29ers the myth exploded!!!!

Its arrived, Mikes 29er! after nervously selling his Merida Ninety - Six, full suspension carbon dream machine, Mike has just built his Merida 29er, which retails around £1500 with full XT, Rockshox recon (Air), and FSA kit. Immediately, it was taken for a test ride with Hamish, Callum and Andy! So, what you want to know is, what is all the fuss about?

Well here are Mikes brief comments:

1. Its very smooth (long wheelbase, larger wheels, low centre of gravity.)

2. It rolls over bumps rather than the "choppy" feel you get with 26" wheels.

3. Aside from the odd bump it rode over single track/rocks as well as his beloved Ninety-Six full suss.

4. Its fast, almost road bike in feel on land rover tracks, the "normal" gearing ensures you dont spin out on road/smooth tracks.

5. It grips really well on steep ascents (more surface contact.)

Is it better than a "26"er? Oh yes, and it looks good, feels more substantial, you feel more at one with the bike, rather riding on top of it!

Mike is so convinced that he is organising a number of Specialized 29er demos for the coming year, including the awesome Specialized Epic (full carbon 29er), which won the World cup at Dalby this year. His own bike is also available to try (if you are tall enough!). There only seem to be benefits to 29" wheels, the negative comments made by some people regarding handling tight bends, failed to materialize, the bike (and rider?!!) handled all the burnside trails and Badaguish without a murmer.

Back on the Road, Hamish organised a Kincraig loop TT, for the cycling club, with 20 participants (willing or accidental), on a warm sunny evening it was a great success, with some very serious competitors who sported TT bars and even oversocks! The top 3: 1st Charles Fletcher 34.53 (he was the oversock offender!), Mike 36.40 (who hates TT events, and shuns TT bars, its an age thing!) & Rob 37.46 (I never celebrate when I do well!) - lead a very competative field.

It should be noted that Julia did offer her dad a wheel when she passed him, but he could not keep up! and the battle of the night was between Julia and Elena who both showed the old men how to ride! If you want to witness the event Andy Hislop made a film with much heavy breathing (there a link on this webpage).

Finally, to the 10 riders glued to mikes back wheel on the "individual" mile at Loch Morlich, THANKS!