Comments on: The Death of the 26-Inch Hardtail? http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904 Mountain Biking, Bike and Gear Reviews, Race Results, Trails and Singletrack Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:16:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: richdirector http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-1557 richdirector Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:55:38 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-1557 What about the introduction of the latest gen HT like the 16.5lbs flash carbon from CrackAndFail ... surely the 3/4lbs weight advantage will come into it's own amongst the top pros? What about the introduction of the latest gen HT like the 16.5lbs flash carbon from CrackAndFail … surely the 3/4lbs weight advantage will come into it's own amongst the top pros?

]]> By: Morgan http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-230 Morgan Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:09:49 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-230 There are a lot of good points I've read from my fellow readers, but I think some of us are missing a thing or two. First of all, I doubt many of us are racing for a living. Secondly, who gives what the top pros are riding? They may be riding what they are told to. I suggest throwing a leg over a niner or a full suspension and give it a go! Demo bikes, a riding buddy's bike, or a good hometown shop are all great resources to try 'em out. Lastly, after racing in the 24 Hours of Old Pueblo, I would estimate that at least half of all bikes for that race were of the two nine variety. There are a lot of good points I’ve read from my fellow readers, but I think some of us are missing a thing or two. First of all, I doubt many of us are racing for a living. Secondly, who gives what the top pros are riding? They may be riding what they are told to. I suggest throwing a leg over a niner or a full suspension and give it a go! Demo bikes, a riding buddy’s bike, or a good hometown shop are all great resources to try ‘em out. Lastly, after racing in the 24 Hours of Old Pueblo, I would estimate that at least half of all bikes for that race were of the two nine variety.

]]> By: Dario http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-188 Dario Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:55:28 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-188 HT vs FS is a tough decision! Burry would have been 10 sec ahead in elite race after only 4 laps on his FS in World cup! HT vs FS is a tough decision! Burry would have been 10 sec ahead in elite race after only 4 laps on his FS in World cup!

]]> By: Pablo http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-182 Pablo Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:44:37 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-182 Leadville is not the one of the hardest races around and Lance is a marketing tool, this article is irrelevant. Leadville is not the one of the hardest races around and Lance is a marketing tool, this article is irrelevant.

]]> By: Brad Setters http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-176 Brad Setters Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:01:00 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-176 So world champs has just been and first and second in the mens elite filed, on a course that is has everything from a very technical climb to flowing single track, were 26 inch hard tail mountain bikes... Considering world champs has always been dominated by the 26 inch hardtail (in exception to last years full sus win) its clear to see that the traditional style to bike is very much the top of the pile, 29 inch and full sus still have some work to do yet. So world champs has just been and first and second in the mens elite filed, on a course that is has everything from a very technical climb to flowing single track, were 26 inch hard tail mountain bikes… Considering world champs has always been dominated by the 26 inch hardtail (in exception to last years full sus win) its clear to see that the traditional style to bike is very much the top of the pile, 29 inch and full sus still have some work to do yet.

]]> By: Rico http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-62 Rico Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:32:46 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-62 I was contemplating Trek's lack of a 29er until I remembered that this is Fisher's developmental and marketing bailiwick and that Fisher is one of Trek's brands. Mystery solved. I was contemplating Trek’s lack of a 29er until I remembered that this is Fisher’s developmental and marketing bailiwick and that Fisher is one of Trek’s brands. Mystery solved.

]]> By: DWP http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-55 DWP Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:38:12 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-55 Sadly, Trek doesn't make a true 29er. The 69er is poorly equipped and though I'm sure they would build a better equipped one if he asked, I would be willing to say they would rather sell the Top Fuel 9.9 SSL so people can be like LA, instead of having to buy a down grade that might look like his Leadville winning ride. "One of the best cyclists in the world is racing one of the hardest mountain bike races and he can ride anything. What does he (and most of his competitors) choose? 26 inches. Lance Armstrong, Leadville 100. Can I get an Amen?" Sadly, Trek doesn’t make a true 29er. The 69er is poorly equipped and though I’m sure they would build a better equipped one if he asked, I would be willing to say they would rather sell the Top Fuel 9.9 SSL so people can be like LA, instead of having to buy a down grade that might look like his Leadville winning ride.

“One of the best cyclists in the world is racing one of the hardest mountain bike races and he can ride anything. What does he (and most of his competitors) choose? 26 inches. Lance Armstrong, Leadville 100.

Can I get an Amen?”

]]> By: Zed http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-54 Zed Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:44:13 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-54 This was definitely premature. 26'ers are everywhere, including the World Cup podium and my garage. 29'ers seemed to do well in Granby, but wasn't that the less-technical course the pros have raced over the last month? MSA and Bromont were the more technical (ahem, REAL mtb) courses, and the 26'er hardtail ruled the top steps of the podium. Never mind that 26'ers are more affordable for the typical consumer and easier to repair and maintain (due to the ubiquitousness of 26'er components). THE 26'ER LIVES! This was definitely premature. 26′ers are everywhere, including the World Cup podium and my garage.

29′ers seemed to do well in Granby, but wasn’t that the less-technical course the pros have raced over the last month? MSA and Bromont were the more technical (ahem, REAL mtb) courses, and the 26′er hardtail ruled the top steps of the podium. Never mind that 26′ers are more affordable for the typical consumer and easier to repair and maintain (due to the ubiquitousness of 26′er components).

THE 26′ER LIVES!

