29'ers Rock

[Scott Brady]

Just say'in. . .

Especially when mounted to a Willits titanium frame.

Thanks Mike for letting me ride that little piece of heaven!

 

[mcgovski]

+1 on the 29er...I have been in love with the 29er since the first pedal stroke in 2005...a chris kelly roshambo. since then I have ridden a Kona, Gary Fisher and a Rock Lobster is in my very near future

 

[oz97tj]

I've been thinking about getting one. I've never ridden one, but have heard good things. I'm a bigger guy too so I'm thinking it'll be a good fit.

I almost bought one in the fall, but didn't. I'm planning to by spring...

 

[trailsurfer]

Just say'in. . .

Especially when mounted to a Willits titanium frame.

Thanks Mike for letting me ride that little piece of heaven!

Glad you like it. Are you ready for me to find one for you?

 

[peepers]

Willitis is now living here in Austin TX. Great bikes but a really killer price tag. If you are interested in a really good ride for a fraction of the cost check out Vassago... Nice steel bikes.

It's no Ti Willitis but there are very few rigid 29er builders out there... Give that one a whirl, you wont be sad.

 

[EricBirk]

Being a DH'er I never really had the chance to ride them. Finally just took a cheap Marin Muirwoods 29'er out from the shop and damn they roll so well. When the time for a commuter comes, it will definately have 29" hoops.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

29er makes me happy..

 

[Christophe Noel]

Who knew?!

:sombrero:

 

[1speed]

I love my Q-Ball!

 

[Cackalak Han]

I'm building up a Redline Monocog Flight 29er currently. Retiring my Monocog 29er. I have no 26" bikes left.

 

[chris_the_wrench]

Being a DH'er I never really had the chance to ride them. Finally just took a cheap Marin Muirwoods 29'er out from the shop and damn they roll so well. When the time for a commuter comes, it will definately have 29" hoops.

What alot of people do who want a 29er and a commuter is they will run more of a road tire instead of the traditional mtb tire on the road. There is quite a selection since the iso (622 mm) is the same as a road bike. A nice 700 x 35 or 38 rolls really well and will hold their shape on most 29er rims.

-Chris

 

[Scott Brady]

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.

 

[Christophe Noel]

The Epic is still a better climber on technical climbs.

Some of that will be improved as you get properly fitted to your own bike and the balance becomes more dialed in. I think eventually you'll find the 29er HT will climb like a scalded monkey. The larger contact patch, slightly longer wheelbase and improved rolling abilities of the 29er will make for a nice techy climber. That's where I notice many if not most of the bennies to my bigger wheels. It does take a few rides to settle in to a 29er, but once you do - watch out!

 

[Corey]

Still having fun with my 26" 2009 Rockhopper Pro I bought last summer, but I have my eyes on this 29er from Specialized.

Stumpjumper FSR Expert 29

From what I have read and heard, the brain valve on the Specialized bikes is quite good with the rear shock.

 

[fisher205]

One of my best friends has a bike store and unfortunately we set bikes up very similar. I have learned to quit taking up his offers of "here, ride my bike". I immediately bought a Gary Fisher Mt Tam in 2002 after riding his. I did manage to stay away from trying a full suspension for a few years but bought a 293 in 2007. I stayed away from Ellsworth but made the mistake of riding a Niner last fall.....

I put a set of Bontrager radial laced wheels w/ cyclcross tires on my 2002 Mt Tam. It is fun gravel road and Mickelson Trail Bike. I found gearing down the 29 helped my climbing (maybe it's not the 29 fault). A Race Face Crank set allowed me to get smaller on the front.

But, I really enjoy the squishiness of my 293 off the road.