29er vs 27.5 the hype around both bikes the pros and cons OMG. what do you do what do you get!!!!
Currently own a 40lb Giant Reign X1. Tried a Giant Trance X 29er size small demo, 5 in travel. lock out. Fell in Love. After 3hrs of riding was as tired as I am after 1hr of riding my Riegn. Got to ride things I normally walk, cause I do not have the strength to propel my machine over while climbing. Still had the angles I love (not cross country angles) And even came with an automatic seat post. HEAVEN. Riding became so enjoyable and so freaking easy. price is $2700.00 for the Giant Trance X1
Due to it being a Demo, had only so much time. So didnt have opportunity to do techinical down or tight switch back ups and down or any roughing it up.
Checking out the bike shops they all talk about the next bike is the 27.5. agility, nimbleness etc. The next bike I want to own needs to be A) LIGHTER no more than 30lbs .B) Last me another 4 years C) I want to beable ride northshore technical climbs and go down things with confidence with EASE.
If I was to do bike park I have my reign for now, or can rent.
Opionions Please. Do the 29er riders do you notice a big difference between the 26 and 29 doing the type of terrain I described I want to beable to do?
And if you know of any more bike demo days please tell.
Cheers
Tasha
40lbs wow! Yes you definitely need an upgrade for riding the All mountain shore trails for longer than an hour!
Personally I have the same question so have been test riding the 27.5 Rocky Mountain Altitude 750 at Different Bikes in North Van. It ways just over 31lbs which is expected for a bike with bigger wheels and tyres. I test rode it with some friends over some timed laps around Sticks and Stones and bridlepath and compared to my times on the same day riding my Rocky Mountain Slayer which weighs in at 32.5lbs. I also took it over Greenland and Bottle top and the climb up Bridlepath from Fishermans to Hyannis and compared it to a range of previous times I've recorded on various bikes on Strava segments. (Everyone knows I'm a strava addict).
I've also ridden a Santa Cruz superligt 29'er but that was on Vegas trails not so technical.
Verdict: - My RM Slayer climbs so well for a heavyish setup on an all mountain 26'er with Fox 36 forks and its such a fun bike to ride technical trails down and I have to say I LOVE this bike so its hard for another bike to beat it. The Altitude 750 with 27.5 wheels moved much faster up the climbs and I could not believe it but I was faster downhill too on Bottletop. Technical climbs were easier to bump over those really rooty climbing sections on bridle that can catch you out. Some of the speed increase has to be attributed to the lighter bike but I have to say the wheel momentum helped for sure. The 750 was also great on all the technical twisety turny rocky rooty sections (I hear that is where the larger 29'er wheel can be compromised a bit especially for a smaller rider/smaller frame size). The only thing I missed was my stiffer Fox 36 forks with 20mm axle as the Altitude has Fox 34 with 15mm so not quite as stiff.
Superlight 29'er - this thing really flies on smooth flowy trails- I rode 54km off road and barely noticed it, I was moving at 12km/hr instead of the usual 7km/hr (but the trails were much more smooth and flowy than here). The thing that put me off the bike was when I was moving slow up hill or over more rocky trails the bike took a lot of effort/strength to accelerate and get moving. I've heard that from others re the effort to get such a big wheel moving too.
If I were you I would try out the Altitude 750 to compare it to your 29'er ride. It's at Different bikes North Van- I think its $60 for a days demo and they refund you $120 off a bike purchase if you buy. That will give you a chance to try it out on a range of trail types around here.
Personally I want to move up to 650b/27.5in wheels soon for the Shore riding and maybe consider a 29'er for pure long distance cross country like the Chilcotins.
Be interesting to hear other opionions.
Hi Tasha,
I am a shorty desperate for a 650 B too But a lighghter XC 650 which is not offered on the market yet. I was impressed with the rockys abililty to ride over the bumps on Bridle. Did not feel like a lively bike to me though
Norco Sight 650 has great reviews. Similar weight to the Rocky-about 30 pounds. Unfortunately not available at Different Bikes now,, so you will have to try their dealers
The Giant Trance 650 prototype photos are on the internet. The pros were racing them at Sea Otter 2013, so they will be out next season.
The fact that there are only 2 models of the 26 inch Trance this year indicates their days are numbered.
If you are feeling rich the Santa Cruz Bronson 650 also has great reviews. (Obsession Bikes)
Rocky Mountain has been doing lots of demo this year. Check it out: http://www.bikes.com/main+en+11_200+Demo%20Tour.html
I just tried a 29'er on Saturday for the first time. Once the bike is rolling, it goes over anything. I'm tall so the extra clearance was needed as my pedals and chainring used to hit everything. Difficult on technical climbs though. I'm trying a 27.5 on Thursday. I'll let you know what I think of it.