Notes from a Big Wheeler - A 29er ride review

[reevil]

, but for long xc and maybe commuting I'd get a 29er.

I think this was exactly the conclusion I've come to. If I could sort that scary descending feeling I'd love one for cruising the South Downs. I'd keep away from the trees though!

[DISGreece]

I enjoyed reading the review and thought it was interesting. I do believe that any bike can be loved/hated and they all need cockpit tweaking.

It also emphasises the necessity of test riding a bike before buying it...

I have one question though, raised on other posts, is a 29er a true MTB?

[SLB07]

Yes. To say otherwise is bollocks quite frankly.

To disregard every other aspect of the bike including geometry, componentry, intended use and suitability for a given application and make a decision based purely on wheelsize is almost comically stupid.

In that vein I've decided modern full-sussers aren't actually mountain bikes because they're more like dirtbikes with no engine than the original mountain bikes.

[reevil]

I don't see why not.

They're different, but then a FS is different to a HT which is different to a rigid.

Is a 160mm MTB a true MTB as opposed to 100mm?

[reevil]

Or as SLB says; it's bollocks.

[Gunwitch]

Yes. To say otherwise is bollocks quite frankly.

To disregard every other aspect of the bike including geometry, componentry, intended use and suitability for a given application and make a decision based purely on wheelsize is almost comically stupid.

In that vein I've decided modern full-sussers aren't actually mountain bikes because they're more like dirtbikes with no engine than the original mountain bikes.

Good points and i agree. All this pish about 29ers not being proper mtb's is utter bollocks. Just because it's bigger than the current trend.
I'll be getting another one after i've wrecked my trek

[DISGreece]

Hold your horses guys

I have not said a 29er is not a proper MTB.

I am not against 29ers, I have not ridden one, but would if given the chance.

I can see where you are coming from, but if you look a bit further than your noses....

All I'm saying is, based on reevil's review, it is clear that the bigger wheel advantage on the ups and flats brings discord to the sport on a competitive basis. So should there be a different category in races... as previously suggested?

Why was the 24" Cruiser not allowed to race with 20" BMX bikes back in the 80's?
Indeed, are there any prerequisites for having a bike pass the pre race scrutineering check (is there such a check as there was in BMXing?)

[reevil]

Actually DIS, I Have to diasgree

On another thread there is mention of different categorys in races.

On THIS thread you asked :

I have one question though, raised on other posts, is a 29er a true MTB?

Which is the question we have answered.

I still think they're freakish clown bikes.

[Gunwitch]

Not clown bikes bloody peasents

[reevil]

As you will.

Freaky bikes for clowns or clowny bikes for freaks. I don't mind either way