When will this 29er fad end?

[JoelN]

When Walmart started stocking 29ers, the fad ceased to be a fad.

[criplecreek]

I purchased a Giant XTC 2 29er. Once I became used to it I notice know difference in the handling, it is smoother than my 26 and I have bettered my lap time  here at Waverly Park by 10 to 15 minutes. the 29ers just flat out ROLL and I'm sure that my GIANT has wings, it loves to jump. I was hesitant to purchase one but the shops kept pushing them on me and I'm glad I listened because the ride has been quite enjoyable....... RIDE ON

[OWBcyclist]

I don't see it ending in this country...supposedly it never took off in other parts of the world

[chuckc1971]

I don't see it ending in this country...supposedly it never took off in other parts of the world

Yes and no. It simply took quite a while for Europe to catch on. Here's what is coming from there in 2012:

http://twentynineinches.com/2011/10/08/eurobike-2011-posts/

[PR]

OK,  I might give it a shot.    Here's the issue; 5' 7", 30" inseam (and can't ride a lick) .  Currently riding a 17" (I think) hardtail.     

Any smaller riders on here riding a 29er?   Any recommended frames for us shorter folks?

[David Swinford]

Paul, I'm riding a small Niner EMD9 and like it very much. It fits me very well.
If your up in this area sometime I would be glad to let you take a spin on it.

[SuperJETT]

My wife rides a 15" 29.  She's 5'6" and it fits very well.  I'm 5'10" and can ride it, though have to have the seat way up for my longer than normal legs.  I'd say most companies will have a 29" frame that will work for you.

[brenick]

Ditto what Darin said about most companies having the right size frame for smaller riders! I am 5'7" and have a 30" inseam also..... I bought a Salsa El Mariachi 16" 29er almost two months ago and I absolutely love it! My previous bike was a 17.5" 26" frame. Personally, I have found that I can ride a medium/26er frame or a small 29er frame. I hope you enjoy your 29er as much as I do!!! 

[chuckc1971]

Any recommended frames for us shorter folks?

Like anything else mountain bike, pick a bike based on effective top tube length vs. seat tube size. Don't ever "downsize" a 29er bike thinking it will as nimble as your old 26'er. I would simply start looking at 17"+/- 1" frames. For smaller than this size, there have been the use of lesser rise stems, non-riser bars (still swept, however) and even the occasional flipped stem to get the handlebar height down. Really small frames also occasionally have issues with toe overlap.

However, I really don't think you will have any issue with a ~17" frame.

If I was going to buy a new bike today, I would strongly consider also getting one with a tapered QR15 fork, 2x10 drivetrain and maybe even a 142mm rear axle. Just about every manufacturer has a minimum of a hardtail and a FS bike. A large majority have frame-only available.

If you want to swap out your old stuff, you will obviously need a new fork, wheels and tires at a minimum. Since you are admittedly old school, modern frames have longer top tubes and often require a shorter stem than you might be currently using. Also, most modern frames have a fairly significantly tapered top tube for stand-over clearance. So, that 30" lilliputian inseam of your's shouldn't hold you back much!

[PR]

Thanks for the input guys.  I'll likely try to have a 29er of some sort by springtime. Given my skinflint ways I might just ebay or craigslist a frame and start from there.   My 26 hardtail is a 99 airborne that has a relatively long top tube, and plenty  of standover clearance.   I like a long top tube.

[antslow]

Just built up a Giant XTC Composite 29er, best feeling hard tail I have ever ridden. The downside; it's hard to take it on an easy ride since I just wanna keep railing it.

[wkumtrider]

Is there a Giant dealer in the Louisville area?  I'm thinking of checking out their 29ers.

Thanks.

[chuckc1971]

Is there a Giant dealer in the Louisville area?  I'm thinking of checking out their 29ers.

Thanks.

Clarksville Schwinn.

[ricdix]

Jason, if you’re looking for a Giant, check in with the Bike Doctor next time you’re in town. Great bang for the buck. I have the Anthem X 29r. It’s the best bike I've ever owned. Your welcome to demo it if you like. I also took a demo spin on a XTC 29r. Crazy efficient but I prefer some cush.

[hwtrider80]

Thanks for the input guys.  I'll likely try to have a 29er of some sort by springtime. Given my skinflint ways I might just ebay or craigslist a frame and start from there.   My 26 hardtail is a 99 airborne that has a relatively long top tube, and plenty  of standover clearance.   I like a long top tube.

VO2 in St. Matthews has a Specialized Stumpjumper Comp demo bike. I rode it then bought one. The 2x10 is awesome!