J
Hi All,
I bought a Redline Monocog 29er single speed bike a few days ago (from
the good folks at Yellow Jersey!) and already have 10+ hours on it.
It is great fun. It seems to be the perfect "shut-up and ride" bike.
As an avid fixed-gear road rider, I figured the single speed aspect
would be fine, but I was a bit apprehensive about how the gearing
would be hoplessly wrong at all times considering my gravitationally
challenged build, and the preponderance of steep hills found off-road
compared to the mild grades found on roads. Wrong! The stock gearing
is perfect for my conditions and style.
But what really blows me away is the big wheels. I've read all manner
of things about more easliy rolling over obsatcles, longer contact
patch for better traction, etc. I figured it was all true, but only by
tiny margins. But that does not seem to be the case. It seems to make
a HUGE difference. Is this possible, or am I hopelessly jaded in my
perception? What actuall percantage difference in terms of steep up-
hill traction can the larger wheels make? Being on the tall side, and
thus somewhat top-heavy in terms of wheelies and endos, is the longer
wheelbase making a bigger difference for me than it would for a
shorter rider? Riding into ditches and small streams poses no problems
in places I have endoed on other bikes. Also no wheelis up steep
hills, and wheelspin is practically eliminated.
So quantitatively, how much of a difference does a 29er make with my
100kg perched on a seat 84cm from the bb in terms of resisting endos
and wheelies, and getting power to the ground on steep climbs?
Joseph
I bought a Redline Monocog 29er single speed bike a few days ago (from
the good folks at Yellow Jersey!) and already have 10+ hours on it.
It is great fun. It seems to be the perfect "shut-up and ride" bike.
As an avid fixed-gear road rider, I figured the single speed aspect
would be fine, but I was a bit apprehensive about how the gearing
would be hoplessly wrong at all times considering my gravitationally
challenged build, and the preponderance of steep hills found off-road
compared to the mild grades found on roads. Wrong! The stock gearing
is perfect for my conditions and style.
But what really blows me away is the big wheels. I've read all manner
of things about more easliy rolling over obsatcles, longer contact
patch for better traction, etc. I figured it was all true, but only by
tiny margins. But that does not seem to be the case. It seems to make
a HUGE difference. Is this possible, or am I hopelessly jaded in my
perception? What actuall percantage difference in terms of steep up-
hill traction can the larger wheels make? Being on the tall side, and
thus somewhat top-heavy in terms of wheelies and endos, is the longer
wheelbase making a bigger difference for me than it would for a
shorter rider? Riding into ditches and small streams poses no problems
in places I have endoed on other bikes. Also no wheelis up steep
hills, and wheelspin is practically eliminated.
So quantitatively, how much of a difference does a 29er make with my
100kg perched on a seat 84cm from the bb in terms of resisting endos
and wheelies, and getting power to the ground on steep climbs?
Joseph