a 29'er question

[new2mtb]

I was looking at the Kona Unit 2-9 earlier and thought this could be a fun bike to have. Can anyone here give me advice as to the gearing to use if i will be climbing potato mtn or jpl? Im not sure if the stock gears can take it, I believe its 32 - and 19. Also if any, what are your experiences on the 29'er compared to a 26er? Or what do you think of the kona unit 2-9 ? thanks !

 

[dstepper]

I had a 26 inch Kona and although it is a good bike, it did not work for me at my weight (220lbs). I am not a smooth spinner and on the flats the steel frame bounced...badly. I am not sure production steel framed bikes are made for someone my weight. I sold it and replaced it with a Niner One-9...it has been a great bike.

Leason I learned from first single speed, go with free hub instead of freewheel, much easier to change rear cog than front chainring. For the climbs you are talking about I would start with 32X22 unless you are very strong. I did Strawberry with a 32x20 and would have had more fun=less walking with lower gearing. With the eccentric bottom bracket and freehub I can change gears in about 5 minutes and can use a 22 to 18 cog without adding or removing chain links.

The Path in Tustin has a demo 29 Unit built up that you can demo.

29ers make excellent singlespeeds, as long as you understand that your tire and suspension fork choices are limited but getting better.

Dean

 

[new2mtb]

Ey dean! i rode with you at SART couple weeks ago. thanks for the input, when you say loan, do they rent it out? if so how much per day ? Yah the kona im looking at does have the freehub. The only problem is the path is kinda far from where i live. But i might check it out this weekend.

 

[dstepper]

A am not sure about the conditions of the demo. I do know that another STR member borrowed it for a trail ride on Santiago Truck Trail/ Luge. Give them a call. http://www.thepathbikeshop.com/

 

[FoShizzle]

agree with Dean, they are the perfect choice for single speeds.

also agree that 32x22 is the right choice to start out with. remember that with 29er you basicially have to subtract 2 from the rear cog to standardize gearing (ie, a 32x22 on a 29er same as 32x20 on 26" bike).

only thing i have heard is that the Unit 2-9 has too long of a headtube for a 29er. though i have not looked myself to know if true.

keep us posted.

 

[Andrew]

It was me who rented the Kona from the Path. They have the bike (20" frame) set up with a rigid Surly fork, and none of the components are the same as on the one they are selling. However, it is fine for testing out the SS, 29er thing to see if it is something you may be interested in.

 

[new2mtb]

Yes, i think the head tube is a bit longer. that is why the stand over height is a big higher compared to the rest of the 29'ers out there. the size 16 is 30 inches stand over height with a top tube of 22.5 inches and the 18 is 31.5 with the tt of 31.5, now my xc is 28 inches stand over and 30 tt. so i think im stuck in the middle of these two, (between size 16 and 18 ). But the stand over , i dont think the 18's would work since my inseam is just around 31'ish. Maybe a different bike ?

 

[ocrider]

I have fisher's zr9000 29er frame in a 19 in. ANd it fits me perfectly. Im about 6.2 ft and I have long legs. How ever the longer top tube and big wheels make it hard to wheelie. But im a xc rider so its not that big of a deal for me. I love my big wheels I dont think I could ever go back toa 26 in. bike.

 

[FoShizzle]

Yes, i think the head tube is a bit longer. that is why the stand over height is a big higher compared to the rest of the 29'ers out there. the size 16 is 30 inches stand over height with a top tube of 22.5 inches and the 18 is 31.5 with the tt of 31.5, now my xc is 28 inches stand over and 30 tt. so i think im stuck in the middle of these two, (between size 16 and 18 ). But the stand over , i dont think the 18's would work since my inseam is just around 31'ish. Maybe a different bike ?

gotcha....yeah, i actually did not check myself.

problem with a longer headtube is not so much the standover, cause a slope, etc. can be applied to address....it is moreso the "height" of the front of the cockpit that gets impacted since of course with 29er wheels you are higher in the front to begin with, which is typically why you will see 29er makers try to optimize headtube height (ie, shortish) without having the fork head the downtube when twisting......also same reason why lots of folks (though not me) prefer flat bars on 29ers again, cause of higher (relative) handlebar height right out of the gate (as compared to 26" counterpart).

anyway, LOTS of killer 29er choices in my opinion. let us know $ willing to spend, etc, and perhaps our feeble opinions may help with your research.

for the record, I like Kona, just would not get their 29er is all.

cheers

 

[dubjay]

Also if any, what are your experiences on the 29'er compared to a 26er?

I went from a Surly 1x1 to a Voodoo 29er. Biggest difference was that the wheels seemed to roll over everything much better. The bigger wheels definitely smooth out the trail and do help you get over some bumps that would otherwise slow down a 26 inch wheel.

