From Sauser's site: Specialized Epic 29er vs 26er The big wheels made me go faster, both up and downhill! The most recognizable performance point has been, how much more energy I saved towards the end of my runs, and as a result of this I was faster in both ways. I stayed focussed, sharp and had more energy left. At the beginning of the uphill run the 29er felt more like a big fish in the water. Never thought I am going to beat the 26er time, because the 26er felt so light and explosive. It took off like a race horse, but calmed down after mid way, and had to concentrate more. After I have beaten the 26er uphill time with the big wheels I thought I am going make a even bigger time difference in the downhill. But I made two, three bigger mistakes at the beginning, plus the dh run is shorter, so when the real advantage of the big wheels came into play, I was already at the finish line. In theory the big wheels have a different angle to tackle the obstacles and roll better over it, plus I definitely have the feeling that you ride „inside“ the bike due the big wheels. I think this are the key points which made me go faster on our rough testing track. I have also tested both bikes on a super steep, long rocky uphill, with two walking sections. The 29er made me climb more of it, because I had better balance and grip and control. I am totally convinced to race the Epic 29er for rocky, tough marathon races such as the Cape-Epic, or Roc d‘Azur. For Cross-Country races with all the sprinting and accelerating out off the saddle, I will choose my Epic 26er. Because it is a little bit stiffer and lighter. Cross Country is such a racing specific discipline where every gram counts, plus the tracks normally are not as rocky as the trail I was testing on. But for general public, the big wheels are absolutely the way to go. You will get a totally new riding experience, which is comfortable, fast and smooth. (a great video of our testing day to follow soon!) Facts and figures of our testing day: 26er in Uphill Time: 19.21 Heart Rate Max: 168 Average: 162 29er in Uphill Time: 19.10 Hear Rate: Max: 171 Average: 164 26er in Downhill time: 15.02 Hear Rate: Max: 165 Average: 156 29er in Downhill Time: 14.50 Heart Rate: Max: 167 Average: 157 Weight: 26er 9.1kg / 29er 9.8kg (standard setups) Tires: 26er Renegade 1.9 / 29er Renegade 1.95 Tire pressure: front & rear 27psi Shock Pressure: 26er fork 50psi, shock 150psi / 29er fork 60psi bottom and 90psi top, shock 150psi Track: 5km singe trail, 220m elevation difference, rocky, rooty, sandy, smooth, tight and fast corners
