29'ers Rock

[trailsurfer]

It was interesting, making the transition from a 26'er Epic full suspension to the Willits 29'er hard tail.

1. The riding position on the Willits is superior for me. My wrists are weak from crashes, and the taller bar position is much more comfortable. I thought that would have the negative effect of hurting the climbs, but I had no front wheel lifting.

2. Even with 100mm of travel in the front, that big wheel is significant in the technical stuff, especially the rocks. On a downhill I rode yesterday, I easily cleaned it with the Willits, and always had issues with it on the Epic. A few times I thought "here we go", but the front wheel just rolled over the rock. No drama. Interestingly, the XTR brakes are not as good as the Deore IMO.

3. The Willits is scary fast on acceleration, certainly because of the light weight, but also because of the efficient drivetrain and smooth running tires. The Epic is still a better climber on technical climbs.

The front fork is only set at 90 mm of travel !

 

[4cruzer]

can't believe it

spent 4 hours on a Tallboy yesterday...
Now it's raining.
I've ridden FS 29er's by the 3 big players in that game (niner, fisher, spec) and was never impressed enough to make a move to the big wheels (aside from cross bikes of course).
But my next bike will be the Tallboy; it blows anything I've ridden out of the water. SOOO stiff...
Such a flick -able, responsive ride. I still like 26" wheels but for super long days with maybe a few road miles thrown in, the Tallboy is it.

 

[gearguywb]

I'll play....I have been riding the Moots MootoX YBB for a couple of years and love it. Simple in design and just enough travel to not beat you up on longer rides.

 

[mcgovski]

gearguywb
oh my, now that is a dream bike you have right there. I hope you ride the crap out of that thing...I have always wanted a Moots. Nice ride!

Chris

 

[tacollie]

I still can't do a full 29'er although I love my big front wheel. It is like having an extra 2" of travel on your fork. For my riding style the big rear wheel doesn't do any favors. A custom frame is worth every penny. A bike that fits properly is a big confidence booster and can help decrease joint pain. Sycip, Desalvo, Inglis are all great custom builders and will do about anything you want. Fluid is great for 69ers.

 

[Navman]

If I ever get a sub- 6 inch travel bike again it will be a 29er. I've been looking at the Tallboy but just got a new DH bike so I can't get another one past the wife.

A riding buddy of mine is about 5'5" and even he loves 29ers.

 

[jammyauto]

I'm trying to be patient. I've ordered a http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45839&eid=4950&menuItemId=9248 No 2010 specialized 29ers available until april. At least not from me local specialized dealer.

 

[Corey]

That is the bike I posted above.
Very nice.

 

[jammyauto]

Yup, I can't wait to ride it. I post up once I've put a few miles on it.

 

[dport]

Picked this up yesterday as my first bike. Found out today that I am FAT and out of shape!! where's my cheetos, I need some comfort. http://www.specialized.com/media/2010/bikes/8101-69_d.jpg

 

[oz97tj]

Picked this up yesterday as my first bike. Found out today that I am FAT and out of shape!! where's my cheetos, I need some comfort. http://www.specialized.com/media/2010/bikes/8101-69_d.jpg

lol!

A couple years ago, I rode every day but then I moved away from all the great trails I had nearby so didn't ride much since. Last fall, I got out and rode a couple times and realized the same thing! I feel your pain.

 

[mtnbike28]

My new ride!

I just finished building my Salsa Dos Niner, love the rear shock, and built up, it's about 28 pounds. I can shave a bit more when I upgrade my cranks and tires, after that it would be expensive ; )

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I would love to own a tallboy, they're beautiful..

 

[Van_Homan]

I ride a 29er, SS, rigid and love it.

 

[AZchris]

I ride a geared hard tail 29er and love it.

Had a rigid SS 29er last year, but traded for a road bike, it was so also so much fun to ride.