Who doesn’t want three more inches?
by Clint Hosman on May 3rd, 2007
Who Who doesn’t want three more inches?
Ask any downhiller what three more inches has done for them, heck they went way beyond three inches, and from the looks of things especially the ladies enjoy watching them ride way more then us skinny XC guys. Who couldn’t use three more inches? You may ask though, “Clint, what good would three more inches do me? I have had the same size for years and I’m totally comfortable with it.� I will lay my argument out for you but keep in mind I have no problem with your current size, I just want to open you all up to a much bigger world of possibilities.
The first thing I noticed when I got three more inches was more stability. Since when did quickness become the only virtue to your ride? Most people I know want a confident hand at the wheel, over a fast mover twitching every where. With this stability you have more time to plan your line in rough sections and are able to carve corners at a higher speed. On top of that your speed is carried through less groomed sections better, but greater on the momentum later.
The second thing I noticed with three more massive inches was that all obstacles became smaller. Ask yourself why big foot isn’t rolling with smaller rubber, because to smash the crap out of those cars he needs some size to get over it. Could you say increased size gives you more confidence? I would say so.
I have also noticed an increase in longevity, and who doesn’t want the experience to last longer? I am covering more distance and experiencing less fatigue from my position of choice. That makes a big difference when you plan on keeping it going all day long.
My greatest joy with this size increase has been the rhythm of the ride. Anyone with experience will talk about finding that sweet spot and keeping it going for as long as possible. I will tell you that with three more inches your momentum can’t be stopped. You just keep going and going.
This is what I have noticed and fallen for, I know I don’t represent every one. Not every one will want to lug around three more inches because “it’s heavy� or “there isn’t enough rubber choice for that size.� I can tell Rob has been converted, at least for his none race rides but I have gone all the way and I can tell you from experience, size does matter.
May 4th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Amen brother, I just ordered another set of Stan’s 29er wheels to build up a geared bike.
May 7th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Thats right! Take your 3 inches like a man damn it!!!
May 7th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
i’ll stick with my 203mm (for you Americans thats a solid 8 inches with preload!).
May 13th, 2007 at 8:35 am
Thats right broseph 3 more inches does make you A bigger man. Which would you rather be 1. A lifted truck driving overcompensating 26inch fan, or A twentyniner ridin mojo flowin, love machine