Another thing that took some getting used to was the relative position of the front wheel. In order to keep steering relatively quick, the front wheel gets put back a little, creating more of an "over the wheel" point of view - at least for me it did.

My Voodoo is an 18" if you ever want to give it a test ride. The current cranks are creaky, but I'll be replacing them with a set of ENOs this week. Current gear is 32/21 but I just got a 20t Boone from Ebay so it'll be 32/20 shortly.

 

[new2mtb]

I would love to test ur 29'er. That is also one of the biggest thing im worrying right now. I don't know how the 29'er will feel on the trail. How do you want me to ride it? meet up in a trail ? let me know, im free anyday oh btw, im in the 626 area but dont mind driving if needed.

I went from a Surly 1x1 to a Voodoo 29er. Biggest difference was that the wheels seemed to roll over everything much better. The bigger wheels definitely smooth out the trail and do help you get over some bumps that would otherwise slow down a 26 inch wheel.

Another thing that took some getting used to was the relative position of the front wheel. In order to keep steering relatively quick, the front wheel gets put back a little, creating more of an "over the wheel" point of view - at least for me it did.

My Voodoo is an 18" if you ever want to give it a test ride. The current cranks are creaky, but I'll be replacing them with a set of ENOs this week. Current gear is 32/21 but I just got a 20t Boone from Ebay so it'll be 32/20 shortly.

Mind if i ask, what ur impression on the bike is ?

It was me who rented the Kona from the Path. They have the bike (20" frame) set up with a rigid Surly fork, and none of the components are the same as on the one they are selling. However, it is fine for testing out the SS, 29er thing to see if it is something you may be interested in.

One of the reason why more attracted to the kona's is bcoz of the price. The built (whole bike) unit 2-9 is around 1299 with roxshox fork (100mm). So that being said im looking to spend around that price range or maybe a bit more if it is worth it. Any other suggestions would be great. Oh, weight is also a priority for me. I like the niner, but too much for the budget right now.

anyway, LOTS of killer 29er choices in my opinion. let us know $ willing to spend, etc, and perhaps our feeble opinions may help with your research.

cheers

 

[FoShizzle]

One of the reason why more attracted to the kona's is bcoz of the price. The built (whole bike) unit 2-9 is around 1299 with roxshox fork (100mm). So that being said im looking to spend around that price range or maybe a bit more if it is worth it. Any other suggestions would be great. Oh, weight is also a priority for me. I like the niner, but too much for the budget right now.

dont blame you at all.....that all makes sense to me. hmmm....i wish i knew what the complete spec was on the Unit 2-9; could be that $1299 is a very good deal. Do you have the complete build specs available?

my short list of great bikes from a dollar for dollar perspective would be:

* On-On Inbred 29er. About $975 complete bike, but can add a Reba for an additional $299 and probably sell the rigid fork that comes with the bike for about $50-$75 easily

* Redline Monocog. About $479. Great way to check out the whole 29er thing without spending much.

* Gary Fisher Rig. About $1000, deals vary based on your connections.

* Haro Mary. Not out yet....cant remember when available.

* Salsa Mariachi. About $800 for frame and rigid fork. but more $ than others.

* A killer option fro $1625 with a White Brothers suspension fork would be a fully custom frame from Waltworks. He is a living legend in the 29er world and knows his stuff. Only downside is that with custom, you gotta wait a bit.

* While Ninerbikes is more, they are killer bikes. Like you said they are more money, but for $1749 you would get the vast majority of the costly parts (ie, frame, fork, brakes, wheels) and could piece-meal the rest together pretty darn cheap but yeah, still more coin.

Personally, I would get the On-One Inbred complete bike, add the Reba, get some avid mech disc calipers (can use avid levers from complete bike and hubs are disc ready) and sell off stuff you replace. The bike ROCKS.

 

[new2mtb]

Here's the specs... oh btw, 1299 is tax included...

Fork RockShox REBA SL for 29"
Headset Aheadset STS
Crankarms FSA V-Drive Mega Exo
Chainrings 32T w/polycarbonate rockguard
B/B FSA Mega Exo BB7000
Pedals Shimano PD-M505
Chain KMC Z610 (3/32")
Freewheel Shimano 19T
Handlebar FSA XC-280
Stem FSA XC-170
Grips Kona RACE LIGHT
Brakes Avid BB 7 MTB Disc
Brake Levers Avid FR-5
Front hub King Kong
Rear hub King Kong
Tires Maxxis Ignitor 2.1 for 29"
Rims Sun DS-2 Sleeved for 29"
Saddle WTB Laser V Comp
Seatpost FSA SL-280

However, I get a feeling that you guys dont like the kona 29'er. do u guys mind telling me why ? also, does anyone have a good hookup with the path ? i want to buy the bike there, but dont' think they can beat the price. I called and they said 1399 plus tax.

