The original 29"er

JD wrote:
pauly wrote:

Or these innovative builders think the larger wheels have merit. Thats the
first time I've heard the herd argument, Usually the nay-sayers site the
lack of industry support as the death nell.



Or, taller/larger riders might not like that much spoke in a wheel
because wheels flex in hard turns and longer spokes equals more flex.

Flex has very little to do with spoke length (the difference is only ~1
1/4"); it's the spoke bracing angle that affects the wheels' lateral
stiffness. 29er wheels are the same diameter as 700c wheels that have
been used successfully in cyclocross for decades. In the rear, a 29er
wheel has an improved bracing angle vs. a 'cross wheel, since MTB rear
hubs are wider than road/'cross hubs. Given the stronger (than 'cross)
rims they use, there's no reason that a 29er wheel shouldn't be very
durable. For extreme use like downhill and big drops, they're not the
best choice, but for X/C and other more typical riding, they should be fine.

Brian Nystrom wrote:
JD wrote:
pauly wrote:

Or these innovative builders think the larger wheels have merit. Thats the
first time I've heard the herd argument, Usually the nay-sayers site the
lack of industry support as the death nell.



Or, taller/larger riders might not like that much spoke in a wheel
because wheels flex in hard turns and longer spokes equals more flex.

Flex has very little to do with spoke length (the difference is only ~1
1/4"); it's the spoke bracing angle that affects the wheels' lateral
stiffness. 29er wheels are the same diameter as 700c wheels that have
been used successfully in cyclocross for decades. In the rear, a 29er
wheel has an improved bracing angle vs. a 'cross wheel, since MTB rear
hubs are wider than road/'cross hubs. Given the stronger (than 'cross)
rims they use, there's no reason that a 29er wheel shouldn't be very
durable. For extreme use like downhill and big drops, they're not the
best choice, but for X/C and other more typical riding, they should be fine.


Did you miss the part where I stated "taller/larger" riders? You
quoted it. When you weigh over 200 lbs, things such as the mere 1 1/4"
make a huge difference. When was the last time you popped a spoke just
because you were turning really hard on a hardpacked trail? When you
can tell the difference in wheel builds by a few hard turns, come back
and tell us more. Cyclocross riders carry their bikes over obstacles,
mountain bikers ride over them. Enough of your apples and oranges
crap.

JD

JD