Why Do Some New Mountain Bikes Have 29 Inch Front Tires?
June 19, 2011 by pbik
Filed under Mountain bikes
And what is the advantage?
Do they handle different or better?
June 19, 2011 by pbik
Filed under Mountain bikes
And what is the advantage?
Do they handle different or better?
Because some people have found that they go down on the front tire more when doing proper mountain biking so making them bigger reduces the risk of buckling the tires.
They usually have 29 inch rears as well. The advantage is that the larger diameter tire rolls over irregularities easier than smaller wheels, so you can ride faster, with less effort. They seem to be particularly well suited to bikes with front suspension only
They do handle differently than 26 in wheels. I’m sure you’re referring to the 69ers from Trek and Fisher and in that case it does allow the front wheel to roll over obstacles with less stall. It does feel goofy at first but it works. I’d prefer a 29er front and rear if for no other reason that it’d suck to have to carry 2 tubes and make sure you always had both, that is unless it’s tubeless.