Kona Reviews

Thinking about getting a Kona?

Kona gets a ton of bike & product reviews from around the world, and they've compiled all their 2009 reviews here:

www.konaworld.com/09_reviews.htm

Read the review, and then stop on by Full Cycle for a test ride. We think this will make you very very happy.

26" Wheels or 29"? You Make the Call.

Allow me to enjoin the debate over whether 26" or 29" is the way to go for the mountain biking enthusiast. If this is discussion you've already had with your biking buddies, you've already found out that people tend to be as opinionated about this as they are about everything in the bike world.

Some say that the 29er is a silly fad, and that the only reason people are latching on to them is to be different. I think this is premature statement at best and, at worst, stupid one. On the other hand, there are those who will tell you that the days of the 26" wheel mountain bike are numbered, because the 29" is far superior in every possible way. This also is a premature statement at best, and at worst, really, really stupid.

The simple fact is 29" is right for some people while 26" is better for others. It all depends on what you want to do with your bike that determines which one is the better call. It all comes down to understanding the pros and cons of each size, of which the following are just a few.

The Pros- Because 29" wheels are a larger diameter, they give several distinct advantages over the 26". They roll over bumps more smoothly and maintain their momentum more easily. They allow for a larger tire contact patch with the ground for better climbing and cornering traction.

The Cons- The larger diameter 29ers result in a wheel that has more rotational mass, meaning there is more inertia to overcome in order to get the bike both moving and slowed down again. The wheel is also taller, but with the same width hub as on a 26er, meaning the lateral stiffness of the wheel is less, which in turn increases their susceptibility to ending up "taco-ed" in a crash. Cramming these large wheels onto a smaller frame without compromising the geometry or creating unwanted toe overlap presents its problems too. If you are less then 5'4" your chances of finding a nice riding 29er are almost nil.

So what does all this translate to in the real world? What type of riding is best suited to which wheel size. Here's how I see it.

If you enjoy the simplicity of a hardtail frame and you're not a midget, the 29er is a great option. It will ride smoothly sans suspension on most trails, and makes for a great singlespeed or commuter. Taller riders also get along well with the greater wheel size. A guy who's 6'8' riding a 26" wheel makes about as much sense as myself (at 5'9") riding a 24" wheel. The proportions just work out better.

If you like tackling really rough trails and jumping off of everything in sight with abandon, and are sometimes a little rough on your wheels, you'll probably get along better with a 26" wheel full suspension bike. Let's face it. There's a reason that 29er downhill bikes simply don't exist. It's a stupid idea. Even 29ers with 5" inches of full suspension travel seem to me to be a little like an amphibious car. In it's effort to be versatile it ends up not doing anything very well.

So there you have it- yet another opinion on top of a mountain of opinions, but I'd like to think of it as the little flag on top. Of course, in a perfect world, we'd all have a 29er and a 26" and we could pick which one to ride depending on the trail we're riding that day and how we feel. Until then?... shop wisely.

~RC

Spot Titanium 29er

My obsession to purchase local products has now lead me to a new experience. Spot Brand bikes are located a mere 15 minute drive south to Golden, CO. Part of their business does involve importing frames but if you are willing to invest a little more coin you can be riding a light, smooth and classic steel or titanium frame hand made right here in Colorado. With over 20 years of welding experience, Spot Brand produces high quality 29er, Cross, and Town bikes.

Their introduction of a Titanium 29er frame this fall got me thinking. Titanium frames are stronger than steel with a very similar ride quality. Of course with most top end frame makers they only make ti frames in limited runs so I made it a point to join in on the first batch. The aesthetics are up to you. Most titanium fanatics go with a brushed finish with simple decals. For something with a bit more class and uniqueness, you can have logos and even your name bead polished into the finish. I went with the later.

Dressed with the finest Shimano XTR and a Maverick SC32 fork, my new Spot Brand should be riding sometime in the spring. Oh yea, it takes a few months so order one now if your looking for the perfect cross country racer. Available in single speed belt drive, geared or both? Yes, paragon dropouts lets you change from geared to the Gates Carbon Belt Drive System.

Chuckster
Full Cycle
Sales Manager
chuck@fullcyclebikes.com

Help Build the Valmont Bike Park!

Hey all - Valmont Bike Park is doing a matching fundraising campaign and the last day to donate is this Friday.

Bikes Belong has agreed to match up to $10,000 in funds raised from individuals by this Friday 2/6 dollar for dollar. If you haven't donated yet, now is an excellent time to do so - you'll have twice the impact.

So far they are $5,000 toward the $10,000 goal. So step up if you'd like to see a world class cycling facility within city limits. This project is extremely exciting. Give anything you can!

Click here to make a tax deductible donation.