In May got my hands on a 29er mountain bike. Which for me was a radical departure as in the last 23 years I have ridden bikes that where either 26inch wheeled or 700c. Obviously it was either a mountain or road bike. And for those who don’t know a 29er is a mountain bike built to fit a 29 inch rim.
I admit I was looking for something a little different as the standard roadie position of a Cross bike it would aggravate my back. And since getting the 29er one thing that isn’t being aggravated is my back. Which has been a big plus.
Over the summer it was the bike I rode every day. Like any new type of bike it took sometime getting used to the handling. One of the big one’s being cornering took a little more effort. This is due to the longer wheelbase. So any cornering that was a breeze before 2008 now requires some skill. Though the longer wheel base makes it a little more stable at high speed. And takes a bit more effort for log hopping and getting the front wheel onto ledges.
Over all after some parts swaps I have been happy with the 29er this summer. It has pretty much taken everything I have thrown at it. And it’s nice to have one bike that can really do alot. Raced it twice in the summer and then did three Cyclocross races in the fall with it. The only equipment changes being tires and the mandatory removal of bar ends. For me this is great as it is one less bike I have in the service course.
For all the good things there is one down side though. For any DH days like Calabogie or speed trials type rides the Chromag still can out work the 29er. But that is the only big downside to it.
Now comes the winter and see how it handles riding in snow.
