29-ers are here to stay

June 21, 2007 on 5:00 am | In Mountain |

One of the biggest stories to hit the mountain bike market the last few years is the surging big-wheeled bike – the 29er. The larger circumference tire swallows up small to medium size roots, rocks, and bumps – allowing the rider more control and comfort. On the flip side, the larger wheels also offer more rotating weight, so accelerations are a bit harder to come by. So is the trade-off worth it? That’s up to the rider to decide, but we feel it is.

The lack of selection of 29ers has been the biggest impediment to the growth of the bikes up to this point. The big manufacturers have taken the wait and see approach up to this point, giving the smaller guys lots of business building big-wheeled bikes for riders. Now that more than a few manufacturers are sticking their collective toes in the 29er water this year, many more models are lining the shops for riders to try out for the first time. Many of these riders are seeing the light, and making the switch over to the big wheels after the test ride.

The folks at BioWheels Cincinnati are in the midst of stocking the floor with as many 29ers as they can get their hands on. Jamis has introduced 2 models for the 2007 season, the Dakota and the Exile. We also recently became the exclusive dealer for Niner bikes, the industry’s first and only line of bikes dealing only with the big wheels. Up to this year, we were building up custom Independent Fabrication Deluxe steel and titanium hardtails in 29” wheels to the tune of about 10 a year. The majority of the staff and shop racers have switched from 26” hardtails and full-suspension bikes to hardtail 29ers to tackle the Ohio Valley’s singletrack with.

We chose Niner bikes this year for their unparalleled dedication to the 29″ bikes. It’s all they make. Hardtail frames in scandium, steel, and double-butted aluminum. Single-speed or geared. And now, full-suspension with the hot Rip 9 frame. We’ve got a single-speed steel Sir 9 built up on the floor for you to take out for a spin.

Find out why so many are making the switch to big wheels for yourself - get on down to BioWheels and take a test ride!