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Interesting 26" article
Found this on the interweb and thought it was worth a read.
http://www.bikemag.com/gear/26-aint-dead/
I thought it was quite interesting...
Cheers,
Jono.
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Jono, thanks for the article. Definitely interesting. My mate, OldandSlow, has been trying to convince me for years (yes years) that 3 extra inches make all the difference when it comes to spinning ones' wheels.
I've continued to indulge a number of his other pet subjects (i.e. chicks dig lycra, global warming doesn't exist and that the wearing of budgie smugglers makes one a better Prime Minister), however trying to tell me - yes me - that three extra inches makes all the difference is plain ridiculous.
I mean, look at his profile picture. He was the original hipster, with the silly beard and the 'ironic' penchant for '80s - styled attire. I mean, come on now.
If someone wants to believe that three extra inches count, then good for them. It's ultimately a harmless fairy tale so each to their own.
It's your pins, son. Your pins, and a bit of heart, that makes one as speedy as ol' Spokey Dokey. I'll be on my soapbox in the Domain from 29th - 31st December talking on the fallacy of three extra inches, and other fantasies.
Spokey Dude,
You're off on yet another rant based on a hazy acid memory of conversation had when we were discussing the "ladies".
"Those 3 extra inches are certainly appreciated when spinning my wheels" was simply euphemism.
You should know that when I'm not on the tandem I still only ride the Schwinn Excelsior I brought back from Marin County in '76.
I look forward to seeing you in the Domain and will challenge you to prove your ridiculous theories on anthropogenic global warming and that Gough was somehow better than our local bush fire fighting/speedo wearing/lifesaving hero.
and the accompanying video if anyone missed it
http://youtu.be/nfZylC-n4qE
Or cyclocross. Not sure if riding round a muddy circle is even sillier than 29 inches.
Respectively i have to disagree between 26-29" there is a very noticeable difference. I got the chance to ride a nice 29er the other day for the first time on the trails and it happend to be a stumpy evo 29er and i was very impressed with it BUT!!! i still prefer the 26er.
Yes the 29er had insane grip and was very smooth but it didn't let me ride how i like - i prefer popping not plowing and with the 29er i really couldn't feel the trail as well as my 26.
Then again my bike was on the list (stumpy evo 26) and it very well deserves to be there after all, i've ridden a few few 'very nice bikes" and i still get on mine and say i wont swap, so i guess thats gotta say something.
But then again 650b will probably be very similar to 26" but yield a slighter quicker stopwatch time?
I know 2009 - 2011 FSR and 2010 stumpy are 650b compatible but not sure about the evo versions. You should find someone close with a 650b rear wheel and see if it fits your evo.
Not a complaint i could honestly make with my Scalpel!
John, I think he means he can't feel the trail through the bike when he's on big wheels.
We all know you can feel the trail, you do every time you crash.
Interesting discussion as this topic often brings.
But i found the combo of 29 wheels, high tyre pressures and huge grip just made everything feel like the same - like u don't have to slow down for anything including corners - i couldn't feel anything under the wheels??
You say that like it's a bad thing... lol
Cue Madam Zelda slightly off key gypsy accordion music:
"I can see someone riding a bike... wearing... skintight lycra ... advertising foreign skincare products ... with shaved legs... I can see a cyclocross bike... oh it's you!"
(Taps crystal ball)
"Hmmph must be something wrong with the reception
"