Mountain Biking - 700c/29in mtb wheels

I was looking at the site someone posted about the 29in wheels on a mtb. I was wondering if anyone here thinks this is a new trend or kinda a fad? I am going to rebuild my old gt so I have something a bit nicer to hit the trails with, but I think I might want to go to a 700c mtb.. ;) anyways what's your take on this... it is the first I've heard about it :rolleyes:

I doubt your current bike will accept 29" tires, there are special forks, longer chain stays etc...

Originally posted by Joe Gardner
I doubt your current bike will accept 29" tires, there are special forks, longer chain stays etc...

hehe I know that, I was meaning that I might want to try a 29in mtb, and if I like it I may build a mtb with a new frame & forks ;)

When MTB's first came in, they were considered a fad. Who can say how the general public will take to these 29 inchers. If it is promoted, and some racers get involved, the skies the limit.

I haven't seen any, except at that site you mentioned, and haven't received an advertising literature from a manufacturer. So they are not being hyped very much to dealers. At least, not yet.

Although, I think one of the guys here on the forums, said they are in his shop, or he has seen them in a shop.

Haha, i totaly read your post wrong, sorry, i thought you had a mtn bike you wanted to convert to 29"! :) My bad.

Hi
I believe that the larger tire will less rolling resistance and more stability. Will it handle as good maybe? I looked at my 26" and I think the forks are ok but the brakes wouldn't let the 29" tire in. Be fun to think about though.
Joe
:beer:

I really do wonder how 29's will be in the handling category, especially on slow technical rides either down or uphill ?

Seth

Looks kind of cool, but I can't think of any advantage.

A bigger tire means you cover more ground per revolution, resulting in a more difficult climb, gearing being equal. I guess this could easily be corrected by larger rear cogs.

Also, I don't have any desire to decrease top-tube clearance or raise my center of gravity. Again, I guess this might not be the case with proper frame geometry, but wouldn't longer forks and chain stays weigh a bit more (heavier rims too)?

At first thought I can see possible minor disadvantages, but no real advantage for a mountain bike. I see how bigger wheels can be good for road bikes, slower revolution => less wear on bearings, maybe less vibration?

These are just my musings. I'd like to hear other points of view; somebody tell me if I'm wrong. I'm curious, maybe somebody could look into it and give us all the low down (guess I could do it myself but I'm lazy).

Okay, more rubber in contact with the ground, that is an advantage.