Editor’s Note: In our first installment, (which can be found here) , we had some reactions from two women, Michelle and Laurie, on 29″ers in general and on the Myka 29 from Specialized Bikes in particular. Here is Grannygear’s next installment with two new test riders. Let’s see what they have to say…..

Note: The test riders were contacted by Grannygear and offered the chance to try out the Myka. We tried to conduct test rides on familiar trails for each rider. Grannygear made any necessary fit adjustments or specific component switch requests to accommodate each rider. (Specific component swaps are noted) Each rider was given a Q&A form afterward to fill out for us.

Test Rider’s Observations on the Specialized Myka 29?er and on 29?ers in general: By Grannygear:Part II:

Our first tester for Part II is a rider by the name of Londy………

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Twenty Nine Inches: What is your background in cycling? Tell us about your level of experience….how long you have been riding, road VS. MTB, etc.

Londy: I’ve been riding road for a year and 9 months. I started mountain biking in January of this year, I love single tracks and downhills most of all.

TNI: What is your main interest in cycling now and in the future? Such as fitness, recreation, sport, racing, or as many as fit your situation.

Londy: I love cycling because it is always different from one ride to another. In mountain biking I always tell myself, expect the unexpected. It mentally prepares me for each ride, and brings awareness to my surroundings while riding. Someday in the future I will compete for fun, and have mountain biking in my career once I go into the physical therapy field.

TNI: What kind of bike are you riding now?

Londy: A 2010 (Specialized) Hardrock

TNI: Up to now, had you heard of a 29er mountain bike?

Londy: I heard about the 29er about over a year ago. I saw it in a video blog with Gary Fisher, and how he is all about the 29er.

TNI: Had you ever ridden one?

Londy: I had never ridden one, but always have been interested in testing one out.

TNI: What are your impressions of the bike? Did you notice anything different in the way the bike felt compared to your past experience? 29″ wheels lend a certain feel to a bike that is unique. List both good and bad impressions.

Londy: Since I heard about the 29er, I’ve heard different opinions on it; I did not know what to make of it. Once I got on the bike, my thoughts on people’s opinions were cleared out of my head. I felt as if I was ridding on a bigger frame but you’re not, since the wheels are bigger it does put you up higher than a regular 26” wheel. The rebound on the fork was smooth, and the tires were able to ride over difficult ruts and sand. Climbing was a lot easier compared to a regular mountain bike, I felt as I was able to cover more ground on the climb. There was not much on the bike that I would change other than the pedals. While on the single track, I felt my foot slipping off a couple of times. But other than that, I was satisfied with the rest of the components.

TNI: What do you think about the concept of women’s specific bikes? Is this a plus for you? Would you seek that out in your next purchase?

Londy: I am all for it!!!

TNI: Based on the brief ride you had on the 2011 Myka 29er, would you look at a 29er for your next mountain bike? If so, why and, if not, why not?

Londy: Yes, I loved how it felt while riding downhill and how I was able to change my riding style a little bit while riding on the single track,

Grannygear’s thoughts: At the top of the first long climb while Londy was riding the Myka, I had set up to grab some pics of Kendra and her. I asked her how she was feeling about the Myka. We had chosen a hot day in the middle of the afternoon to ride and the sun was beating on us. I was worried that she was not having a good time. But the answer to my question was a big smile and a “I love it!” statement from Londy. At 5’4”, she looked like the bike was built for her and I think, that if I had looked the other way, she would have happily taken it home for her very own.
Someday I expect to see this young lady on a new bike and I bet it will have big wheels and just maybe a big ‘S’ in the brand label.

Our next rider is named Kendra and here are her thoughts……………………

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TNI: What is your background in cycling? Tell us about your level of experience….how long you have been riding, road VS. MTB, etc.

Kendra: I started mountain biking about two years ago and knew little about it until then. I have been riding with more frequency for the past six months. Other than that I have little experience in cycling unless you want to count that it was my main form of recreation as a little kid. I currently don’t road ride except to occasionally cruise by the beach or through the local paseos.

TNI: What is your main interest in cycling now and in the future? Such as fitness, recreation, sport, racing, or as many as fit your situation.

Kendra: All of the above? Riding has replaced some gym time and is my favorite way to get the cardio in but it’s only a form of fitness because it’s fun for me. I like the people I have met through cycling. A few hours out riding is one of the best ways I can think of to kick the weekend off so at present recreation and sport. I did my first race two months ago and have participated in two more since. I love the challenge and freedom the sport provides. In the future I hope to develop better skills and do more races.

TNI: What kind of bike are you riding now?

Kendra: A Giant, Iguana

TNI: Up to now, had you heard of a 29er mountain bike?

Kendra: Yes. Have read about it in magazine articles and seen it out on the trails.

TNI: Had you ever ridden one?

Kendra: This was the first time.

TNI: What are your impressions of the bike? Did you notice anything different in the way the bike felt compared to your past experience? 29″ wheels lend a certain feel to a bike that is unique. List both good and bad impressions.

Kendra: It was great heading downhill on the single track. The Myka picked up more speed than my bike and was much smoother, which added to the fun factor. Even though I was going faster I felt safer and more in control. On the downside the 29er seemed to require more energy going on long stretches uphill.

TNI: What do you think about the concept of women’s specific bikes? Is this a plus for you? Would you seek that out in your next purchase?

Kendra: In this case I liked how the frame fit. As long as performance and fit are the focus and not color schemes it’s a good concept. After this, I would make a point of considering women’s specific bikes but would not limit my choices to them. Mostly I want the best bike in my price range for the type of riding I do.

TNI: Based on the brief ride you had on the 2011 Myka 29er, would you look at a 29er for your next mountain bike? If so, why and, if not, why not?

Kendra: This is something I’m going to look into as it was a lot of fun to ride. I do a lot of pedaling uphill so that would be the main concern before committing to the 29er.

Grannygear’s words: Following Kendra down a local trail, now loose and sketchy with the dry conditions of early summer in So Cal, it was obvious that she has some natural bike skills that will come in handy in the race scene. It was also obvious that the Myka was helping her along, and following her when she rode her own 26” bike on the same trails showed a lot more slipping and sliding in corners and off the rocks and sand. We were going just as fast, but it was more scary to watch her ride the smaller wheels.
As far as her comments on climbing…the Myka’s relatively inexpensive parts are working against it here as the heavier wheels were likely the cause of the uphill drag. However, often the ‘feeling’ of being slower uphill on a 29er is just that…a feeling, brought on by the gearing and rolling differences. A stopwatch can make that apparent. In either case, this bike would really perk up with lighter hoops just like any other 29er.

Look for more test rides coming soon. The Myka was supplied by Specialized at no cost. We are not being paid or bribed for this review/test. We will strive to give honest opinions and views throughout.