Mountain bikes have become increasingly popular over the years, from the weekend warrior up to the professional racers. As the sport has evolved, so has the bike and the components that make them up. One of the most important components of any MTB is the wheelset and now it has to be weighed carefully to make sure it offers the rider both performance and utility.
The most well-known wheels for mountain biking are the 26inch ones but today, the leading choice for the majority of MTB riders is the bigger and more modern 29inch wheel. In this article we will take a look at what benefits a 29 wheelset offers for mountain bike riders.
Before diving into what advantages a 29 wheelset offers, let’s first take a look at what makes up a wheelset. It’s simply a combination of the hub, spokes, rims and tires. The hub is the core component and it is the part that the spokes attach to. The spokes are then attached to the rim. The rim is the part that supports the tire and tubes and it is the outside layer that provides structure and directional stability. All of these parts work together to create the smooth ride.
Now that we know what a wheelset is made of, let’s analyze what benefits it offers for MTB riders.
One of the biggest benefits of a 29 wheelset is the increased traction on the trails. This is thanks to the larger diameter. The increased diameter means an increase in tread contact with the terrain, which ultimately results in increased traction. Increased traction translates to more control and a better overall feel when navigating your way down the trail.
Another great benefit of a 29 wheelset is the increased ability to roll over obstacles. Because the tires are bigger, they provide additional pliability that will help you roll over rocks and logs with ease. The increased pliability result in a more comfortable ride and can help to keep you from overworking your body.
Lastly, the larger diameter of the wheels also provides increased lateral stability. This makes it easier to handle the unexpected bumps and cracks in the trail. This will make your overall ride more enjoyable and can help to reduce fatigue over the course of your ride.
In conclusion, a 29 wheelset has a lot to offer for those looking to take their mountain biking to the next level. Its increased contact with the terrain provides more traction and stability while the larger diameter results in increased pliability and a smoother ride. Finally, the larger diameter also provides increased lateral stability to help handle those unexpected bumps and cracks. So, if you’re looking for an upgrade to your mountain bike, a 29 wheelset may just be the answer.