This is an update from one of the Texas Mountain Bike Trails readers who shot this video and shared his thoughts on the 26 vs 29er debate. Having just switched from a 26 inch bike to a bike with 29 inch wheels, G$ tells you a little about what the switch to his new larger bike is like.
If you are interested in sharing a story from your own mountain biking experiences, shoot a message to email@texasmountainbiketrails.com.
Well this all started for me about six months ago when a coworker asked if I wanted to go for a bike ride. I did not own a mountain bike but was willing to spend a couple bucks for a little fun. So like any mortal man I started looking around reading some blogs about local trails, what was out there and where to start. I was overwhelmed at the number of options and opinions on how to get started. It all boiled down to grabing a good solid used bike and go put some miles down. So Craigslist here I come and it took about two weeks and a nice used Specialized popped up with the one requirement I had Dics brakes.
The very next day we hit the trails and I found out in about 500 yards I am way the heck out of shape, but I had a smile across my face and my heart coming through my chest. Man it was pefect.
Out of the gate I knew things would be rough but the two guys I am riding with the first couple weeks are on custom $4K bikes they finished building last year with these masssive 29″ wheels. I am getting some legs under me and notice these guys are motoring up over and through things like it’s nothing. At first I let it go and thought if I just keep riding, the speed and endurance will come. Then I got a chance to ride my buddies single speed 29er…
Those jerks were cheating and never once said a thing! Ok, get home and the web is my friend I read nearly everything I could find about wheels with 29 inches. I knew I needed big wheels and I wasn’t going to wait long.
Ok so 29″ wheels it’s going to be. But man, do I go full suspension or hardtail? What kind of budget was I going to allow? New, used what bike shop man.. I went everywhere every shop I could find every online site Google could bring me. I was more confused than ever. So I set a budget, decided I needed to give back to the bike shop that has been putting up with me and my million questions. Now it’s done 29″ Hardrock from Specialized.
The first ride out I knew even I was in love with my new “Monster Truck” as I plowed over anything in my way. My mph was up 25%, my endurance was better just by making one simple change. If you are like me and just not sure what to do go with the 29′s, I couldn’t be more satisfied with my decision.
G$
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Here is my input. I own 3 bikes, a Single Speed 26′er, a 6″ travel 26′er All mountain bike, and a 5″ travel 29′er. All 3 bikes have a place and I don’t think one wheel size is neccessarily better than another. The SS is such a light weight bike that I don’t really notice the smaller wheels, in fact my lap times at some trails are just a minute or so slower on the SS 26′er than the FS 29′er. Some things I have noticed when comparing a 26′er to a 29′er:
-26′er is easier to move around under the rider
-29′er obviously bashes over trail obstacles easier
-29′er is slower to accelerate than the 26′er
-29′er maintains speed better on the trail.
I could go on and on… It really comes down to personal preference, I don’t think one is better than the other.
Great points Frank, Thanks for throwing down your thoughts!
Great article and a good writer,need to hear more from him.His story around wheels is true,he has had a love affair with wheels from the crib. His father would set beside the crib and read Motercross rags to him. I see in my mind a kid about 8 setting on the couch in Mexico dressed in his helmet and those preowned leathers waitting for 8am to come so he could get on that bike. He slepted dressed so he wouldnt have to waste time in the morning. So glad he outgrow those leathers because when he did take them off they stood alone and im so glad he never outgrow his wheels. If you take a sample of Gmoneys blood you wouldnt fine curly lines with bars you would fine handle bar attached with wheels. I love you Gmoney Mom
Who knew G$ had such a long history of 2 wheeled passion! I know I can relate.