]]> By: RaceCST http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-50 RaceCST Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:34:45 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-50 I've heard that the 29'er is the wave of technology, but I also heard that with bio-pace chain rings - Bike industry needs to keep fresh by pushing new products to keep sales up, which is fine. Some of the best technology has come into our sport this way, such as suspension, UST and so on. However I won't give up my 26 FS just because someone thinks wagon wheels are faster. I’ve heard that the 29′er is the wave of technology, but I also heard that with bio-pace chain rings – Bike industry needs to keep fresh by pushing new products to keep sales up, which is fine. Some of the best technology has come into our sport this way, such as suspension, UST and so on. However I won’t give up my 26 FS just because someone thinks wagon wheels are faster.

]]> By: Indiefab http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-48 Indiefab Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:07:08 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-48 Its ironic that this article comes out just as Geoff Kabush is dominating the ProXCT circuit and won his first WC race on 26" hardtails. Its ironic that this article comes out just as Geoff Kabush is dominating the ProXCT circuit and won his first WC race on 26″ hardtails.

]]> By: scott http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-45 scott Sat, 15 Aug 2009 21:13:18 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-45 I am a 51 y/o male,my first race was in 1982,Been riding and racing a long time. since my first 29er ride, I have sold my "little wheels" (Kona King kika pu) and moots YBB) and replaced them with a fisher Hi-Fi and a lynskey ti hard tail. so I must have voted with my check book! I am a 51 y/o male,my first race was in 1982,Been riding and racing a long time.
since my first 29er ride, I have sold my “little wheels” (Kona King kika pu) and moots YBB) and replaced them with a fisher Hi-Fi and a lynskey ti hard tail.
so I must have voted with my check book!

]]> By: Andreas http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-42 Andreas Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:12:34 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-42 One of the best cyclists in the world is racing one of the hardest mountain bike races and he can ride anything. What does he (and most of his competitors) choose? 26 inches. Lance Armstrong, Leadville 100. Can I get an Amen? One of the best cyclists in the world is racing one of the hardest mountain bike races and he can ride anything. What does he (and most of his competitors) choose? 26 inches. Lance Armstrong, Leadville 100.

Can I get an Amen?

]]> By: Mike http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-39 Mike Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:00:50 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-39 Not to be the retro-grouch railing against the new-fangled what have you over a roomful of groans, but I love my 26" wheels for all their strengths and pitfalls. I ride UST 26" on full rigid hardtails (one 2x9 and one singlespeed) and relish the challenge and the purity of the experience. God bless the 29ers and all who ride them, but I'm not giving up on the bikes that grew this sport. FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS! Not to be the retro-grouch railing against the new-fangled what have you over a roomful of groans, but I love my 26″ wheels for all their strengths and pitfalls. I ride UST 26″ on full rigid hardtails (one 2×9 and one singlespeed) and relish the challenge and the purity of the experience.

God bless the 29ers and all who ride them, but I’m not giving up on the bikes that grew this sport. FROM MY COLD, DEAD HANDS!

]]> By: João http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-38 João Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:59:01 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-38 Orbea has a 29e, so Julien could ride one if he wanted. Not may 29er in Portugal, I have a GF Hi-fi pro 29, and love it. Maybe in 2010 I'll get myself a Superfy 100. 29ers Rules!!! Orbea has a 29e, so Julien could ride one if he wanted.
Not may 29er in Portugal, I have a GF Hi-fi pro 29, and love it.
Maybe in 2010 I’ll get myself a Superfy 100.
29ers Rules!!!

]]> By: Dan O http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-36 Dan O Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:28:45 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-36 Great new website. Some use of full-suspension and/or 29" wheels by pros is tied to marketing reasons - that's what they want to sell. Nothing wrong with that, but needs to be mentioned. On a grassroots level, I still see mostly 26" wheel bikes being raced - hardtail and full suspension. After riding hardtails for 15 years, then full-suspension for 9 years, then back to a hardtail for the past year - I do miss full suspension at times. Going back has been a fun experiment - but I don't plan to live there forever.... Great new website.

Some use of full-suspension and/or 29″ wheels by pros is tied to marketing reasons – that’s what they want to sell. Nothing wrong with that, but needs to be mentioned.

On a grassroots level, I still see mostly 26″ wheel bikes being raced – hardtail and full suspension.

After riding hardtails for 15 years, then full-suspension for 9 years, then back to a hardtail for the past year – I do miss full suspension at times.

Going back has been a fun experiment – but I don’t plan to live there forever….

]]> By: Robert http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-35 Robert Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:19:07 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-35 How much of the 29er buzz is hype and how much is real? How much of the 29er buzz is hype and how much is real?

]]> By: michael http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-33 michael Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:18:08 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-33 Cool new website, but this article already appeared in Velonews a while back. Are we going to see original material? Cool new website, but this article already appeared in Velonews a while back. Are we going to see original material?

]]> By: Evan http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-32 Evan Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:04:50 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-32 I think the problem here is that race courses are more like dirt roads these days. I cringe every time I see a 29er. I still think that the 26" bike is simply the best tool for technical trails. I also tend to ride more trials style on technical, uphill stuff, so give me a hardtail for that! I think the problem here is that race courses are more like dirt roads these days. I cringe every time I see a 29er. I still think that the 26″ bike is simply the best tool for technical trails.

I also tend to ride more trials style on technical, uphill stuff, so give me a hardtail for that!

]]> By: Mike http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-26 Mike Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:01:20 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-26 The only North American winning world cups was on a 26" bike. The legs do the talking. The only North American winning world cups was on a 26″ bike. The legs do the talking.

]]> By: Payson http://singletrack.competitor.com/2009/07/bikes-tech/29er/death-of-26-hardtail_1904/comment-page-1#comment-23 Payson Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:58:25 +0000 http://mountainbike.competitor.com/?p=1904#comment-23 Nooooooooo. An HT lover for ever! Nooooooooo. An HT lover for ever!

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