Bikes We Carry
Niner R.I.P. 9
Niner Bikes
The 29er has many pros and not as many cons. Most of the cons of the 29er are misconceptions or can be addressed with proper geometry and wheel/tire choice. The Pros are as follows:
1.
More stability. 29ers have more gyroscopic effect than their 26” wheeled little brothers, keeping the bike stable at speeds. In addition, the rider on a 29ers wheel bike has a lower center of gravity in relationship to the wheel’s axle. (The bottom bracket is lower than the axels.) Think of it as riding “in” the bike, instead of on top of the bike.
More stability. 29ers have more gyroscopic effect than their 26” wheeled little brothers, keeping the bike stable at speeds. In addition, the rider on a 29ers wheel bike has a lower center of gravity in relationship to the wheel’s axle. (The bottom bracket is lower than the axels.) Think of it as riding “in” the bike, instead of on top of the bike. 2.Better grip. The contact patch of the 29ers wheel is larger and therefore puts more of the tread on the ground which increases traction. This combined with the added stability of the gyroscopic effect means that you can lean into a corner and just hold on for the ride. As you learn to trust the 29er in the corners, you’ll be amazed at how far over the bike can lean and maintain traction.
Better grip. The contact patch of the 29ers wheel is larger and therefore puts more of the tread on the ground which increases traction. This combined with the added stability of the gyroscopic effect means that you can lean into a corner and just hold on for the ride. As you learn to trust the 29er in the corners, you’ll be amazed at how far over the bike can lean and maintain traction. 3.Faster, more controlled descending. The larger the tire, the more the bike will float above the terrain instead of getting stuck down in the terrain. Think of it like a monster truck being able to get up and over the top of cars with those huge honking wheels as opposed to a skateboard wheel that locks up on a small rock (this is an extreme example, obviously). The 29er wheel just doesn’t get caught in the ruts of technical terrain.
Faster, more controlled descending. The larger the tire, the more the bike will float above the terrain instead of getting stuck down in the terrain. Think of it like a monster truck being able to get up and over the top of cars with those huge honking wheels as opposed to a skateboard wheel that locks up on a small rock (this is an extreme example, obviously). The 29er wheel just doesn’t get caught in the ruts of technical terrain.4.Added comfort. The 29er allows for more compliance, damping the terrain and adding more comfort to the ride.
Added comfort. The 29er allows for more compliance, damping the terrain and adding more comfort to the ride. 5.Because of all of the above traits, 29ers simply have more control than their 26” brethren do.
Because of all of the above traits, 29ers simply have more control than their 26” brethren do. The cons are as follows (addressed as to their validity):
1.Added weight. The larger the wheel, the heavier it will be. This is true to an extent; however it depends on the wheel and tire choice used. Developers have greatly reduced the weight of 29er wheels and there are some extremely light tires out on the market. Frame weight difference between a 29er bike and a 26” wheel bike is nominal. Although, a heavier wheel while rolling creates cytriphical force. A heavier wheel is more difficult to slow down than a lighter wheel; therefore a larger, heavier 29" wheels will take less energy keep at a certain speed than a lighter, smaller 26" wheel. This negates the added wieght of a 29" wheel in most cases.
Added weight. The larger the wheel, the heavier it will be. This is true to an extent; however it depends on the wheel and tire choice used. Developers have greatly reduced the weight of 29er wheels and there are some extremely light tires out on the market. Frame weight difference between a 29er bike and a 26” wheel bike is nominal. Although, a heavier wheel while rolling creates cytriphical force. A heavier wheel is more difficult to slow down than a lighter wheel; therefore a larger, heavier 29" wheels will take less energy keep at a certain speed than a lighter, smaller 26" wheel. This negates the added wieght of a 29" wheel in most cases.2.Slower acceleration. This is due in part to the above mentioned higher weight in the wheels. Lighter wheels and tires will help this, however, the larger the wheel, the harder it is to get up to speed if looked at scientifically. Many people have noticed this to be true on single speed starts, but they only notice in the first few pedal strokes. Once up to speed, the 29er maintains its momentum much better than a 26” wheel. On a geared bike, the difference is imperceptible.
Slower acceleration. This is due in part to the above mentioned higher weight in the wheels. Lighter wheels and tires will help this, however, the larger the wheel, the harder it is to get up to speed if looked at scientifically. Many people have noticed this to be true on single speed starts, but they only notice in the first few pedal strokes. Once up to speed, the 29er maintains its momentum much better than a 26” wheel. On a geared bike, the difference is imperceptible. 3.Slower handling. This is a misconception. Many of the early generation 29er mountain bikes just adopted the standard 26” wheel geometry and made it longer to fit the 29er, causing excessive wheelbase length, slack head tubes with bad fork trail, and high bottom bracket heights. Niner bikes geometry is designed around the 29er and is every bit as agile as a 26” wheel bike. Tight switchbacks and technical terrain are no problem on a 29er.
Slower handling. This is a misconception. Many of the early generation 29er mountain bikes just adopted the standard 26” wheel geometry and made it longer to fit the 29er, causing excessive wheelbase length, slack head tubes with bad fork trail, and high bottom bracket heights. Niner bikes geometry is designed around the 29er and is every bit as agile as a 26” wheel bike. Tight switchbacks and technical terrain are no problem on a 29er. by bicyclesportshop
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Bigger is Better
The 29er revolution is here
ChainLine Cycle knows better than anyone in town. We've got two full seasons behind us on 29ers. We know the myths and inaccurate info.
We talk from direct experiance because we ride them everyday!
