26er or29er for prolonged offroad adventures with panniers?
dpert
Posts: 3
Hi all,
I've done a bit of searching on this topic and can find nothing relevant, apologies if I've missed something.
I'm looking at spending a bit of money (£600-1000) on a bike later in the year. It's main usage will be for hillwalking/camping in Scotland, which means being able to take a pannier rack loaded with 5 to 20kg of assorted stuff, over landrover tracks which can range from smooth hardpacked gravel to prolonged stretches of loose fist to head-sized boulders, deep ruts and a variety of gradients. I'm 6ft tall, with most of my height coming form my legs, so am attracted to 29ers, which seem to be built for more gangly types like myself, even though I'd get a lot les bike for my money. Though I'm not the most technical of riders, and the thought of extra stability does appeal to me, especially while rolling home after a 6 or 7 hour hillwalk.
Soooo, my question is/are:
Would a 26er or 29er be more suitable for my needs? What would be the relative merits of the two types of bike as a off-road load-hauler? Would a 29er keep it's improved stability when loaded with panniers, or would a 26er (with the weight closer to the ground) be more stable in such a situation? Also,given the relative weakness of bigger wheels, would putting an extra 5-20kg over the back axle of a 29er be a poor idea, especially over rocky ground?
Any thoughts /experiences shared appreciated. Or if BikeRadar want to do an "Extreme Camping" group test, that would also be useful....
cheers,
Dave
I've done a bit of searching on this topic and can find nothing relevant, apologies if I've missed something.
I'm looking at spending a bit of money (£600-1000) on a bike later in the year. It's main usage will be for hillwalking/camping in Scotland, which means being able to take a pannier rack loaded with 5 to 20kg of assorted stuff, over landrover tracks which can range from smooth hardpacked gravel to prolonged stretches of loose fist to head-sized boulders, deep ruts and a variety of gradients. I'm 6ft tall, with most of my height coming form my legs, so am attracted to 29ers, which seem to be built for more gangly types like myself, even though I'd get a lot les bike for my money. Though I'm not the most technical of riders, and the thought of extra stability does appeal to me, especially while rolling home after a 6 or 7 hour hillwalk.
Soooo, my question is/are:
Would a 26er or 29er be more suitable for my needs? What would be the relative merits of the two types of bike as a off-road load-hauler? Would a 29er keep it's improved stability when loaded with panniers, or would a 26er (with the weight closer to the ground) be more stable in such a situation? Also,given the relative weakness of bigger wheels, would putting an extra 5-20kg over the back axle of a 29er be a poor idea, especially over rocky ground?
Any thoughts /experiences shared appreciated. Or if BikeRadar want to do an "Extreme Camping" group test, that would also be useful....
cheers,
Dave
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Comments
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Picked up my 29er on Monday, so my 29er experience is limited to three 30mile rides. But I am already a massive fan! its a lovely bike. I can't comment on it in terms of extreme camping but I thing the 29er is fantastic.
Something to consider is the availability of spokes, tyres and any spares specific to a 29er. These may still prove difficult to find in every lbs, should you have damage on a trip.
But other than that I cant think of a reason not to go with the 29er.0 -
I'd think the 29er would be better for the kind of riding you have described as the larger wheel rolls better over small bumps, you'll need less in the way of suspension which makes your bike heavier. They maintain their momentum well too. I'm only reporting thinks I've read though, I've only done about 30yards on a 29er and can confirm that yes, it did feel different... :oops:0
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definatly a 29er for what your the rides your describing.
Hi Noel, didnt know you were on here too.
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VWsurfbum wrote:Hi Noel, didnt know you were on here too.
Yeh, when you out in Epping again?0 -
Cheers for the responses folks.
Noel what 29er did you go for?
I've been scouring the net, and there seems to a disinct shortageoof 29ers with rack eyelets, GT, Cannondale and the near mythical Voodoo Boker29 seem to be about all there is.....0 -
I got the Specialized Stumpjumper Carbon with 2X10 and 90mm. Reba RLT. It won't suit your riding, but it would be worth testing for geo.
I wish you luck mate! I suspect the Rockhoppers would have pannier rack mounts?0
