Big, Bigger, – Mountain Bike with 29 Inch Wheels
For around 40 years, mountain bikes mainly rolled with 26 inch wheels. Not very surprising, as this was the original wheel size of off-road bikes, which had already become the standard in the first mountain bike experiments in the 1970s. Although there were also mountain bikes with 29 inch wheels, the advantages of the larger rim diameter did not catch on for a lengthy period of time.
The turning point came 15 years ago. First tire manufacturers, and later frame builders, began experimenting with larger wheels - the 29-inch mountain bike was born. It wasn't long before the larger wheels also found their way into the world of professional mtb riders. And finally, the advantages of the new wheel standard also became increasingly popular in the hobby sector.
The Advantages of 29 Inch Mountain Bikes at a Glance
Today, most hardtails and many fullys ride on 29 inch wheels. The fact that this wheel size has gained such a large market share is due to its many advantages:
- Speed: 29 inch wheels hold high speeds for longer and roll over obstacles better. This makes higher speeds possible on the bike - ideal conditions for fast disciplines such as cross-country and marathons.
- Stability: The large wheel diameter means the bike is more stable off-road, which improves the riding feel and control.
- Rollover ability: 29 inch wheels roll more smoothly over obstacles such as roots and stones, which means less effort and more comfort off-road.
- Traction: The larger contact area of 29 inch tires improves traction.
From XC to Downhill Racers - These 29er MTB's Are Available
The more important high speed is on a mountain bike, the more 29ers can show off their advantages. 29 inch wheels are therefore particularly useful on these bikes:
- XC mountain bike with 29 inches: because of the clear speed advantages, almost all XC and marathon bikes ride on 29-inch wheels - whether hardtail or fully.
- Trail mountain bike with 29 inch wheels: 29 inch wheels are also a convincing advantage for trail bikes in fast use. That's why a lot of fully and hardtails are 29ers.
- All-mountain bikes with 29 inch wheels: 29 inch wheels provide smoothness, safety and comfort, at least for the front wheel. Some all-mountain fullys therefore come with 29 inch front and 27.5 inch rear wheels. This combination is called a "mullet".
- Enduro mountain bikes with 29 inch wheels: The large wheels also smooth out the enduro bike even more and the so-called mullet combination combines the best of both worlds: safety and control paired with agility and liveliness.
- Downhill mountain bikes with 29 inches: Depending on the route and rider, 29er full-suspension MTBs are also very popular for the toughest terrain.
Why You Should Get a 29 Inch MTB Online
29 inch mountain bikes offer more speed, smoothness, comfort and safety. That's why 29 inches is the absolute standard for hardtails today. Depending on the area of use, 29 inch bikes are also widely used for fullys: Cross-country and marathon, but also trail and all-mountain as well as enduro and downhill fullys benefit from the 29 inch advantages. So think about which bike category you prefer to ride in. The likelihood that the advantages of a 29er will also improve your rides is very high. It's not for nothing that 29 inch mtb bicycles are considered the off-road giants.
In addition to the immense selection of 29er mountain bikes from top brands in hardtail or full-suspension versions, you will also find plenty of equipment and accessories for off-road cyclists in our online store, such as reliable MTB helmets, casual mountain biking apparel and practical electronics.