Only a few weeks have passed since I took the plunge into getting a 29er. Some may say I’m behind the times, but as I originally posted – I’m a creature of habit. More than that, the majority of Marathon and Stage racing I had done over the previous years had taken place in ‘29er-shy’ countries. A quick calculation of this year’s racing revealed to me that barely 18 per cent of those event occurred outside of Europe – so I guess the blinkers were on. Having now completed a marathon (Australia’s Highland Fling) on a 29er, it’s time to deliver my first impressions.
Season 2010 opened my eyes to the apparent benefits of the bigger-wheeled bike, hence the switch. Although it is far too early to decide whether 29 inch wheels are the best thing for me, the start has been promising. With about twenty five hours logged thus far, I am more than comfortable on the new machine. Transferring my typical mountain-bike set-up across was a little tricky, due to the higher front end. But I have worked around this with a negative 10 degree stem running on the bearing cover. So far this has proven to be a great position, and possibly even more powerful as it feels steadier. Without backing this up with data though, it is pure conjecture. If I do need to get lower though, there are stems that can accommodate, and frames from other manufacturers that have a lower head tube. So my fit on the bike is certainly not a decisive factor
A small wheel accelerates faster – any BMX Bandit knows this. This is something I have noticed out on the trail, and mostly when getting tired. At the Highland Fling, the trails are fast, typically open, and rolling. No section of the course is stop/start technical, so this slightly dull edge on acceleration was not an issue. My next race, north of Sydney, may prove more testing. Firstly, it uses trails I haven’t ridden before. Secondly, I am told that they are fantastic trails, with some good technical sections. But for now, I do notice that difference in acceleration – but I can’t think of too many Marathons that I have competed in where it will be holding me back.
Weight is always an issue in cycling. Too much, too little, or in the wrong places – there is a balance that needs to be achieved. Direct comparisons here are not fair. Coming from a 9.4kg 26” carbon hardtail and a 10.2kg 26” carbon dual suspension bike puts the 10.7kg aluminium 29er at a weight disadvantage to start with. Although 10.7kg is a respectable weight – it could be one kilo less. Here, the form of the 29er is key to the discussion: wheels. Larger wheels use more rubber and metal – and these things are heavy. Although the wheels are a reasonable weight at 1,600 grams with tape and valves, that’s an extra 250 grams on my 26” race wheels. Tyres also weigh about 120-160grams more per end compared to my current choices. As such it isn’t a huge difference, and would be contributing to the feeling of slightly slower acceleration.
Speed. Here is the redeeming feature. From my experiences so far, the larger wheels (with their slightly higher rotating mass) just roll and roll. On the terrain encountered at the Highland Fling, that was inherently useful. Being able to keep the speed up in the chase group meant I was using less energy. Running on sub-optimal fitness, any bonus like this was greatly appreciated. Swapping turns on farm roads and fire trails seemed to be less taxing, and getting through the swooping singletrack was pretty quick.
Handling traits vary from bike to bike, and are unique to some brands. My choice of 29er is surprisingly sharp. I was expecting to need to put more effort in to get it through corners. But in reality it handles superbly in the terrain encountered so far. This is good – as I’m certainly not an extraordinary bike handler. Add some fatigue in and I need all the help I can get.
So far, I’m happy. Technical terrain will test whether the handling is as precise as it feels, and whether the ability of a 29er to ‘roll-over’ more difficult terrain holds true for me. Right now it has me in a quandary – do I need to make sure I still have a 26” dual suspension in my quiver of bikes, or is a fast rolling 29er my 2011 Marathon bike of choice? As always, more riding is on the horizon. The next two races involve more technical terrain and longer climbs respectively. So check back soon for a more concise and decisive appraisal. Here’s hoping 29ers may continue to improve my marathon results!