One for MTB techies - 29ers

[huw williams]

My good friend Willow Koerber reports from the recent North American World Cup races that she's switched to a 29er.

Her switch has caused a little bit of a stir amongst the ranks of the US pros as up to now 29ers have been the sole preserve of taller guys (especially those who race cross). Wills is a diminutive 5' not-very-much so the larger wheel looks really weird on her Gary Fisher but it hasn't done her too much harm as she's been on the podium every time she's ridden it. 29 is a bit of a misnomer actually as the wheel size is more akin to a 700c road wheel and only approaches a '29' c with a knobbly fitted.

So what's the difference? Larger diameter wheels will roll quicker when up to speed where traditional 26ins wheels will speed up and slow down quicker. Consequently technical courses, which demand a lot of heavy braking, slowing down and sprinting back up to speed again are less suitable and Willow confirmed that her recent races on the 29er were on typical US 'super-highway' courses, largely made up of extended fire-road trails, where once up to speed, she pretty much stayed there for the entire duration of the race.

Traditionally the US scene has led the way in a lot of MTB technology development areas in the past so are we to see 29ers make an impact over here? Certainly those who prefer doing 'cross on mountain bikes might see the benefit. Watch this space!

[Grahame]

More than "more akin to a 700c raod wheel". The diameter of a "29er" rim is EXACTLY that of a 700c rim. Just most "29er" rims are wider than road rims designed for 19 to 25 section tyres, but bear a remarkable resemblance to those rims designed for 28 to 38 section touring and 'cross tyres.

I wonder if/when the UCI will relent and allow disc brakes for 'cross races?

[George]

[quote="Grahame"]

I wonder if/when the UCI will relent and allow disc brakes for 'cross races?

[Sylv]

[quote="huw williams"]My good friend Willow Koerber

[quote="Sylv"][quote="huw williams"]My good friend Willow Koerber

[Sylv]

[quote="huw williams"]Don't even go there...

[Andrew G]

[quote="Grahame"]I wonder if/when the UCI will relent and allow disc brakes for 'cross races?

[higg]

If I get another MTB it will be a 29" hardtail. I'm sorry I didn't get one when Roberts built my last bike. They only came on the scene a year or two later.

Since taking up the CX on 700C wheels I now use it regularly on local bridleways (but not the technical Leith Hill stuff). It is much more comfortable and easier to pedal than you would think for a rigid bike on 32mm tyres. I put this down to the larger wheels.

I haven't done a rigorous test but after using both on local CX races, I reckon 700C wheels are probably worth about 30secs on a 6min lap.


Similar subject, maybe diverting the thread a bit though. Why aren't MTB style tubeless (ie) tyre + gunk, used in CX. It seems much less hassle than tubs and should stop the pinch flats from low tyre pressures.

[Sylv]

Pah - what you need is a 26" mtb for a road race http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/m ... tail-22736

[Sylv]

[quote]This is Koeber's first world championships medal, and she had no disappointment with finishing third. The American rode a 29er, as did her team mate Heather Irmiger (10th).

"At the start I was like, 'whats going on? None of us can ride our bikes!'. Everyone seemed to be crashing into each other and falling over. But you just have to stay patient, as it is five laps, and I managed to escape any big crash or problem with my bike, so I had a great day out there. Just a lot of fun, and the crowds were great. This is my first [International] medal, so I am very excited and pleased."

"I guess you could say the start worked in my favour because it ended up well, it all worked out great. I just stayed calm, because in the past I have panicked numerous times and you just waste a bunch of energy, so I was like, okay, whatever is happening in front of me, it will all work out, and I guess it did. I won the last race in the US Cup in New York three weeks ago, so that gave me a lot of confidence, and then I really didn't train too much. I just did a bunch of short fun things, so I would be rested and really ready to race today."