29″ vs. 26″ wheels - does three inches make a difference?

February 20, 2008 on 10:30 am | In Mountain, Product Tech. |

Alright. I’m getting really tired of this. I am spending my days surfing the net, meticulously comparing every available piece of information, scouring web site, blog, pdf catalog, and mtbr review attempting to construct my next bicycle. I have been on scouring through information from 650bpalace.blogspot.com , twentynineinches.com , Indy Fab , Smoke Bikes (go local!) , Kevin Pancetti’s Custom Steel Bikes , Bianchi , Moots Bikes , Sram / Avid , Fox Forks , Shimano , GT Bikes , Thomson , ridemonkey.com , Niner, Cannondale Bikes, Easton , Gary Fisher bikes , Scott Bikes , Ellsworth , Industry9 Wheels , Salsa Cycles , and barelylegalasianteen3000.com just to name a few.

And that just makes up the ones I can remember. I have scoured the thoughts and opinions of all those that either 1- work in the bike industry 2- spend enough time writing about their time riding bikes to feel their opinion important 3- ride bikes a long way in Asheville, NC and ride at a pace close enough to mine to talk about my equivocating thoughts.

I mean, the bicycle I want has probably changed 3 times today alone. So here are my latest, narrowed down thoughts. And you know what? I would love to hear what YOU got to add to this conversation. I really just want to ride a bike that doesn’t squeak, creak, and give you the sneaking suspicion that the three solid years of unrelenting abuse combined with the less-than-timely maintenance schedule have created a situation where your bike will suddenly morph into a 7075 flailing jagged metal projectile.

1- Salsa Dos-Niner

While not a standard retail bike from Biowheels, its a QBP brand at therefore open to pretty much anyone who wants it. As Brad Kee, winner and only finisher of The Most Horrible Thing Ever has demonstrated this bike can pretty much hold up to whatever you throw at it. 29 inch wheels, Scandium tubing (light!), three in the front and one in the rear (take that however you want) to make a low suspension X-Country capable set up with the added comfort of a little softtail bounce for your ounce. Could probably drop this frame out around 27 pounds even with the big wheels and tires - very respectable, and it gives me just enough travel to not worry about comfort but not so much I’ll worry about bobbing around on the saddle

2- GT Marathon 9er

Moving up for a little more comfort; 100mm /80 mm travel with the GT I-Drive (modified, of course) set up. It has a 23″ top tube on the medium size, which is the shortest I have seen and I like that - I have long legs and arms with a very short torso. This would let me sit more over the suspension instead of behind it as I do on my current bike thanks to the 71 degree head tube and 74 degree seat tube. The bike has an LX build, but could easily rectify that with some nice upgrades to a SRAM grip-shiftin’ drive train (1:1 Rules!), Avid 7 brakes, and some Easton/ Thomson bling, which Matt has said is definitely do-able as the LX components are really moving up in the world (have you checked out the new SLX componentry? You should!). This would require me to toss the stock wheels as they are center-lock rotor set up, just another inconvenience. Basically, i’m buying the stinking frame and shelving everything except maybe the tires. Ah well. Gripes? Maybe too much plush with the 29″ tires and 7″ of suspension? That could be a lot of flex in the corners. Also, not a water bottle boss on the whole damn bike. Not one. Seriously, GT, you even list it under Cross Country. Did I mention I am 5′10″ and weight 195 pounds? I am not going to be nice to my equipment.

3- IF custom 27.5 (650b) Steel Deluxe

It would be a step into a new world on many levels, but the cost of the frame, the hard-to-find wheel goods, and the fact that I traded in my last hardtail because beat me up after long rides makes me a little wary. I am a much better rider now, but it still makes me a little nervy to get rid of all the butt-side bounce if it is going to hurt the day after. I like instant gratification when it comes to pain.

4- Ellsworth Truth / Scott Spark 20

Two fantastical magical mountain machines, both capable of climbing like goats and look almost as pretty as they ride. But the Scott requires pivot overhauls every 6 months by the shop to stay in warranty (3 years) and the ellsworth frames are notoriously dent-able due to the same thing that makes them so great to ride, really thin tubing. I like to dent things. I mean, you should see my current bike. They both are really made for someone who buys XL shorts because he’s 6′5″, not because riding your bike has given you thighs nearly as big as your waist. These make the list because I am still a little leery about giving up the granny gear, quick acceleration, and torsional stiffness a 26″ wheel definitely offers over a 29 or 650b wheel. I also like tubeless. And yes, crossmax and stans are tubeless now at 29″, but I’ve seen a particular rider peel his front tire off his rim right in front of me too frequently to make that option feel really good at this point. And I will NOT run a Hutchinson Python UST in Pisgah National Forest. No No No.

So here’s your challenge: What do I do? Help me choose! I will weigh all opinions given, and if there is yet another bike Biowheels can offer me that would help me 1- maximize my love of the trail, and 2- give me the tools to finish some 6+ hour MTB races without stopping to sob halfway up Curtis Creek Rd (in that order!). Oh, and 3- look attractive to members of the opposite sex when the bike is sitting on top of me after a crash. Let’s put that as priority #2.

So as I said, give me your input, your two cents, your ever so well informed and constructed opinion and see what I end up with!

Wesley Miller