xterra bike question...
76
Member
758 days
craigery posted 1 year ago.
I am also a bike mechanic who has been training for tri's this summer and occasionally hit the trails. While the 29ers are a cool setup, they aren't "better" than the old setup. Like a lot of other "rages" in the bike industry, this one will go away. Its a novelty thing. Not to mention that a single speed would be a really bad idea for a Xterra race.
A better setup would be either an expensive light-weight dual suspension(with gears) or a little cheaper option would be a hardtail. Some people argue that hardtails are faster but I think its a preference thing.
Also, check out the forum at mt. bike review
3
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575 days
kptri posted 1 year ago.
Could you expand on why it would be a really bad idea for an xterra? I'm just asking because I feel so out of the loop on 29/ss and xterra that I can only guess as to why. My first thought is that you can't get going fast enough.
76
Member
758 days
craigery posted 1 year ago.
The bad idea for that setup isnt so much because of the wheel size, but rather the lack of gearing. I am not really familiar with Xterra races but they are off-road cycling and I'm SURE there are hills. I watched an Xterra championship on TV a week or so ago. They were riding up the side of a mountain and some of the competitors had to walk the bike up the hills. Without the option of gearing, the hills will kill you and then you will run out of gear on the way down. The 29er/ss would be a fun bike to have and ride but not to race on. Also, as with other things in the cycling industry, parts become obsolete. Who knows how long this 29er rage is going to last. If it doesnt last, then companies will either stop making parts or they will be really expensive and hard to find. Let me know if I can help you with anything else. I love talking about bikes. :)
3
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575 days
kptri posted 1 year ago.
Thanks. I'm going to do a bit more research. I'll let you know what I find out.
2455
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1331 days
Triguy98 posted 1 year ago.
SS is definately a BAD idea for Xterra. The object is to get off the bike fresh, whereas single speed is all about trashing your legs and having fun.
There are geared 29ers out there, but I cant say that it would be better for racing.
Depending on your location and local race courses, a hardtail MIGHT be in order. Most of the off road races done here are on root covered courses, and a full suspension is an advantage there, because your tires are in contact with the ground. Out west, many courses are fairly smooth, but have many climbs, making a hardtail would fair very well there.
I would make sure whatever bike I bought had SPV, Propedal, or Specialized Brain technology. These make your bikes more efficient. Have fun!
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
Hopefully there will be some people who can offer me some guidance here.
I am a former mountain bike racer that hasn't been off road for some time now. (mostly tri training) Anyway, I've signed up for my first xterra this summer and have a bike question.
I just pulled out my old mtn bike and realized it is an old piece of junk!! So, in talking with my bike mechanic he is pushing me towards a 29/single speed set-up. He claims they are all the rage an are much better than the old style.
So my question is-- Does anyone have an opinion or expereince with this set-up? I trust my mechanic but he's a strict mtn bike racer, not a triathlete. Any thoughts? Thanks :D :D
I hope this is posted in the right spot. If not please move. Thanks