29ers

Hey Matthew- I am new to this site but a long timer on MTBR- I just lurked here for awhile!

I started about 25 years ago on 26" full rigids, went to 26" front susp for a long time and many bikes/suspension lengths. Then I raced a carbon softail (rear susp of 1", no linkage-it just flexed chainstays) and stepped up to a full suspension 26. I got bit by the single speed bug on a 26 and then bought a 29 inch SS with 80mm fork in front. I have also rode 29 inch Full suspension for a while too-but it was too heavy at the time and lighter bikes were astronomical in price!

I have always kept the 29 SS and here is the facts and feel. Fact is, a 29 inch tire will roll over small rocks, roots and bumps better and smoother than a 26. Some people say it is not true. It is backed with science though, so maybe those folks who still deny believe the Sun revolves around a flat Earth too.

Feel wise- I can back it up. Some say a 29 accelerates a little slower and by physics- it should. Although I saw a dude do the math and a light 29 rear wheel accelerates faster than a heavy 26 wheel on paper. Another thing is turn in. When 29 inch bikes first came out, most did turn kind of lazily. However- the bike engineers on most of the brands have adjusted frame and suspension fork geometry to help with this. In fact, Gary fisher G2 geometry really was supposed to help. I will say if you ride a 29 like you rode a 26- you will definitely have trouble with steering. You need to change your technique a little just as you would if you rode a rigid, front or dual suspension bike-no matter what size.


My 29 SS has won some races against geared 26 bikes and I have had more than one person marvel at my prowess in the turns. But that is my technique and specialty. I never could jump so I will take at least one good skill!

With a 29'r- I like front suspension only. rigid is just too much for me, but a rigid 29 does soak up the small bumps much better than a 26 rigid. A fatter tire that has more air volume with a rim using quality double butted stainless steel spokes can mimic having one inch of suspension. I know I probably gave you more than you were looking for-but there is no real clear cut answer. Some people like apples and some don't. But you never know until you try!

I would suggest test riding one first. Check with your local bike shop if they have a demo program. I own a 2010 Diamondback Overdrive Pro model and for my "type" of riding I think it's terrific! Of course your opinion of the handling of the bike and the terrain you ride will dictate if a 29R is right for you. I should mention that I was skeptical of 29Rs a few years back, but like many others after riding one I was hooked!

Hi Matthew, I've been riding a Pivot 429er and am absolutely loving it. From being a 29er sceptic I had a chance to ride one and was really impressed but he way the DW link delivered the travel. It climbs really well and descends really well too! Its seems the Pivot guys have really got the geometry and link set up dialled. I guess this has come from their experience with the 5.7
Granted its a little slower to wind up than a 26 but not so much that you would suffer but once you get those big rims rolling it really soaks up the ground, small bumps are negligible and i've been amazed at the grade of technicality the 429er has been able to swallow.
I bought mine after a demo from a place near my home in Scotland www.flyingfoxbikes.com They did have a Transition Bandit 29er in too but personally I preferred the Pivot because of the DW Link.
Would strongly suggest you look at some of the non main stream brands like these ones as (in my experience) the service and after sales has been a million times better than i've found when i've bought "mainstream"

Happy hunting