Aggies Posted January 16, 2011 Posted January 16, 2011 You can substitute 29er for anything they did, wear or use. Baby soft, Assos bum cream, Shimano chains, Bell helmets, Squirt or Island Tribe sunscreen.Fact is THEY won. Not the bikes. They provided the input. They were riding 29ers, yes.The way you put it, the bike (29er) that won, peddled the rider. Another sour rider about the facts? Believe me, they deserve all the credits. It is however still a fact that 29ers was used. How much credit did Ferrari take for the 7 years? None-It was all just MS and he would have done it with a ???? Jordan.
Eldron Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 Most people here know I'm a complete 29ophile but.... Ultimately the wheel size is only about 11% bigger when outside diamters (including tyres) are compared. Weight wise I reckon 29ers are about 800-1000g heavier than their 26" brothers - throw a rider in and this weight increase is less than 1%. As for the bigger foot print (and this is a seriously debatable point) and bigger air volume - these are both tiny. So basically the difference between the two bikes will be small. The difference in feel (in my case) could be huge but when all is said and done the difference between the two will be very little in real terms.
Flea Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 Looking at a 29er bike review in one of the UK mags, they equate the 29er to a Turbo Diesel - slow out the blocks until the turbo kicks in, then it goes like the clappers with less input versus a petrol engine. So whilst some prefer petrol, and some diesel, each has their place, but the development of the diesel is now atracting more money, the engine is moving faster than the petrol - much like the 29er.....
Dicky DQ Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 Because they break when they go off road. Ha ha!!
Palaeodom Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 I reckon under 1% of the population will actually need that 1% better perfomance to win trophies/medals and the world champs. As far as I can see its about what you enjoy and how hard you can push yourself. You can push yourself on any machine, it depends on if you're racing burry and need that 1% or you're racing yourself and just want to train harder.
FBSP Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 Thus far there is no scientific proof that a 29er is better than a 26 inch bike. As far as I am concerned the worse off a rider you are the more difference the big wheel will make to your ability, but as you go up the chain the less the difference. During the Attakwas, most of the bikes that punctured were 29ers, that I saw. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. The bigger wheel has got to be significantly weaker, that is science. Burry would have won worlds if he had ridden a 26er last time out, according to an ex world champion....no names mentioned! The 29er has been around since 1982, what has changed to make it so popular now? There is definately a place for it in MTB-ing, but horses for courses is the best approach and perhaps everyone needs both bikes??? Maybe there should be a new category in races....for the big wheel, especially if it is proven to be an advantage on some courses!! Personally I think it's up to the individual and his preference..
DirtyFrank Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 Most people here know I'm a complete 29ophile but.... Ultimately the wheel size is only about 11% bigger when outside diamters (including tyres) are compared. Weight wise I reckon 29ers are about 800-1000g heavier than their 26" brothers - throw a rider in and this weight increase is less than 1%. As for the bigger foot print (and this is a seriously debatable point) and bigger air volume - these are both tiny. So basically the difference between the two bikes will be small. The difference in feel (in my case) could be huge but when all is said and done the difference between the two will be very little in real terms. True, humans are a sensitive bunch and (some)will detect even minor changes in the same bike i.t.o. setup so that 11% weight/wheel diameter will make a huge difference. ITO Performance this is hugely debateable and as many have said the riders at the front of the field could probably win on a Makro special providing this is reliable enough. Sometimes progress goes sideways purely because developers/designers are bored or at the end of a particular creative cycle( pun intended) This does not spell the end of the current model but at least it encourages a different approach to the problem/challenge which can only enrich the sport.
Wyatt Earp Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 Why all the debate? If you like it, get it. :clap: Well said, I will even go as far as to say that both bikes are equally fast, people just have a choice now.
