Been out of the mtb world a little while and as such don't really see the fuss about 27.5 and 29" wheels.

However, what I do know is that my new bike I want it to be single speed, rigid and steel - leading me to an on-one inbred.

Without going into too much detail, the whole 29" saga; is it a passing fad or are they quite fun to ride? I'm in the process of finding time to get myself to the LBS to try a 29er but in the mean time any feedback is welcomed.

I bought a 29er having not had a bike for a few years. What sort of riding are you going to be doing? A 29er is definitely not as nimble as a 26" but keeps momentum better and soaks up bumps well. I tried quite a few before settling on one which had the right geometry.

Tbh probably not a lot, maybe once a month around the local trail I think the majority of time will be spent chasing the daughter around the park or to nip down the shops.

Nothing excessive put it that way; just think I'm not cut out for a hybrid as I was looking at a Cannondale badboy for sometime but slick tyres less than 2" wide, no thanks lol

I've got a 29er having not ridden MTB for years, they certainly roll a lot quicker and soak up the bumps, I don't think they are a passing fad at all. 

 

Good choice on the inbred (although with all the hills around me I wouldn't go for a fixie), I really like Planet X and On One stuff, it's great value. 

29ers are definitely no passing fad, 99% of world cup XC racers run them, loads of the manufacturers are building burly long travel 29er enduro bikes now too and even the DH boys are exploring them (Santa Cruz are testing a 29er V10 for world cup duty at the moment).  It's true that a 26er may feel a bit more responsive in the really tight stuff but now the geometry is dialled for 29ers they are brilliant fun bikes, I have 2 so I may be biased...

 

you can't go wrong with an On-one either

I have a 29er too..

Its alot quicker but doesnt turn as well.

I have a both. I know how many bikes can you ride!

 

If you are looking at specifically downhill rides go for a 27"er. 

 

I honestly feel that for all other types of riding the 29"er is preferable. Nice and smooth over rough terrain, and eats up the long flats.

 

I've not had an on-one bike, but have often looked at their Parkwood 29"er. I do have a Planet X road bike which is the same company, and it is brilliant.

 

Enjoy the ride.

Edited 9 January, 20179 yr by mattshaw

OT because i try to never ride on road & love being on my Fat Bike for longer rides & trips after have decades of riding 26 inchers, 

but for handiness / lightness and using on trail, tracks and canal or coastal paths, promenades i am finding my 27.5 just perfect.

Edited 9 January, 20179 yr by Offski

I can't comment on a 29er as I'm still stuck in the 26er world albeit on quite large 2.4 tyres. I can comment on On One/PlanetX bikes as I have one of their XLS cyclocross bike which has been great and pretty much my go to bike nowadays doing pretty much everything I want even though it was only bought to be a more robust road bike. They tend to use full groupsets and add their own brand controls, saddles and wheels which have all been fine to use and have lived with a lot of abuse. 

I can't comment on a 29er as I'm still stuck in the 26er world albeit on quite large 2.4 tyres. I can comment on On One/PlanetX bikes as I have one of their XLS cyclocross bike which has been great and pretty much my go to bike nowadays doing pretty much everything I want even though it was only bought to be a more robust road bike. They tend to use full groupsets and add their own brand controls, saddles and wheels which have all been fine to use and have lived with a lot of abuse.

They're a good company, I admired my mates gimp years ago which ran 24s - came close to purchasing that but bought a commencal absolut instead.

It's going to be a frame only purchase then build with parts over the months just in time for summer. I've never been a weight freak as my Gemini weighed in at almost 40lb and my chase with 170mm Sherman's was close to the 36lb mark as a do it all bike, but I'm looking at carbon forks and lightweight spec to keep it fast.

Any recommendations on 29" wheels that don't break the bank or equally buckle at the sight of a decent kicker

Have a look at the On One Reetards , hubs a basically Hope copies and despite my weight and cack handed riding style I've not managed to damage them yet, stayed true too.