Mountain bikes niners with 29 inch wheels for tourism
Or just interested in mountain bikes, you've probably heard of the rise in popularity among hikers of mountain bikes with large 29" wheels, the 29er model - niners. Mountain bikes with 29" wheels get positive reviews from cyclists from all over the world and very few negative ones. Now we can safely say that there should be a mountain bike with 29" wheels in cycling tourism.
But on the other hand, claims that the traditional 26-inch mountain bike is on the brink of extinction are premature. Without a doubt, the number of cyclists who have bought a Niner mountain bike with 29-inch wheels is constantly growing. So should you choose a 29" Niner or a 26" mountain bike? Consider their pros and cons.
Disadvantages and advantages of the Niner.
So what are the benefits of a 29" wheel on a bike? The 29er bike models offer several huge advantages over their smaller wheel brethren:
- more momentum from one, which increases the bike's mileage per revolution of the pedals;
- a large contact area during the trip, which increases grip and control on climbs and;
- a higher "angle of attack", which means the wheels overcome obstacles with less shock, thereby reducing fatigue and making the road more "smooth".
Cyclists claim that the niner gives a feeling of greater stability and control, reducing the "scheme" of action, which makes the ride even more relaxed. And that means less anxiety — more confidence and comfort.
That's all well and good, but what about the disadvantages of having big wheels on a bike? We can say that the ratio of benefits and losses is optimal: a small increase in weight due to the increase in wheel mass and a slower initial acceleration after a stop. That's all the shortcomings!
Who should definitely buy a 29" bike?
For the overwhelming majority of cyclists, buying a Niner would be the best option. There are smaller 29er bikes for short men and women.
The main reason why niners may not be suitable for shorter cyclists is the height of the top tube. Niners are usually taller than mountain bikes with 26-inch wheels. Short cyclists may also encounter other problems such as foot contact and impossibility. 29er bikes are available in medium, large and extra large frame sizes, as well as small frames and special women's frames that have just started to come into fashion.
If you are less than 1.7 meters tall, then most likely you should refuse to buy a Niner and buy a regular mountain bike with 26-inch wheels. If you are taller than 1.7 meters, then the 29er bike will be your best choice. Cyclists over 1.82 meters tall will benefit the most from the Niner, as the size and design of the 29er bikes will make your posture more natural.
Niner's choice.
To choose a niner, you need to be guided by the same principles as with any other design. To do this, you need to know the speed at which you usually ride and what you need a bike for.
Not all 29er bikes are the same. Like any other type of touring bike, some niner models are lighter, faster and more adaptable to cornering. Some 29er bikes are for racing, others for weekend riders, and still others for those who want a versatile bike. For a better understanding of the purpose of the Niner, read the detailed descriptions of the bikes you like on our website.
Currently, the most common 29-inch mountain bikes are hardtails (bicycles with front suspension only). Due to their suspension and frame design, full suspension models are becoming more and more popular.
If you just want to upgrade your mountain bike with 26-inch wheels by simply changing the wheels, then you probably won't succeed. Unfortunately 29" wheels won't fit into a 26" frame as each frame is designed to fit a different wheel size.
Your best bet is to discuss specific brands and models of niners with a knowledgeable bike shop and determine the best quality 29er bikes with the features you personally need in your chosen price range. Limit your choice of niners to two or three models and be sure to try each one before you buy to find out which bike is best for you.
