[Closed] Why didn't 69er (bikes) take off?

Only when my Alfine broke.

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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/30189432@N00/5995240983/in/set-72157627584456627 ]Here[/url]

Is it on a conveyor belt?

hmm never knew Trek dealt with Maverick. that bike ^ looks odd only because of the colour and fork!

have thought about turning my 26er into one of these:

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not sure how much it'd mess up geometry, already have an angleset in there i could reverse. might borrow a 29er fork and wheel and try it 🙂

69ers failed for one simple reason, no one threw millions and millions of pounds in to propaganda campaigns to sell the idea.

Possibly. Also because they're crap from a manufacturing POV - two rim sizes for each bike, two tyre sizes, etc.

All this stuff about rolling better is surely bullsh*t as the little dinky rear wheel that causes so many problems on 26ers will get sucked into big holes still causing rider fatalities etc?

It's easy as you just take your existing frame and stick a 29er fork on, but it doesn't make any sense.

If the front wheel stalls against an obstacle, the entire mass of machine and rider pushing from the back will try to go over or around the front wheel. If the rear wheel stalls, the entire mass of machine and rider hauling from in front will try to pull it free. "Rolling well" is more important up front.

And, just to prove how much I like the whole 69er thing, I'm still on the lookout for a small Singular Hummingbird frame (for my wife), if anyone has one kicking about that they would consider parting with.
Pretty please?

All motocross bikes have a bigger front than rear wheel - enduro bikes even more so. Those manufacturers and riders think it makes sense.
If the front wheel stalls against an obstacle, the entire mass of machine and rider pushing from the back will try to go over or around the front wheel. If the rear wheel stalls, the entire mass of machine and rider hauling from in front will try to pull it free. "Rolling well" is more important up front.

Enduro bikes and MX bikes use the same size front wheels - 21".
But yes, it's like trying to push a loaded wheelbarrow up a step compared to pulling it up.

Enduro bikes and MX bikes use the same size front wheels - 21".

I still think it is a good concept although i have just replaced mine (well the ti framesits in my cupboard waiting to sell) with a Lynskey 29er.
This is more to do with the small frame size which is great in resorts like glentress where you can throw the bikes into things but less so for the marathon mtb races and 24hr races i have started doing ....

My carver 96er (same as 69er) is a custom ti that was set up as a 650b XC weapon but it was designed to be a 96er ... takes a bit of getting used to compared to same size wheel as the larger front seems to carve a wider turning arc than the back when leaned over - but this seems to make it carve corners pretty well ....
here is a tag link to the blog http://kitesurfbikerambling.wordpress.com/tag/carver-96er/

and a gopro shot of riding glentress chasing a mate on his blur

and this is on racing ralph tyres / very little grip ....

and the stranger looks coupled with a rohloff always made people double take [img] [/img]

The wheels of crossers are different sizes, but the circumference of the tyres is about the same.

Yet they do still roll and accelerate rather well...

Hi guys!

i'm writing here to ask for your opinions. I have the chance to purchase a Trek 69er SS in a mint condition for €650. Could you tell me please whether or not this is a good deal?
Thanks a lot!

[url= ]it looks just like this[/url]

Depends how much you want it really - if it's [b]truly[/b] mint (like NOS)and you've been looking for one for ages, then get it.
Otherwise you'll be kicking yourself for ever and a day for not buying it. It's only money, after all.

Much like I still am for not buying a minty 1988 Mercedes 230GE about 10 years ago. I still curse my indecision every time I see it driving around...

Back on topic - I've sold my Trek Top Fuel 69er and the Carver but I've still got my two Singular Hummingbirds and my wife has one to replace the Carver.

It's because they're a compromise between 26 and 29, just like 650b. Nobody likes a compromise.

659er - the next niche?

Until MTBs routinely have different sized front and rear wheels/tyres then I can't really believe that anyone is taking the [b]performance[/b] issues of wheel size seriously. But these ridiculous little toys are just for fun, for most of us, so no big deal.

(I'm actually thinking of going 69 when I replace my knackered fork - or 46, or 6650b! 😀 )

I always think it's a good idea- gave some thought to sticking a Pike in my Hemlock and 69ering it, it's still possible. But let's be honest, it looks goofy and who wants that? I don't care if a hammer is ugly but for most of us bikes aren't just tools, or rather they're tools that one of the jobs is to be nice to own.

Cool guys, thanks a lot for the replies!
As I only saw pictures of the 69er I'd like to buy, I will have to see it and try it one of the next days. What do you advice me to pay attention at? I am familiar only with racebikes and fixies, so I do need your opinions.

Thanks again!

I love mine, although I run it as a b9er now or whatever you might call it.

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I'll shortly have a 69er clearance sale going on :O) (Naplam - yes, I know I said I'd never sell it and I know it's the best SS I've ever ridden but the next one MIGHT be better)

My Trek SS 69er and my geared 69er both need to go to make way for the emperors new clothes. I know I'll regret it but space is a premium at present in the shed.

Both sold as rolling chassis with forks, headset, seat clamps and wheels.

Both powder coated as the SS was one of the last ones and that paint job was just wrong, and the geared one needed some loving.

Email if interested for pics and details.

Tim

I was talking to my Grandad about these, he says he had one as a lad and they were quite popular back then... he got a photo out and showed me...

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My home brewed 69r/96r depending on your pov suits me nicely but it was conceived as an answer to wanting to run my 456 rigid but with similar angles to when it was running 140mm / 26 up front.

The bigger wheel and a 26r rigid fork put the bars and head angle about the same as before.

I like how it rides. Is it the geometry, the big wheel, the tyre choice or any combination of the above, probably yes.

Would I have bought one off the shelf probably not and still unlikely to now if one existed despite how much I like this one.

I have a suspicion that in my current unfit state the easier to accelerate rear wheel may be helping on the slow stop start climbs.

If anyone has a small carver or trek ss kickung about let me know!

The concept doesn't seem like a bad one I believe Liteville are still in favour of it I think they called it scaled sizing.

When I replace the fork on my fulls suss then I will get a 650b fork and probably 650b wheel as it should compliment the geometry of the frame quite well.