Bikes are great. We can all agree on that. They are whopee dooo fanf**ingtastic, and for that reason I can understand those who say “chill out, it’s just another type of bike” and “more variety is better” and “they are better for taller riders” etc etc etc.
They are relatively inoffensive viewpoints and in a way there is a bit of truth to that but, and I have a few big buts here…I feel there are some very serious issues which are being overlooked/ignored.
First and foremost there is the simple issue of them being different. Different forks, different wheels, different frames, rims, spokes, tyres….we are constantly being told by hand ringing bike companies and distributors that economies of scale and complex distribution channels are to blame for exorbitant bike prices. 29ers, should they get to equal 26″ wheels in terms of proliferation represent further diversification in basically every major bike component out there. Which obviously can be seen as a reason/excuse for price hikes or lack of price drops.
Secondly, and on a somewhat related tone lets again assume that 29ers become as prolific as 26″, and lets assume there are 160mm and dh platforms with wagon wheels. Am I the only one who can envisage a situation where some bike company comes out with a “new” standard for hubs and axles to deal with the added forces generated by 29″ wheels and large volume 2ply tyres. 2 inch head tubes, 30mm front hubs…..etc etc and so on. More diverse standards, more expense. just a thought. the main problem I see with 29ers is further fracturing of standards, further complexity, further cost. And for what?
This whole issue hangs on the premise that 29″ wheels are better than 26″, the implication therein that 26″ wheels are deficient in some way. When I think about how far and how well 26″ wheeled mtbs have advanced in my time it’s staggering – my two full sussers, 120mm and 180mm blow my mind they, are so good. I am literally gobsmacked by them. I can scarcely imagine improving them. When someone comes alonng and claims “x is much better than y”, when y is already incredible, I have to view it with some skepticism. Thus far the only riders I know who claim to have experienced benefits of the big wheel are people who frankly can’t ride, and are looking to buy skill. That’s the truth of it. The tall (and very tall riders I know) who are decent bike handlers don’t seem to suffer this lingering suspicion that 26″ wheeled bikes are somehow wrong for them.
In terms of personal experience I’ve recently been out for rides with some fairly handy riders on 130mm 29er protypes and standard bikes with less travel and there was precious little, if anything to choose between them. The fastest riders up the climbs where the guys who were fastest up the climbs regardless of the bike, and the same guys were quickest down, regardless of the bike. At the end of the day it’ll always come down to the rider, not the bike. it’s just a shame that bike companies seem ruthlessly focused on making sure that the bike has big wheels and most people are falling for it hook, line and sinker.
When you really get right down to the bones of it i think it’s impossible to view it as anything other than a huge marketing ploy. I’d much rather have a 26″ wheel bikes that’s half the current price than have the choice of 26 and 29.
