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I’m not sure if you are aware of a fairly new trend in mountain biking in the past few years. It was the advent of the 29 inch wheel. The traditional size of a MTB tire was 26” but 29er mountain bikes now seem to be here to stay. The magazines are writing more and more about them and the manufacturers are making more of them every day. Maybe the question is should you consider one for your next bike. There certainly are a number of benefits to the 29 inch wheels when compared to the traditional 26” ones. They have less rolling friction. This means they are easier to pedal and quicker along the trails. They give a more comfortable ride. This is due to the fact that the bigger tire rolls over things easier. Which brings me to the next point, they roll over obstacle better. Objects along the path are a part of mountain biking. The larger wheel diameter meets these obstacles at a lower point allowing it to more easily roll over them, for instance roots, rocks and logs in the path along the trail. This added rollover ability makes for a smoother overall ride. The larger tires also seem to have better traction especially in wet or sandy conditions. This is because of an increased amount of tire actually making contact with the ground at any given time allowing it to grip it better. Riders also report that they give an enhanced feeling of stability and control along with a decrease in the sketchiness of the bike. This increased confidence means fewer panic attacks along the trail when the unexpected pops up. The above are some really significant benefits that those that design bikes are always striving to achieve. In my opinion the big wheels are winning the battle of the two sizes and some think they have won. The 29er mountain bike first appeared only about a decade ago with these big tires 3 inches taller than those traditionally being used and are now dominating the market. It seems obvious the reasons why. The bikes make you faster and safer and help you float more easily over sand and rocks. The demand is so hot this year that some companies aren't even making 26ers anymore. And the 29er's are really the rage in cross country racing as they seem to go so much faster with the same effort. In cycling, radical innovations that change how riders think and even how they ride don’t come along often. And the 29? wheeled MTB is no different than a lot of changes where not everyone comes around to the idea and as you might expect there are some that remain staunch opposers of it. That being said the 29er is here to stay and is being ridden by more and more mountain bikers. Personally I feel that 29er mountain bikes are the best thing that’s come along in mountain biking since its inception. I also feel they are well worth you testing out for your next MTB. Dave McIntosh has enjoyed cycling for years. If you are looking for more great information on 29er Mountain Bikes, visit My The Bike Shop.
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