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sspomer
11/21/2017 8:20am
11/21/2017 8:20am
Edited Date/Time
11/22/2017 7:39am
Really? 29er DH talk already? Of course, what else are we going to talk about until Croatia?
Minnaar has found his bike. He's a 29er dude for sure.
Loris went back to 27.5.
Jack Moir seems sold on the wagon wheels.
Danny on his Mondraker and the Commencal crew went back to 27.5 mid-season (although had Remi stayed healthy, would he have remained?).
#eddiewouldgo rode big wheels.
When Gee was healthy he was on big wheels
Junior World Champs were won on a 29er.
With plenty of time for development and training, do you think we'll see more big wheels racing this season? If we do, will results be impacted?
{poll:319}
and here's a fun photo from fontana this past weekend. cole picchittino's bontrager 29er rims w/ writing on them. looks like #'s on non-drive-side spokes and some other hieroglyphics. but we all know trek is down for the big hoops.
What would the overall look like if Minaar didn't encounter his slew of mechanicals?
This points us to the age old debate of 29er wheels and tires that can stand up to dh. Would his bike have held together w 650 b? This topic could certainly change the trajectory of the 2018 season.
I wouldn't be surprised either if all this sorts itself out the way it has on the EWS, with some riders preferring one over the other but neither having a sustained or distinct advantage. But with the more limited number of variables to a DH track/race run this might not hold true across both disciplines. 5 months to go.....
As an aside, i have just arrived in 2018 with a brand new boost equipped, 27.5 (almost plus sized 2.6 tyres) enduro bike. The most positive thing I can say is that it pedals brilliantly and the rear suspension is on another level compared to my old bike.
As for the wheels, they are bigger and heavier and roll well but I actually prefer my more nimble 26" wheels when I get into the rocks. I can only imagine the difference between 27 and 29 DH wheels and tyres must be a similar experience - potentially faster but definitely less nimble and fun.
This is why a steel 26er hard tail frame is on its way to me right now.
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