69er, dude!

[sscooley]

So the latest issue of Dirt Rag has me thinking, again, about the possibilities of a 26" rear and 29" front wheel. Seems like the best of both worlds, especially if you can rig it up on an existing frame. I might just try it with my C.u.S.S. if it won't slacken the head tube too much.
Why isn't this kind of bike more common? Is it just a symmetry thing? The only real issues I see are that there are relatively few frames made specifically for this application, and I guess if you do the kind of riding where you want to carry a spare tire having two different sizes would be a hassle.
Anything I'm overlooking?

[cMc]

You can use 26" tubes in a 29" wheel no prob. I never carry a spare tire.

[rockhound]

You can use 26" tubes in a 29" wheel no prob. I never carry a spare tire.

I have enough trouble with a 28" tube, I can't imagine how squirelly a 26" tube would be to install.

Any frame that has geometry setup for a 100mm front fork (or more) can easily be converted to a 69er with a 31mm shorter fork...

[robcycle]

Sr. Cooley, long time no see. My fault, entirely. anyway, it may be difficult to do the 96er on your CUSS, as it was spec'ed with a rigid fork. It may not have the AC height to work. Anyway, we should get together for a ride, though probably on the road, as my MTB still hasn't been sorted out.

Cheers,
-Rob.

[tryandgetme]

yeah, I use 26" tubes too because I'm too cheap. Just get the big ones, 2.5" wide. Takes some stretching to get it around, but if your rim is wide enough it's no problem making it stay put while you put the tire back on. Once you get it stretched around the rim put a bit of air in it before you put the bead back on.

[Krautwaggen]

Since you have to buy a 29" wheel anyway, just go tubeless on the front wheel...then you only have one tube to carry!

[sscooley]

it may be difficult to do the 96er on your CUSS, as it was spec'ed with a rigid fork. It may not have the AC height to work.
Cheers,
-Rob.

Well actually it was spec'd with a suspension corrected rigid fork, so I have some room to play with. I suppose I should look for a 29" rigid fork somewhat shorter to keep the head tube at the same angle. This is all somewhat idle speculation, as I must finish the "restoration" of the '90ish Stumpjumper I've had for quite a while now. It will be interesting to see how an older, geared bike with front suspension compares to the CuSS, which was my first and only mountain bike.

[cMc]

I have enough trouble with a 28" tube, I can't imagine how squirelly a 26" tube would be to install.


It's cake, just inflate it a little and stuff 'er into the tire. :rolleyes:

[rockhound]

I suppose I should look for a 29" rigid fork somewhat shorter to keep the head tube at the same angle.

I don't think that will work.

If you started off with an 80mm fork with a 26" wheel, then a switch to a 29er front wheel would require a shorter fork, probably a Dimension or Surly (413mm). Most 29er forks are in the 465mm to 490mm range.

[robcycle]

It will be interesting to see how an older, geared bike with front suspension compares to the CuSS, which was my first and only mountain bike.
My guess is that it won't be as much fun. For my part, gears make me think I can climb anything, and front suspension gives me a liscense to be stupid, which ends up being a self fulfilling prophecy.

-Rob.

[RolledMeat]

Anybody know if that Surly fork is designed for a 26" tire? If so, do you have to run a narrow 29" tire to make it fit? I assume that you'd have to use a disc brake up front with a 29" tire.

[rockyrider]

For my part, gears make me think I can climb anything, and front suspension gives me a liscense to be stupid, which ends up being a self fulfilling prophecy.Dang, you need a license for that now?!?!?! I always relied on that being the last bastion of freedom for the individual, especially on a bike.