I'm going to be blunt here and put my opinion out there. I don't like odd new trends. And the influx of 29 inch wheel mountain bikes is just that, an odd trend. I notice with interest many of the blogs I follow (particularly) in the US that 29ers are on the rise. In fact it was quoted recently in What Mountain Bike that 29 inch tyres are now outstripping 26 inch tyre sales. This is quite a staggering statement when you think about it. Baring in mind that the majority of mountain bikes are still 26 inches and cover a greater range of bikes in most manufacturers range.
But why the sudden influx of sales? Is this a passing thing? It would seem not, as 2012 would seem to be the real push with the 29er range with most bike manufacturers having one or more models that you can buy. Wheels, tyres and spares are becoming more varied and accessible. It looks like 29ers are at the front of serious bikers minds when they are considering their next purchase.
What I don't get is why. Is it just natural curiosity or do people believe that this is the future. Sadly, I think its a case of something new to buy syndrome, why bother getting a 26er again? I wonder how many of those people actually stop and think whether there is a real need for them. Arguments have been raging over its pros and cons; they role better when at speed, are more stable, verses their lack of agility and weight. There appears no overall advantage to either, its just an alternative. Its not like full suspension where there are obvious advantages. Weight always went against Full sus but these days its becoming a very weak argument as they are so light these days.There is nothing about them, that would even tempt me to buy one. Not yet anyway. For now they just look ridiculous, ungainly and ugly and I can't see any need for them in my twisty trails. Manufacturers are still trying to get over the whole problems of geometry too, so its not even a very sorted concept if you ask me. In some cases suspension is less to cope with the altered angles a bigger wheel has on the frame.
I've come to the conclusion that some people still think that 'bigger is better'. After the years of working in shops with bikes you would not believe the amount of people who are only small trying to fit themselves on the biggest frame they can, as if they got something smaller they would be looked down on. You can see this with people who buy cars or houses. Its a child like thing that they 'must' be better, showing off their new big toys. The only way I often made these people see sense was to a like it to buying new clothes and ask the question 'would you buy your clothes in xxxl when you where only a medium?' No was always the answer. Are big wheels a 'bigger is better' influence?Would you buy a 29er when 26 do the job as well? I guess that is up to you. You may have gone and tested one and been impressed and inspired to buy one. But take heed, take a new 26 wheel bike out, test a few in fact and tell me then whether its really worth the jump up in size. Its all too easy to get giddy over something new and novel over what you already have and not be objective enough.
I suppose what ever happens I shall be seeing more on the trails in the next few years (not seen any out yet!) and if its still getting people out and making them grin then I will still count them as part of the biking family. Just don't expect to see me following the crowd.
