We’re living in the golden age of the 29er. After decades of trial and error – from the first prototype mountain bikes in California in the late 1970s until now – it seems the industry has finally settled on a standard that works: big wheels; cushy tyres; a frame with long, slack geometry; short stem; and wide bars.
When applied to an alloy hardtail, this formula gives you an awesome all-round bike. You can ride farm roads and jeep tracks, and you can have a go at more serious trail riding – even cross country racing. Slap on some slicks, lock out the suspension, and you can ride the Discovery Ride Joburg or the Cape Town Cycle Tour. The hardtail 29er is a do-anything machine.
This story is from the January/February 2020 edition of Bicycling South Africa.
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This story is from the January/February 2020 edition of Bicycling South Africa.
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