So I'm thinking of getting a 29er Mountain Bike. Anyone have one that can share their thoughts? Single-Speed or Geared? Seems like a single speed would be fine for the trails around Des Moines.
29er Mountain Bikes
- Thread starter CyTom
- Start date
I haven't heard much about that brand but I'll throw in my 2 cents about trails in DM. I think that the Jordan Creek trail is nice and all but on a bike, its kind of a pain with walkers, people with dogs, strollers. Not blaming them since its multi-use trails, I just find it to be difficult sometime.
29er being the size of tire not the brand...have ridden a Salsa El Mariachi geared and a Bianchi SOK SS. Have definitely ruled out the Salsa based on price and not being impressed, but haven't tried enough bikes to know for sure. Voodoo Dambala and Surly Karate Monkey seem to have some good prices but I would have to order over the internet without riding first.
I don't need a 29er, but they are fun to ride and in comparison to the 26" bikes seem more comfortable to me. Weight isn't an issue as I'm 6'1" in the 225-230 lbs area so what's an extra couple pounds?
I guess my point is that the terrain that you ride on doesn't utilize the biggest benefit of a 29'er - obstacle rollover. The other benefits of a 29'er (less rolling resistance, more comfortable ride, better traction) are also lessened by the terrain in IA. When you combine that with the drawbacks of a 29'er (greater rotating mass, higher center of gravity, heavier bikes, fewer tire choices) there doesn't seem to be any big reason to ride one in IA.
All of that being said, buy whatever you want and ride the hell out of it. :yes:
All of that being said, buy whatever you want and ride the hell out of it. :yes: