Twenty Niners

Twenty-Niners. Where do we begin? There is so much information that could be shared regarding the 29er platform that it could get over whelming. We are constantly intrigued by all the zealotry that goes on in some of the forums and we are equally amazed at all the animosity the concept brings out in those that have never even ridden one. We prefer to say that it just simply “works”.

The bottom line is that you cannot escape the physics of the larger wheel. This applies to both the positive attributes and the negative attributes. What are these attributes? They are:

Positive

• Raised axle line, which causes a proportionately deeper bottom bracket drop. This is what gives the sensation of sitting more “in between” the wheels and noticeably reduces endo tendencies.
  
• Longer contact patch on the tire. This increases climbing, braking and turning traction. It allows you to brake deeper into turns, climb steeper sections of trail before spinning loose and improves general traction in poor trail conditions. We also found that it allows us to run faster tire tread patterns that we previously felt did not provide enough traction,
  
• Lower angle of attack due to the larger wheel diameter. Think: monster truck concept. The bigger wheels just roll over things easier. It smoothes out the trail somewhat and this is what makes the 29er platform great on a rigid bike.
  
• Less prone to deflection from trail obstacles due to the 29er wheel being a larger lever applied against the opposing force.
  
• Once up to speed, the larger and heavier wheel can maintain momentum like a heavier flywheel

Negative

• The larger wheels take up space. This creates some possible design issues for smaller riders. These issues can range from the “forced” need to run a slacker HTA, toe overlap, stand over problems, inability to get proper handle bar drop.
  
• Raised axle line, which reduces the endo sensation, also makes a bike harder to manual or wheelie.
  
• All thing being equal, the 29er will weigh more. This weight is usually found in the wheels (tires, tubes, rims, spokes).

Even though we just mentioned that you cannot escape the physics, we also feel that there is nothing better that first-hand experience. We strongly urge you to try one out so that you can confirm or dispel how “the physics” will work for you. Besides the design limitations we feel that the negative attributes are almost inconsequential and are greatly overshadowed by the positive.
It should also be worth mentioning we have successfully designed 29er frames for people down to 5’3” with virtually no “compromises”. In our eyes, part of the beauty of the 29er movement is the fact that there are no real geometry standards. Nothing is locked and loaded such as the 26-inch wheel’s standard “Norba Geometry” (71/73, 11.79BB, 16.75 CS). You will regularly find 29ers ranging from a long and stable enduro feel to a short and quick XC slant and anywhere in between. The only standard is the one set for your style.