Is this just a fad?

[indalo]

Yesterday, I strolled through a Specialised dealer and came away with the following thoughts:

1) The 3 year-long recession doesn't seem to have affected the firm. (at least 5 staff on duty and one customer - me!)

2) Their bikes seem even more expensive than last time I looked.

2) They sell Bromptons but no ebikes at all.

4) Their headline advertising was all about 29ers with big price tags.

Not understanding what 29" bikes offer over other bikes, is this just a marketing device, a ploy or is there some valid technical reason why such bikes might have an advantage?

Indalo

 

[flecc]

This website lists the advantages and disadvantages of 29ers, it's a controversial subject.

Similarly there's a trend to "fixies" (single fixed gear, no freewheel) for road use, especially in some town and courier riding.

 

[overlander]

Not sure about them, I think they are trying to create a market which is not there. I tried one at evans months ago and It was a nice bike but seemed like a compromise on the 26" and on the 700 so could not really see the
Point.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[andyh2]

Doubtless there is some marketing spin surrounding 29" bikes. It is irritating that there's some 'mystic' about the wheel size when it's just a standard 700 (622mm diameter) rim with fat tyres. Though it has made wider rims available in this size to accommodate the fatter tyres.

Having said that I've had a couple and they're great for some things. In particular they are more comfortable off road if riding a rigid bike with no suspension. The bigger wheels really do roll over stuff better. It worked for me when most of my off road was landrover tracks. Now I'm as likely to be messing about in the woods so I've gone for a compromise 29" front and 26" rear which works for me.

 

[Cakey]

I agree with andy, off road they roll better over the rough stuff .
I still prefer my yeti asr 26inch.
Some of the world cup guys have been using 29ers so bit of they do we do.
Gary fisher was riding 29ers in the 90s.
Syndicate Ellsworth rider friend of mine hates them.