29ers on the podiums more and more?

[dasher666]

I agree that we're off topic, my point is that most current changes haven't been for change's sake.

 

[papisimo98]

According to Sauser's website, he's been using both ...

Actually on his site, there's an interesting comparison test that he did during the offseason between the Epic 26 vs Epic 29. Found that the difference over a 5km circuit was about 12 seconds ... That would equate to about 1min 46sec over a normal race. Add in all of the variables that are inherent in racing (bad lines, stuck behind back marker, fatigue, etc) and you're still looking at a fairly close run thing between the two sizes - which I guess makes sense, otherwise the UCI wouldn't allow the two wheel sizes in the same race ... Anyhow, that piece on his site is worth a read - in typical Sauser fashion he breaks down a whole bunch of details about HR, shock pressures, etc ...

Thanks for the info Kiwi.
Sauser is one of the most respected bike handlers on the circuit, so I see a 29er being more advantageous due to its stability.
I've noticed in the World Cups he tends to race the hardtail 29er or the 26er.
Up until 2 years ago it was unfathomable at the WC level now 5 out of 7 races? Others on the podium. ...
Furthermore, IMO, World Cup races are not extremely technical(yes I have ridden a few and I know at speed anything can be difficult), negating an area where a 29er has a clear advantage.

 

[durianrider]

My next xc bike will be a 29er for sure.

Been great to read peoples experiences and opinions here for sure.

 

[rickshaw]

evolution in crude terms

I agree that we're off topic, my point is that most current changes haven't been for change's sake.

If I understand evolution, there are many changes, for the sake of change in the life span of an organism. The changes which provide a reproductive / survival benefit continue, the others do not. Without some substantial benefit accruing bike changes are the same, in an evolutionary time scale.

 

[kiwirider]

If I understand evolution, there are many changes, for the sake of change in the life span of an organism. The changes which provide a reproductive / survival benefit continue, the others do not. Without some substantial benefit accruing bike changes are the same, in an evolutionary time scale.

... if the change in consumer goods (of whatever type) was solely a response to the same sorts of environmental factors that result in evolutionary change.

However, we also need to overlay the effect of economics - in the truest sense (ie., the study of human interactions in order to meet needs and wants in a world of limited resources) - on the development of goods.

In that context, most change that is put through in products is actually used as an alternative to mutually destructive price competition - especially in a situation where there are relatively few suppliers (ie., an oligopolistic market). Galbraith, Samuelson and a few others started writing about this effect in the '60's - but if you look at the electronics sector (DVDs/PVRs and phones are classic examples), cars and of course the bike industry to see that their theories still apply perfectly well today ....

Sorry to go all intellectual - and off topic again - there ... that topic just relates to some stuff that I've been doing at work recently ...

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Haven't owned an MTB since 1996, now that live in Colorado there is just no question what needs to be done for next season... Everybody meet the SALSA SPEARFISH

 

[veganrob]

Haven't owned an MTB since 1996, now that live in Colorado there is just no question what needs to be done for next season... Everybody meet the SALSA SPEARFISH

Well,,,I don't know?

 

[bc_hills]

Haven't owned an MTB since 1996, now that live in Colorado there is just no question what needs to be done for next season... Everybody meet the SALSA SPEARFISH

Wow, that bike looks light! Could those seatstays be any thinner? I'd break it the first time I cased it!

 

[phlatties]

26 , 29 doesn't matter. if you can't bunnyhop with flat pedals wheel size is not an issue.. it just means you don't know how. skill owns all regardless of wheel size.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Test rode a Spearfish today for the first time, didn't like it. After spending this weekend at Valmont Bike Park in Boulder I'm thoroughly convinced that I'll probably end up building a DJ bike for next season instead. As an homage to courting my girlfriend when she lived in Brooklyn, who also rocks the jumps on the BMX I got for her, I'm thinking a Brooklyn Machine Works Big Ben. This officially puts me out of the 29'er conversation.. So, I leave you with a parting pic of my next dirt bike....

 

[veganrob]

Now you're talkin'

 

[Boeing]

26 , 29 doesn't matter. if you can't bunnyhop with flat pedals wheel size is not an issue.. it just means you don't know how. skill owns all regardless of wheel size.

try a manual at speed on a 29er bra

 

[Boeing]

Test rode a Spearfish today for the first time, didn't like it. After spending this weekend at Valmont Bike Park in Boulder I'm thoroughly convinced that I'll probably end up building a DJ bike for next season instead. As an homage to courting my girlfriend when she lived in Brooklyn, who also rocks the jumps on the BMX I got for her, I'm thinking a Brooklyn Machine Works Big Ben. This officially puts me out of the 29'er conversation.. So, I leave you with a parting pic of my next dirt bike....

you really should consult me before you think about these things

http://www.ridesuperco.com/2010/index.php

 

[Boeing]

Test rode a Spearfish today for the first time, didn't like it.

why not go 29er rigid SS as well

 

[Boeing]

Haven't owned an MTB since 1996, now that live in Colorado there is just no question what needs to be done for next season... Everybody meet the SALSA SPEARFISH

of all the 29ers you try this tin can?

don't believe everything guitar ted says, he tests all his bikes on fire roads

 

[Rip:30]

Jaroslav Kulhavy wins Worlds on a 29er. Nice.

 

[papisimo98]

hehehehehehe

 

[Boeing]

Colnogo has a 29er. game over

http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/photos/eurobike-2011-colnagos-new-29er-mountain-bike/189031

 

[rickshaw]

Yawn.....

"Colnogo has a 29er. game over"

Orbea has had a carbon 29er for 3 or 4 years. Maybe Colnago has theirs made in the same chinese plant. game..... still a game.

 

[Boeing]

"Colnogo has a 29er. game over"

Orbea has had a carbon 29er for 3 or 4 years. Maybe Colnago has theirs made in the same chinese plant. game..... still a game.

hate the game yo

 

[slcbiker]

Colnago?

Pfft. While I loved the Masterlight I used to ride on the road, beyond pretty paint jobs, I'm not sure they have much going for them in the MTB world.

Certainly I wouldn't trade my Turner Sultan for a Colnago.

 

[papisimo98]

yeah i'd say your handcrafted, handbuilt sultan has an advantage over the colgnago for sure. it is a beautiful bike.

 

[rickshaw]

Colnago?

Pfft. While I loved the Masterlight I used to ride on the road, beyond pretty paint jobs, I'm not sure they have much going for them in the MTB world.

Certainly I wouldn't trade my Turner Sultan for a Colnago.

Like getting Capezio combat boots, ya know?

 

[durianrider]

26er industry is OVER.

I just rode a 2000$ hardtail alloy giant and it out climbed my 10 000$ Sworks carbon epic super bling.

Guess what size wheels Im getting next bike purchase.

 

[Boeing]

Colnago?

Pfft. While I loved the Masterlight I used to ride on the road, beyond pretty paint jobs, I'm not sure they have much going for them in the MTB world.

Certainly I wouldn't trade my Turner Sultan for a Colnago.

Apples to oranges

ColnAgo will likely never make a Fully.