What is a 29er-mountain bike?
The 29er (= twentyniner) is a mountain bike with 28 inch wheels, whereas the conventional 26-inch mountain bike wheels. By the tire to count on to get an overall diameter of 29 inches, hence the name 29er. The image below shows clearly see the difference immediately!

Late 90s and early 2000 outgrows the 29er more and more the pioneer fase. Led by mountain bike pioneer Gary Fisher and manufacturer Nishiki gradually creates a series of output frames. Over the years, several manufacturers come up with a 29er mountain bike frame and were now more and more parts available. The offer was not as extensive as the standard mountain bike, but in recent years is not much more inferior to standard mountain bike.

During that period, the 29er made a flight in the USA / Canada. Many touring and racing cyclists riding there on a 29er and the 29er now know to appreciate. They dare because the statement '26 inch is dead ", but whether there really should be a 'contest' between 26 and 29 inch mountain bikes? Both are perfectly even side to use, each with its specific characteristics for different terrain!

Advantages and disadvantages
Frequently mentioned advantages of the 29er are:
- Straight-ahead / of the speed
- More grip with greater contact surface (climbing or softer)
- Rolls easier / lighter over obstacles (with smaller angles to obstacles)
- Longer drivers: better balance bike - biker height, lower center of gravity

Said disadvantages are:
- Limiting the maneuverability (in fact, larger turning radius)
- Acceleration (more mass to move)

The weight of the frames and components is no longer subject to conventional bikes. Top models nowadays also weigh about 9.5 kg. It is also a misconception that a 29er only suitable for taller people. Taller people have an advantage because the proportions of the 29er different. Longer person, by the somewhat lower sits between the wheels, a different focus and will in fact be less inclination. *source:  *bron: http://www.29ernederland.nl/

Here two English-language articles as an introduction to 29er:
- 29eronline: a beginner's guide to 29er "
- BikeRadar "The Truth Behind 29er"

Testing 29er
Meanwhile (2009/2010), several bike magazines in the Netherlands published on 29er tests or comparisons between 29 "and 26". Short conclusion is that one is surprised about the possibilities of the 29er (all in the Netherlands) and potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits!

A remarkable detail is that Cycle Trend’s owner of Nuenen, Ralf van Heugten, actually delivered the first ever official rider to win a championship on a 29-er Mountainbike. In 2003 young U23 rider Jelmer Pietersma of the Holland Pro Cycling Team (owned and managed by Van Heugten) won the U23 Dutch championships on a Nishiki 29-er Mountainbike.

At Cycle Trend we offer testbikes to experience the skills of a 29-er bike. We offer in our range the following brands: Specialized, Scott, Cannondale, Santos, Van Nicholas, Cube and Niner.