Benefits and disadvantages of 29” frame compared to the traditional 26” frame
The difference between wheel diameters 26” and 29” is not just in the size but also in the responsiveness during ride. There are several aspects for comparison of the two sizes. The most important one, with greater impact on the quality of ride can be summarised in the following five areas:
- ride stability
- terrain passability
- energy demands
- rolling-resistance
- size of the contact surface between the tyre and the terrain
29” bikes provide physically better driving stability, better terrain passability, lower rolling-resistance and 1.4-times greater contact surface compared to the 26” size bike. Greater contact surface provides better traction – better transference of braking and driving forces. The energy demands increase by mere 10 %.
29” mountain bikes are much more suitable for taller figures. The height of 175 cm is usually considered as the limiting size. Under certain circumstances, the 29” size bikes can, thanks to it's better terrain passability, can substitute full-suspension bikes. Compared to the latter, 29” bikes are cheaper and require less maintenance due to the absence of rear suspension as well as other technologically complex components of the full-suspension frames.
For the year 2011, we are staying with 3 duralumin models from MY 2010: INSTINCT 29, TRACTION 29 and DEXTER 29. They all are modifications of original AUTHOR models adjusted for the 29” wheel size, i.e. fitted with longer forks, bigger rims, tyres and tubes. The frame geometry and lengths of components have also been adjusted: shorter stems and longer seat posts. All these modifications improve control as well as more comfortable seat.
