26 v 29. This should settle it once and for all. – Page 2 – Bike Forum

MidlandTrailquestsGraham · 2013-04-25T22:58:08Z

For anyone who wants to come for a little paddle in my think tank, I thought I'd just run this up the flag pole and see who salutes. STW, using their trade connections, get hold of two bikes, as near identical as possible, except that one is a 26er, the other is a 29er. They fit a Powertap to the rear wheel of each. They then do a number of test rides with different routes and riders to compare power outputs. Now, here's the good bit... STW then lend the bikes to someone else to do the same. This could be someone they trust to borrow two bikes, or it could be someone who has paid a deposit as security. That person then does their own tests, and passes the bikes on to the next person. The only condition is that everyone logs their ride by GPS and uploads the results. So, lets assume STW have done their tests and I'm next on the list. I send them £3000, or whatever, as security, they send me the bikes. I ride a local 10 mile loop on one then the other. I upload the GPS log of both rides to Endomondo or similar. The next person on the list only lives 20 miles away, so I deliver the bikes to save on postage. He sends £3000 to STW, I get a £2990 refund to allow for admin and wear & tear. While I'm there, we both do a short loop on each bike and upload the GPS log. He then goes on to do his own longer test, then passes the bikes on to the next person. And so it goes on, gradually accumulating more data. I'm just using the forum as an effective runway for project take off. We're a long way from ringfencing the unicorn on this one, but I thought it would be best to bowl a few ideas your way to see if anyone hits a six..

PimpmasterJazz

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So what the OP is suggesting is something like [url= http://www.pinkbike.com/news/26-vs-275-vs-29-Wheels.html ]this[/url], but with power outage as well?

Posted : 26/04/2013 9:48 pm

MidlandTrailquestsGraham

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Sorry, specializedbear, I overlooked this yesterday.

Hi MidlandTrailquestGraham, If you don't mind I would like your advice on a totally different subject.
I recently bought a Lynskey Ridgeline 29 and (having previously ridden a Alfine 8 for sometime with no probs), fitted a new Alfine 11 to the Lynnskey. To say the Alfine 11 has been a crap would be an understatement!
Am I right in thinking that you have a Rohloff HG and have done a fair bit of riding on it? If so what do you reckon, has it been reliable/robust? Is the talked about drag feel in some gears for real and is it much of an issue? etc
I do like the HG concept, don't mind the little extra weight. I now just want a Hub gear that does what it is supposed to and lasts!
Any feed back would be appreciated.

Yes, I've got a Lynskey Ridgeline 29 with a Rohloff.
In short, yes;
I think it's more reliable than derailleurs.
I don't think there's a significant difference in weight, and I definitely don't notice the rearward weight distribution problem that other people complain of, even compared to riding the same bike SS.
There were some thorough tests done by The Human Powered Vehicle Club, or someone like that, which showed that in some gears the Rohloff was more efficient than derailleurs. Overall, there wasn't much in it.

Posted : 28/04/2013 10:00 am

mikewsmith

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Awesome job MTG, now this one is sorted I hear the Korean peninsular needs a little work..... also we need to know if red or black is faster

Posted : 28/04/2013 10:07 am

specializedbear

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Cheers for your advice on the Hub Gear. All the best. Graham

Posted : 29/04/2013 8:19 pm

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[Closed] 26 v 29. This should settle it once and for all.