Christie Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 How much credit did Ferrari take for the 7 years? None-It was all just MS and he would have done it with a ???? Jordan. In your example, the power comes from the car's engine. In the case of a bike, power comes from .... ?(Cancellara's electric motor in Flanders does not count)
Wolweseun Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 Why all the debate? If you like it, get it.Yip I have to agree But the manufacturers are having a big marketing drive putting all the Pros on 29ers and making us all itch to part with our money If I had spare cash I would add one to my collection but dont think I am ready to sell my hardtail and softail to get one
umusneva Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 This popped up on Twitter today... Just thought I'd stir the pot a bit... There is a write up about the diff in the January Bicycling Mag.
swoosh1973 Posted January 17, 2011 Posted January 17, 2011 I am not against anything 29er, in fact I will probably buy one this year, but as we all know there are pros and cons, depending on the route, rider, time of day, freshness of legs, route knowledge, phase of the moon, that little rock that was there just now but bumped of the track on your previous run, and of course Winnie Mandela's driver's last known traffic offence, This is just pure Spez Marketing crap. We all want to be as good on the bike as Dan, Christoph, Conrad and Burry, but unfortunately most of it boils down to genetics and talent, with a bit of hard work thrown in for good measure, Instant gratification, just buy our 29er and you will be faster. Clever. All PowerBalance buyers apply first. I have come to the conclusion that most of us (and that includes myself at the top of the list) are a bunch of sissies when it comes to off-road riding. Wheelsize this, tire pressure that, groupset here, fork there. It is a humbling experience to watch cyclo-cross and see what can be done on rigid bikes with skinny tires on tracks I would not even dare to venture out on the nicest of days. I repeat, we are sissies. And big ones. Nuff said, my rant is now over. Pass me the chocolate milkshake. awsome post could not agrea more!
Brian Fantana Posted January 18, 2011 Posted January 18, 2011 My experience on 29ers: I will use Attakwas 2010 and 2011 as examples. Attakwas 2010 Bike: GT Zaskar Pro 26" aliminium 11.2kgDistance: 135kmTime: 7:48Average speed: 17.3km/hSaddle: Fizik Arione Attakwas 2011 Bike: On one Scandal 29er aliminium 11.0kgDistance: 121kmTime: 7:03Average speed: 17.1km/hSaddle: Fizik Arione Differences: The 29er has more traction on technical, rocky climbsThe 26" climbs easier on very steeep district road climbsThe 26" is easier to throw around on a technical section of trackThe 29er feels very stable on descendsAfter this years race my body didn't feel as battered and bruised as after the 2010 race. Similarities: As you can see from above data my average speed remained the same despite getting a new bike. The Amstel at the finish of 2011 tasted exactly the same as the one I had in 2010. The smile on my face after the 2011 was exactly the same size as after the 2010 race. My advice: Whatever blows your hair back dude!!
splat Posted January 18, 2011 Posted January 18, 2011 This thread has taken a weird turn. Its full of sensible comments and opinion.
Wyatt Earp Posted January 18, 2011 Posted January 18, 2011 (edited) awsome post could not agrea more!What are you agreeing with, the fallacy that Specialized are driving the 29'er revolution ?Gary Fisher drove the concept 10 years ago.I will not dispute the fact that these companies are marketing it well and trying to get the consumer to part with their monies.On the 29'er subject, it's been around for yonks, the wheel size that is.It's a 700 c rim , the reason it took so long for it to take off was that we never had tyres and tubes at our disposal.I bought myself a Cannondale F 3000 around 8 years back, the bike came with two wheelsets, one 26 " set and a 700 c set for road riding, it's not a new concept. Pointless trying to point fingers at Specialized when the problem lies elsewhere.Who do I blame, firstly the pro's who wouldn't accept the wheel size, the usual excuses such as weight, sluggish handling, poor on climbs etc.etc.etc.......Secondly the gullible riders who follow the pro's blindly like horny sheep."Whatever the pro's do I have to do" mentality is actually quite nauseating. Both wheel sizes have their place in this world, people just caught a wake up too late now they all want to jump at the 29'er. "revolution" My only statement I will make today and it's just my opinion.The 26" hardtail will die a slow death. Edit:Yes, I am a sissie. Edited January 18, 2011 by Dangle
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