29er Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
Advantages and Disadvantages to Bigger Wheels

with
29-inch wheels have become the norm, and many people are likely
wondering just what makes these wheels so different.
Previously, 26-inch wheels were the industry-standard size, but
wheels have been trending larger in recent history and it appears
the 29-inch model has taken over. Bike manufacturers are regularly
releasing these options alongside their predecessor, leaving a
shopper to choose which wheel size they want.
Benefits
Larger wheels provide more traction with the ground, making it
easier for a mountain biker to turn, climb and stop. Rolling over
rocks and other debris has never been easier with 29-inch wheels.
More wheel is in contact with the ground, making a rider feel
stable.
In addition, once a larger wheel is in motion, it's harder to stop,
so a rider doesn't have to put forth as much effort to maintain
their speed. And once they do need to pedal, more distance is
covered every revolution with the 29-inch wheel than a 26-inch
wheel.
As is the case with off-road vehicles, mountain bikes require
larger bicycle tires to cover
rugged terrain. They need wheels that are up to the task of
navigating tough obstacles, so larger seemingly makes sense.
However, it does have some negative impacts.
Downsides
While larger wheels have become commonplace, they aren't without
disadvantages.
A bigger wheel means a heavier bike, and that might make or a break
a purchase depending on a rider. These wheels also make the bike
hard to maneuver in small spaces, since there's essentially more
bike to work with. For some, a bike with 29-inch wheels simply
feels big. Where they might be used to riding lower to the ground,
these wheels can elevate riders by as much as 5.5 inches.
A mountain bike is built to be off-road, and while 29-inch tires
would lend to that style of riding, it's up to the buyer to weigh
the pros and cons.
Who Shouldn't Ride a 29er

The 29er is a mountain bike with 29-inch
wheels. It is increasingly becoming the norm in the mountain bike
world, but that doesn't mean this size is right for everyone.
While the 29er offers a number of advantages over mountain bikes
with 26-inch wheels, like more traction and better cornering, it's
not the best fit for shorter riders. So what's the problem?
For someone who is shorter than 5-foot-4, 29-inch wheels on a
mountain bike could lift them too high off the ground to the point
where a bike is too large for them and they can't touch the ground.
Proper clearance is essential to a safe ride, so these individuals
will probably want to opt for 26-inch wheels if they feel a bike is
suddenly too big with the 29-inch wheels. The two primary issues
that shorter riders will notice are incorrect handlebar height and
toe overlap, which is when is when a rider's toe will actually hit
the tire because it's too big for a bike.
When selecting the proper tires for a bike, it's
critical to factor height into the equation. Shorter riders will
have to go with smaller wheels, but that doesn't mean those don't
have their own benefits. For example, 26-inch wheels are far
lighter than 29-inch wheels, so these riders won't have to lug
around as much weight. In addition, 26-inch wheels maneuver far
better than their 29-inch counterparts.
Larger mountain bike wheels naturally grip the ground better, but
they are bulkier and harder to get around town. Shorter riders will
want a bike they are comfortable with. While it's nice to have
large wheels to navigate tough obstacles every once in a while,
day-to-day use will be much easier with smaller wheels.
How to Shop
[mageProductLink sku="db-02-14-2001-03" title=""][/mageProductLink]Shopping for a new
mountain bike is an exciting time. It's likely one of the larger
purchases someone will make in their lifetime for a product that
could last just that long. A mountain bike is a sturdy machine, so
it's worth investing in. However, when it comes to what wheel size
a rider could choose, going with a 29-inch over the standard
26-inch option might raise some questions.
What's the difference?
Riders these days are commonly siding with 29-inch mountain bike
wheels over their 26-inch counterparts. They offer better cornering
and more traction, as more of the tire is in contact with ground.
However, they do sacrifice some maneuverability, as they are
heavier than 26-inch mountain bikes. Still, when it comes to
mountain biking, it would seem that the benefits outweigh the
negatives.
Those shopping for a mountain bike should be inclined to choose a
larger-wheeled, heavier bike. Just like riders in urban areas side
with single-gear, lighter
bikes, having a bike that can navigate off-road trails requires a
larger tire. Therefore, choosing a 29-inch tire would seem to make
sense, especially for those who are using their mountain bike on
trails often.
Choosing a bike
Mountain bikes will vary depending on their brand, as well as a
number of features. However, one of the first choices a rider will
face is the type of bike they want: Sport, mountain or street. If
they go with a mountain bike, they will then have to choose the
tire size.
Those looking for a great value on a 29-inch mountain bike can find
a plethora of options on the market that will suit their needs.
Shorter riders should be advised that 29-inch wheels can be too
large, so it's important to know they will fit before making a
purchase.