Just wondering why so many serious DH and FR guys are going to 24" wheels while Fisher has come out with a 29" wheel. All gimmicks or some merit?
Pro's and con's of 24" wheels
- Thread starter JJHACK
- Start date
Yeah.. I some more 24" feedback too, but you can't search the forums for 24" wheels because 24 is under the "minimum character limit" for a search.
Dammit. :angry:
Dammit. :angry:
Okay. Here's the lowdown:
Pros:
- stronger wheel
- quicker acceleration when used on rear
- lighter (in most cases)
- can be used to adjust head angle and BB height
- allows larger tires to be used that ordinarily wouldn't clear the frame or the fork
- "cool"
Cons:
- My post on the cons a few days ago
- they don't roll well over obstacles
- fewer rim and tire choices (although that's getting better)
- effectively gear you down - lower top speed when used in rear
- you have to carry two sizes of tube if you use a 24/26 combo
- you can't search for them on RM
I'd be more than happy to elaborate on any of these points if you like.
Pros:
- stronger wheel
- quicker acceleration when used on rear
- lighter (in most cases)
- can be used to adjust head angle and BB height
- allows larger tires to be used that ordinarily wouldn't clear the frame or the fork
- "cool"
Cons:
- My post on the cons a few days ago
- they don't roll well over obstacles
- fewer rim and tire choices (although that's getting better)
- effectively gear you down - lower top speed when used in rear
- you have to carry two sizes of tube if you use a 24/26 combo
- you can't search for them on RM
I'd be more than happy to elaborate on any of these points if you like.
24 inch wheels change direction better, less gyroscope effect.
I run a 24" tire in the back because I pretty much had no choice.
I have a 2001 Brodie Thumper which is a pretty decent aggressive XC and light freeride bike.. unfortunately it's a little tall. I threw a 7" Boxxer on the frame and then I couldn't ride it comfortably because the BB height went up to about 15.5" and my feet couldn't touch the ground when I was sitting on the saddle (not exactly confidence inspiring on skinnies and ladders).
I built up an Intense Mag30/XT with an Intense 24" 3.0" tire to lower the BB. I love the way the bike handles now because it's slowed down the steering a bit and lowered the back end so steep stuff is more comfortable. Other riders are right, it does make for a little bit of a bumpy ride and I find it's bloody tough to manual over obstacles now.. but since most of my riding is DH or on the North Shore the setup has worked well for me. I don't really see it as a gimic as long as people ride steep trails.
I have a 2001 Brodie Thumper which is a pretty decent aggressive XC and light freeride bike.. unfortunately it's a little tall. I threw a 7" Boxxer on the frame and then I couldn't ride it comfortably because the BB height went up to about 15.5" and my feet couldn't touch the ground when I was sitting on the saddle (not exactly confidence inspiring on skinnies and ladders).
I built up an Intense Mag30/XT with an Intense 24" 3.0" tire to lower the BB. I love the way the bike handles now because it's slowed down the steering a bit and lowered the back end so steep stuff is more comfortable. Other riders are right, it does make for a little bit of a bumpy ride and I find it's bloody tough to manual over obstacles now.. but since most of my riding is DH or on the North Shore the setup has worked well for me. I don't really see it as a gimic as long as people ride steep trails.
yea, and you cant search k2, 02, 03, 01, 24......that bugs me alot.
I just switched to a 24 rear a wheel the biggest difference ive found is that it gears down the bike a lot,
it accelerates quicker,
wheelie prone
havent had any problems with rolling over obstacles at slower speeds yet which people complain about
i think the biggest negative about this setup is that you cant swap front and rear tires/tubes over
otherwise its fine
it accelerates quicker,
wheelie prone
havent had any problems with rolling over obstacles at slower speeds yet which people complain about
i think the biggest negative about this setup is that you cant swap front and rear tires/tubes over
otherwise its fine
Biggest con of them all:
NO Pro DH'rs use them!
Not one pro bike @ mt snow nationals was running them.
Had a friend who used to smoke me...
He switched to 24". Now I smoke him, heh.
eastcoastfreeride.com
NO Pro DH'rs use them!
Not one pro bike @ mt snow nationals was running them.
Had a friend who used to smoke me...
He switched to 24". Now I smoke him, heh.
eastcoastfreeride.com