Editor’s Note: In many ways, this represents a “big deal” in terms of these year end lists as this was something voted on by you, the readers of Twenty Nine Inches. It was a tight battle in the voting for three 29″er related products amongst the several nominated, but in the end, one squeaked out the win. I am going to list the three products with a bit of commentary on my part.

Keep in mind that the products had to be available in the period from November ’08 through November ’09. Although I insisted that the products had to be badged as ’09 product, you readers ignored that and voted for stuff badged as 2010 product anyway. Seeing as how “model years” are beginning to mean less and less, I capitulated and allowed the products as long as they were available at retail during the specified time period.

Votes were counted by me and my decision is final. That said, let’s get on with this………….

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Number 3: The Gary Fisher Bikes Superfly 100: Well, in terms of complete bicycles this one ran away with the voting. No other complete bike mentioned by readers came close. The Superfly 100 was a mid-season introduction that not only took Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski to two National Championships, but it also became a much coveted rig late in 2009 by weight-weenies and 29″er enthusiasts alike. For this full suspension rig to rival the weights of their 26 inch brothers is amazing. That this bike is such a stunning improvement over the previous HiFi platform is even more amazing. Add to this that the frame is made in the U.S.A. of OCLV carbon and it is icing on a pretty tasty, very fast cake. The Gary Fisher Superfly 100 grabs #3 on the Reader’s Choice list for 2009.

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Number 2: Niner Bikes Carbon Fork: The long awaited carbon fork from Niner Bikes hit the trail in 2009 to rave reviews from most riders. (Pictured above is a prototype from 2008 Interbike) With its technology borrowed from road bikes the continuous carbon fiber strands dictated the final, striking shape of the fork. Of course it is a durable unit, but it also undercuts all other carbon fiber forks for 29″ers in weight as well. Added to this is the more mainstream fork geometry adapted for this fork, which was a departure from what Niner Bikes had previously used, and you can see why this fork was such a hit with Twenty Nine Inches readership. The Niner Carbon Fork- Number 2 on the Reader’s Choice list for 2009.

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Number 1: Bontrager 29-3 Tires: These tires were a surprise contender for #1 and just eeked out the Niner Carbon fork in the voting. These tires, as I stated in my pick for them in the Top Ten List, are really two separate tire models being marketed under the same model name. So maybe it is a bit unfair, but there it is. The readers have spoken and they have deemed the Bontrager 29-3 tires as the Number 1 29″er related product of 2009.

Congratulations to the three winners in the voting. They are all certainly fantastic 29″er related products that only a mere three years ago were unimaginable to have in riders hands now. Thanks to all the riders and manufacturers that have pushed the envelope of 29″er technology this far. Here’s hoping for more in 2010! Finally, thank you readers for voting and especially for reading Twenty Nine Inches. Here is to a New Year full of big wheel riding and big time smiles!