Well, I think I was like a lot of people - hearing/reading all the hype about the "big-wheel revolution" and wondering if it was another passing phase, a little like the bio-pace chainring - something that promised much, but delivered little.
With a reasonably negative mindset & pretty low expectations I took the medium sized Specialized Epic Comp 29er out on the local trails of Mt. Victoria. If you've ever ridden there, you'll be aware that there are a lot of short, sharp ascents and countless rooty, off-camber descents - a surefire way to test one of the mooted advantages of the 29 inch wheel - the ability to roll over trail clutter (think roots/rocks/debris) without scrubbing speed and/or line.
From the moment the 29er hype started to gather momentum, a lot of the talk was how taller riders were best suited to the big hoops - stumpy (5ft 6inch on tiptoes) mortals such as myself need not apply. The Medium frame size was another factor - would I need to drop down a size in order to feel comfortable?
Well, I shouldn't have fretted so much, wearing out my worry-beads and suffering as much angst - just like an emo child. My usual ride (Tina - a medium-sized Turner 5 Spot) is my dream bike, I really didn't think the Epic would challenge it's numero uno position in my heart - how wrong I was didn't take long to become apparent. Once I set up the bike up to suit me (mainly adjusting the rebound on the fork/shock to my exacting standards) I was ready for action. Side-by-side the differences between Tina & the Epic were patently obvious - flat bar vs low riser, 100mm travel vs 140mm, dropper seatpost vs non-dropper (?) - the wheel size comparison alone left me thinking I'd need a box to even mount the 29er. Somewhat surprisingly I had no trouble getting on and after a few tentative wobbles I hit the tar-seal towards Mt Vic.
Within 100 metres or so from home a maniacal grin started to form on my face (passing motorists could be excused for confusing this expression for a rictus of pain), I believe I may have let slip an involuntary woot-woot or two. Test number 1, will a medium size fit? - big tick. Onto the trails, the Epic negotiated a tight little turn & short sharp climb up to the tracks proper with ease. Test number 2, turning circle and low-speed climbing ability - big tick (another involuntary woot-woot - ohhhh, my - note to self - must be careful not to make a mess.)
I took my usual 1 hour loop, a ride that encompasses some of the best of Welly's premier city ride - rutted, rooty climbs/descents, tight/off-camber singletrack, gnarly roll-offs plus, of course, flowing open (shared) trails. Test number 3 - all of the afore-mentioned - huge tick. Unfortunately the fun had to end sometime & somewhat reluctantly I returned home & put the Epic back into the Burkes Test Bike stable for the night.
What surprised me most about my 29er experience is how quickly it took for me to feel totally at home on the new bike. I didn't even notice the smaller amount of travel or the flat bar as the big wheels seem to compensate for this. My trepidation was totally unfounded - every test was passed with ease & the Epic 29er scored more ticks than an old dog.
Here are my conclusions/musings;
- Was it enough to make me want to flick Tina in favour of the big wheels - mmmm, tight call that one, the jury's still out (at least that's what I say when I'm in earshot of Tina!)
- Do I need to upgrade my stable of bikes to include a 29er? - without doubt
- Will I feel comfortable talking about/selling a 29er now, even to those of a smaller stature? - hell yeah!
- Is it harder gain/maintain momentum on a 29er? - marginally yes, but scarcely noticeable - you just go that little bit harder
- Do 29ers make your riding easier? - even after one ride I would say yes (I'm sure subsequent rides would confirm this beyond doubt)
If you'd like to view this bike online, check it out here
