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29er Bikes

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29er bikes are a rapidly growing segment of the mountain bike industry. Originally built in the backyards and garages of rabid mountain biking enthusiasts, these bikes are quickly becoming a mainstream alternative to the traditional mountain bike. They’ve become so popular that many of the industry’s biggest manufacturers have begun selling their own designs.

For most people, the differences between 29er bikes and standard mountain bikes will be hard to see. In fact, the only “real” difference is in the size of the wheels. A standard mountain bike uses 26 inch wheels, but as the name suggests, a 29er uses 29 inch wheels instead. The larger wheels give these bikes some advantages over other mountain bikes, but as with many other things, you give up some things in return.

Because of their larger wheel diameter, 29er bikes tend to have less rolling resistance than other mountain bike designs. As a general rule, the lower the rolling resistance the higher the pedaling efficiency, which equals less work for the rider. The larger wheels also tend to give a much smoother, more comfortable ride. And when the tires are kept at a slightly lower air pressure, these larger wheels provide a much higher degree of traction on both dirt and pavement. They also have another advantage over standard mountain bikes in that the larger wheels provide a great deal more shock absorption than do the standard 26 inch wheels. And of course it’s important to note that many people just think the larger wheels look cooler than the standard sizes.

Taller riders tend to gravitate towards the 29er bikes. The larger wheels naturally raise the frame higher off the ground, making them better suited to a taller rider without having to buy a larger frame. Many tall riders will simply buy the larger wheels and install them on an existing frame, provided that the frame can support 29 inch wheels.

There are, of course, some disadvantages to riding 29er bikes. One of the most often cited disadvantages has to do with weight. Larger wheels will always weigh more than smaller wheels, provided they’re made from the same materials. In an era when most manufacturers are trying to make their bikes as light as possible, 29er’s would seem to be a bad idea. Problems with suspension systems can also be significant when using larger wheels. A 29 inch wheel, when mounted to a standard shock absorbing front fork, will inevitably reduce the amount of possible travel in the shock. Many people note that the larger wheel means less shock absorption is needed, but this isn’t always the case, especially when riding aggressively.

Not sure whether you want to take the plunge into the world of 29er bikes? Keep in mind that they are not the end all, be all of mountain bikes. Like many other things in life, the right bike is the one that is most comfortable for you to ride. While these bikes are growing in popularity, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re for everybody.

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