Mar 31, 2023 Canyon.com
Mar 31, 2023 Canyon.com

What is a 29er mountain bike and why should you get one?

We give you the low down on 29er MTBs and help you decide whether they’re right for you.

What is a 29er mountain bike and why should you get one? What is a 29er mountain bike and why should you get one?

When you start shopping for your next mountain bike, you often find yourself working through a flowchart of decisions. There are so many features to take into account. Hardtail or full-suspension? Which type of MTB do you need? Finally, you have to figure out which wheel size you want.

If you're still umming and ahhing between 27.5 inch wheels vs 29 inch wheels, our article can help you. In this piece, we'll check out the history of a 29er MTB, how 29 inch wheels have become so popular and for whom we recommend them.

What is a 29er mountain bike?

A 29er is a mountain bike with 29 inch wheels. 29 inches is the biggest wheel size you can (currently) get on mountain bikes.

[wwhat.is.29.mtb.img1] 29er MTBs offer increased stability on technical terrain

History of 29er mountain bikes

Mountain biking first arrived on the cycling scene in the 70s but it wasn't until the turn of the century that the first 29er mountain bike hit the shelves. Soon after, pro riders switched their setups to this new innovation because of the advantages while racing.

If you’re from a road cycling background, 29 inch wheels are the equivalent of 700c wheels on road bikes. And while we’re here, 27.5 inch wheels are the same as 650b wheels on road and gravel bikes.

What are the advantages of a 29er bike?

The main advantages of mountain bikes with 29 inch wheels is a noticeable increase in stability and rollover ability. At higher speeds, you're still in control and you'll have a smoother ride.

Though these bikes do have slower acceleration, once you're there, it's easier to maintain speed. Larger wheels have increased rolling inertia than smaller wheels.

We offer all our MTBs with 29 inch wheels We offer all our MTBs with 29 inch wheels

What is a 29er mountain bike good for?

29ers are great for beginners and experts alike. Newcomers to MTBing will appreciate a ride that's smooth and stable. They're great for increasing confidence while mastering new skills. More experienced MTBers will love the higher speeds while tackling tricky terrain.

You can find 29ers across the entire spectrum of mountain bikes. From cross-country mountain bikes mountain bikes to downhill bikes, they're commonplace. Take our Spectral family as an example. Depending on how you like to ride and the sorts of trails you frequent, you can decide between a Spectral 27.5, Spectral 29 or the Spectral mullet (a 29 inch wheel at the front and a 27.5 inch wheel at the back).

How tall should you be for a 29 inch mountain bike?

Some commentators will tell you that only tall riders can ride a 29er but we'd disagree. We at Canyon believe 29ers are for everyone. Sure, a smaller frame with huge wheels will handle differently to a larger frame with those same wheels, but the other advantages remain.

One downside smaller riders might experience is toe overlap when taking on tight turns and technical singletrack. You may find this is the cost of all the other advantages and it's one you can mitigate.

Many of our MTBs are available in many wheel sizes. The most important measurements you need are those that help you get the right mountain bike size.

Challenge yourself on board a 29er mountain bike Challenge yourself on board a 29er mountain bike

How to maintain your 29er bike

29er bikes are no different to any other mountain bike with one exception: tyres. When you come to replace your tyres make sure you double check the size. Bigger wheels mean bigger tyres!

Suspension forks, rear shocks and the drivetrain are all maintained in the same way as any other MTB.

Thinking of getting a 29er?

You’re going to love it! Rally round your friends and scope out your local bike park or trail network and be ready to shred.

Canyon 29er MTBs

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