After my FS frame snapped I started looking for a new frame but as there weren't many 26" ers left I decided to go 29, buying a new frame to use as many old parts as possible . Well, the thing is now built and I had my first decent ride this week and I don't really like it! It is a Trance X 29er with 120 Rebas and the suspension seems fine but the BB is very low, giving pedal strikes on shallow ruts and in almost any corner. I have ridden 29ers before and expected the long and low thing but not this low! I have fiddled with sag and air pressure but without significant result.
What can I do to love this beast? Is there any point in shorter cranks? I don't suppose 5mm will make much difference?
Advice appreciated.
How about a longer fork ?
I had a 26" Trance a while back and that was very low too (lots of pedal strikes). It seemed to be almost universally accepted back then that Giant bikes worked better with forks that were 20mm longer than standard. Not sure if the same applies to the 29er though.
I think this may be the long term solution but looking for cheaper options first!
Is there any point in shorter cranks? I don't suppose 5mm will make much difference?
Dropping from 175mm to 170mm can get rid of most of the pedal strikes IME on bikes with low BBs.
But sayign that I've still gone back to 175mm for better pedalling efficiency now - I just try to keep my feet level (and outside foot down in corners obvs).
Oh dear, I don't think I like my new [s]29er[/s] Giant
FTFY
I think this may be the long term solution but looking for cheaper options first!
Pay more attention when pedaling is the cheapest answer. I noticed an increase in pedal strikes on my FS when i first got it. Just a matter of reading the trail and timing your pedal strokes instead of just blatting on.
I used to pedal strike quite often on my 26" trance. Frankly I think most of that was down to rubbish pedalling and general riding technique. Seldom do now, but then as was alluded to above, as standard mine was a 100mm bike, but has happily been transformed in the last couple of years by a 140mm fork.
When you say you reused as many of your old parts as possible - you didn't include the wheels did you?
Well, someone had to ask!
Err, no.
I have the same bike, but use dual position Pikes. I normally ride withy them at 120mm and only use the 150mm setting for descending. I haven't noticed more pedal strikes than my previous bike, what tyres are you using - I use Continental Mountain King 2.4's, they are quite tall, so that may be the difference.
Some On-one Somorgasbord 2.25s which don't seem partcularly tall so I change of tyre might be worth it.
What size and colour? I might be interested if you want rid.
What pedals are you using? SPDs or flats? If the latter, use thin profile pedals? Maybe some Spank Spikes, or similar.