 

[dstepper]

Here is one reason. Granted Phoenix has has tough trails.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=206409

 

[new2mtb]

hmm i dnno about that dean, he did meantion he was using explosif, and that crack can happen on any branded frames. or .. am i wrong ?

 

[Pain Freak]

Dood, I told you I could better that price. Did you tell him I reffered you?
Also I rode the 16" they have in the shop and it fit me really well, so I'm thinking an 18" would be about perfect for you. I think Mark might have rode this bike too, he may have some feed back as well. My initial impression of the bike was that the tt length was about perfect for me and as short as I am I would have thought it would feel long but it doesn't. I don't have any trail time on the bike, but I do love the feel of that Kona. I'm more then likely going to buy it myself and leave it geared for a while.
I noticed you weren't considering the Surly's... any reason why?

Here's one I'm also considering:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Surly-Karate-Monkey-Single-Speed-29er-Mountain-Bike-16_W0QQitemZ160013777784QQihZ006QQcategoryZ98083QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[dstepper]

hmm i dnno about that dean, he did meantion he was using explosif, and that crack can happen on any branded frames. or .. am i wrong ?

It was my understanding that the Unit and the explosif are the same frames, except the explosif has cable stops on the frame....anyway that was the deal in 2005 when I bought mine.

Yes any frame can have problems...but you got see many steel frames cracking like that.

 

[SScheetz]

Dood, I told you I could better that price. Did you tell him I reffered you?

Right on Mike! Help the guy out, cool. :bang:

I just got back from vacation so I’m chiming in a little late. I ride and race on a Unit 2-9 but my bike wouldn’t really be a fair comparison to the complete bike being sold now. I built it up from the frame and it shares none of the components with the complete bike. My only relative comments would be on the frame, so I’ll stick to that.

I’m totally stoked on the frame’s ride and geometry. It feels like a well built (more expensive) steal frame. It’s, by far, my favorite. I ride a rigid fork so everything the frame does is very noticeable. For me, the frame is perfect, but it’s not for everyone (what is).

The two biggest concerns should be the longish (not super long) head tube. This, as already mentioned, causes a higher top tube towards the front of the frame. The top tube drops rapidly and settles a couple of inches below the top of the seat tube. I personally have had no problem with it. I’m about 6’ and riding the 19” frame. I’m also running a rigid fork with a smaller AC than the Reba. This adds a little more TT clearance.

The other problem that a few folks have had is with the dropout sliding (when it shouldn’t). I’ve never had a problem with this either.

The only difference between the latest renditions of the Unit and Explosive is the cable routing. They both have cable stops for gears, the Unit’s is under the TT and the Explosive’s is on top of the TT. Oh yeah, and the colors. I like em both.

That my 2 cents. I’ll let you ride mine if you like, but I don’t think it’s a fair comparison to the compete bike. The Unit is just one of many good rides at a reasonable price. The good news is that you have several good choices in your price range.

 

[new2mtb]

LOL, mike i went to coates, and i did mention ur name, all i got was a reaction and a "ahh ok" =). ey mike which store can u get me a deal with ? the 1299 (tax included is the deal they gave me) but heck if you can get me a better deal that'd be great! Only problem is they don't have an 18'. I did try their 16 (im 5'9) btw and i just have about 1.5 inch allowance on my stand over height. Im worried that getting the 18' would be too much? althought i think the top tube of the 18 would be perfect.

I didn't see any surly in stock so i wasn't able to try em. I did talk to thepath and they said itll cost more since they have to built the bike up.

SScheetz: sure, id like to try your bike, not sure if your local though. Also not sure what fork your running but im a bit heavy. Don't want to mess up your carbon stuff. (195lbs). im in 626 btw.

Honestly, i haven't ridden any SS bike yet. So i figured ill buy a SS then thought some more and decided that since im buying a SS might as well be a 29'er. What other 29'ers can you suggest? I have looked at the on one. Thats the only bike i can see that's about that price range.

 

[Pain Freak]

Romeo, you've met SSheetz before up on Mills.He rides there all the time. So we will probably see him again, In fact he rode with us and his wife a couple weeks ago. I called Cory and he said no one came in reffered by me. If you talked with one of the guys, some are not the sharpest tools in the shed, and wouldn't have gone to Cory with it. I'll call and get you a price.

BTW, a 29er will not help with your problem of running off the trails.