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(I know this is a bit geeky but it is a mtb geek forum after all - if you're not interested - ignore)
Interested in 29'er experiences - especially lap times vs 26'er, strava segment times, but also general comments: feels better, feels worse, didn't like it went back to 26 etc
mostly interested in usage from xc enduro racing through to trail centre, big natural welsh / lakes type rides, occasional alpine forays. What we used to call mountain biking. But of the ride up ride down variety
thanks
Again?
Ride mine everywhere from Snowdon, Scottish and Welsh trail centres, local trails, Surrey Hills, South Downs etc.
Love it.
100mm hard tail.
My current ride.
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I posted a long rambling review of my experiences with an Orange Gyro 29er a while back, with lots of Strava segment comparisons.
[url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/orange-gyro-test-warning-29er-content ]orange-gyro-test[/url]
Having had more time to reflect on that test I'd add a few extra observations.
First, beware of Strava times. It is almost impossible to control your effort when comparing bikes and you will always give a bit more on the one that you like best. I set a load of personal records on the Gyro, but I've been back out on my 26" Trance and am slowly getting them back. The Gyro still has a slight edge, but the difference is less than the general day to day variation in my times.
Second, having a 10% larger wheel makes a difference that is real, but not large. For some reason when people review bikes they seem to want to make exaggerated claims. In fact the differences are really quite subtle. For example, I managed to clear a couple of sections on my local loop that I've never managed before. I've tried them about half a dozen times since giving the Gyro back and still haven't managed to clear either of them. But I've come very close and I only just cleared them on the Gyro. It would only take a small increase in my skill and fitness to get me through those sections. Similarly there were some section that I found harder on the Gyro, but not much harder. Basically, everything you've heard about the advantages and disadvantages of larger wheels is true, but the differences are a lot smaller than you'd think by reading reviews.
Finally, as the wheel gets larger the importance of a good wheel gets more important. A 29er with a budget wheel is probably worse than a 26" bike with a budget wheel, but if you can afford a nice light stiff 29er wheel then you can get the advantages of a larger wheel without paying too much of a penalty (except in your wallet of course).
big natural welsh
Pics pls.
😀
I must have had half a dozen 29ers
Most have been singlespeed rigids and have ridden them everywhere
Recently I have been riding singlespeed rigid 69er and going back to full 29er just feels weird now
So much so that the 29er frame and forks will be for sale soon
At least I tried