of designers to experiment, we are starting to see the first inklings of serious 29 inch down hill efforts. Of course, a nod to the folks who did a lot of ground work must be made here. In my September missive on 29″er downhill rigs, I mention the work that went into the results we’re seeing today. You can also check out Niner Bikes WFO 9, and the WTB Dissent 2.5″er post, which all are pieces of the 29″er DH puzzle that is coming together now.

intense
Is the Intense 2951 prototype the next step in 29″er development that will ultimately affect all 29″ers?

Why 29 DH? Maybe the question should be asked, “Why do a 29″er DH rig?” It is a legitimate question, but whether you fall on one side of the fence or the other on the 29″er DH thing, what really matters is how this will all ultimately affect 29″ers over all. Make no mistake, this DH thing will change the 29″er landscape, no matter if it gets accepted or not. To make the leap to big hit, gravity driven wagon wheeling, components are being developed, and are already in place, that will affect how everyday trail riders on 29″ers will ride in the future. It will affect what they ride on. It will affect the performance of 29 inch wheels, forks, and frames. In my opinion, it will refine the 29 inch wheeled bikes in a good way.

You may not agree that a 29 inch wheeled bike will make a good, serious, race winning down hill bike, but there is no doubt that much is to be learned from the experiments on those big wheeled gravity sleds. Down hill racing, and the technology to do it well, will lead to technologies and ideas for those big wheelers that can be trickled down to full suspension rigs, tires, and forks that trail riders will use in the future on 29″ers.

And of course, the whole 29″er DH thing might just work out after all. Time will tell, and very soon, it would seem.