BLESSED OR CURSED?

Top riders wade in with their opinions on 29ers

GREG MINNAAR (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE)

“I raced the Hightower [Santa Cruz’s 29er trail bike] at the Enduro World Series in Finale Ligure, Italy, last October, and it just held so much speed. That's when I knew we had to come back to the 29er V10 idea."

LORIS VERGIER (SANTA CRUZ SYNDICATE)

“Greg practically forced me to try the bike. I tried it once in testing, but went straight back to my 650b bike because that's what felt fastest across the length of the track. But Greg insisted I give the 29er another shot. So I did, and I felt like it was still slower. The clocks don't lie though, and I was consistently posting quicker times on the new bike. That's when I realised it was deceptively quick.”

BROOK MACDONALD (GT FACTORY RACING)

“F**k no, I’m not riding a 29er, no way! Our sport isn’t made for 29in bikes, there should be a rule. If it gets to the point where I have to ride one, I’ll ride one, but not out of choice.” (from Vital MTB)

AARON GWIN (YT MOB) “I really like my 29er trail bike, from the first day I rode it, but I've never ridden a 29er DH bike. I'm not sure I can keep my butt off the rear tyre, haha! I've not ridden one yet, but I'm sure I will soon." (from Dirt)

NICOLAS VOUILLOZ (10 TIME DH WORLD CHAMP)

“I thought it was a wheel for XC, haha! We’ll see what it brings. On some tracks, it might be better. It pushes the industry to try new things, but I’m not sure everyone is happy about that, because of the new standard. My vision is that the UCI will put in a rule on wheel size, like BMX or cruiser. But it’s a bit late now!” (from Vital MTB)

FABIEN BAREL (RACER & GEOMETRY INNOVATOR) “I always try to push everything to go as fast as I can. I was the first to fight for longer frames for more stability, and bigger wheels are the same. Everyone is looking for a clear answer as to whether big wheels are better or worse, but I believe there are three parameters to be taken into consideration – the height of the rider, the riding discipline and the type of handling they're looking for. A yes or no answer is a bit of a challenge.” (from Vital MTB)