|   If 29" is so great than why don't pros ride it ? | so...
Jun 9, 2003 12:43 PM | | I don't see pros riding 29er at all. I know not all manufacturer makes 29er bikes but those who do why don't they make there pros ride it ? |
| Some do so | Bigwheel
Jun 9, 2003 1:13 PM | | If you scroll down a few posts to the Grand Loop post this is an excerpt from it: "Mike Curiak, professional ultra-distance specialist" and he is not alone.
Gary Fisher brand bikes are pretty much the only mainline bike brand pimping 29"ers here in the U.S.of A and their pros have access to 29ers. And they have raced them also. Including Mary Grigson.
Racing is a good thing, don't get me wrong, it is just that I don't feel that it should be the benchmark for bicycles that are not going to be raced. But there are folks out there racing 29"ers in all manners. The only competition they are not able to race are World Cup events sanctioned by the UCI. That's too bad, but not the end of the world and the only reason is because of an old basically obsolete ruling stating that wheels no larger than 26" in diameter are allowed, when in fact most of the "26" wheels being run will in fact measure larger than 26".
One more time for your benefit, 29"ers are not for all types of riding and therefore are not for everybody. Being a "Pro" isn't everything and the style of riding I do is so far from racing it isn't funny. However, 29"ers suit it rather well. That is why I ride one, not because someone told me to or that a "pro" rides one. I spent 16 years riding 26" Mtn. bikes and the last 4 riding 29" ones, I will not be going back to 26", ever. |
| re: If 29" is so great than why don't pros ride it ? | Spokejunky
Jun 9, 2003 1:19 PM | | I thought the same thing at one time. I'd have to say the biggest thing is that they aren't legal in UCI races so why train on something you won't race on? Yet Mary Grigson with GF has raced some of her races on a 29er. The lack of industry choices is another reason. You've got literally pages of MTB parts in the catlogue for 26" wheels, yet 29ers are just coming around the bend. I can say that there are more choices today than when I saw the first GF 29er come out. GF wasn't the first, but he's making a good campaign of it. |
| re: If 29" is so great than why don't pros ride it ? | racerJ
Jun 10, 2003 1:24 PM | | Pro's are stubborn weight weenies. They resist using anything that will add weight to their bikes. Last year most pro riders were still riding aluminum 26" hardtails with V-brakes. Pro riders seem to make their bike choice based on weight as opposed to what will handle the best over rough terrain. They are so skilled that they can ride that 26" aluminum hardtail fast enough to overcome its weaknesses over rough stuff. |
| it depends who you call a "PRO" | ERoman
Jun 10, 2003 2:00 PM | | Is a "PRO" someone who gets things from bike companies? Team racer? Re-reimbursed for cost out? If so, this "pro"(loose interpitation of the term) rides his 29" Single Speed and wouldn't have any other bike. This year I.F. wanted to make sure the 29" custom geometry was solid and I became the trial agent. I have been the Mid Atlantic Single Speed Pro for those kids and have come to believe in the 29" platform this season. Now, the UCI doesn't mean squat to me. I ride and race for myself and the people who have supported me the past years (Independent Fabrication)...where I live and ride is not what most people would call "29" country". The trails are steep and rocky, yet I ride the bike because it fits and works well. I think most people have a bit of a persecution complex about not having the world accept or revere your choice in bikes. Sure the size specific parts are fewer...plan ahead and deal. If this whole movement is to grow it needs to be backed with positively and energy to help things change. This "PRO" rides and races his 29" Single Speed and wouldn't have it any other way. Eric Roman. |
| Kool. | Bigwheel
Jun 10, 2003 4:50 PM | | It seems that you have other talents also Eric! (The wonders of Google. No one can hide---)
Best of luck racing this season.
"World Messenger Championships, DC, Labor Day weekend
World Track Bike Skid Champion: Eric Roman" |
| I got in a "discussion" with an LBS owner once... | GlowBoy
Jun 10, 2003 9:03 PM | | You know, the age-old argument about whether steel or aluminum is better as a material for road bikes. I wasn't saying steel is the best choice for everyone, but that it IS the best choice for some riders. His position was that aluminum is basically the best choice for everyone. (Odd, since his shop sells Bianchis and Lemonds, in addition to Cannondales). His final argument was, "well if steel is such a great material, why do all the pros ride aluminum?"
That one didn't even merit a response, IMO. That was the end of the conversation. |
| I know of a few | bingbang
Jun 11, 2003 7:26 AM | | Joel Hennings and Nat Ross both are "Pro" rides for Gary Fisher. They are endurance athletes specializing in 24 hour races.
Ross Schnell (Toyko Joe's) also races a 29er occasionally. |
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