26'' vs. 29''

General
7

There has been a lot written on this subject, but since it’s a slow day at work…

I have all three sizes, 24 x 3, 26 x 3, 29 x 2.4.

As a bigger guy, I find the 24 to be more akin to a trials uni, slow, twitchy, too close to the ground so pedal strike is a problem. The 24 is much better for super tech stuff where you jump and hop a lot, so more a big boy trials uni.

My muni is a 26, been riding a 26 since I first learned, in 2008. It has been more or a struggle to ride in contrast to the 24 since it’s a little more uni to throw around. That said, I can do anything on the 26 that I can do on a 24, though some things are harder such as you’d expect from a larger uni. It rolls over stuff better than a 24, which is why I like it for muni; I’m a roller, not a hopper.

I use the 29 as much or more than the 26, mostly because my 26 is a Surly with a Large Marge, so it’s a tank, whereas the 29 is a KH with light components. I like the 29 because it is fast and quick, so when the trails are dry and easier, and the 26 is going to an overkill, then I take the 29. But, I do take the 29 to do harder muni and it works fine, just not quite as agile as he 26, and the tire is lighter weight so I get some sidewall collapse at times.

Right now I am converting my Surly LM to a Larry 3.8 tire, at which point my “tank” will reach maximum heavyness and maximum cushyness, so a real super muni. Because I like to have a real “choice” in my rides, the Larry will really serve to seperate the two munis so the choice will be more clear.

I’d get a 26, see if you like it, then if you do, sell the 24 and get a 29. A 24 is awful small for someone your size. A 29 is not a muni, though it could serve as one, whereas a 26 is a muni for big guys. The tire circumerference is not even close between my 26 x 3 and my 29 x 2.4/2.5, as you’d expect, the 29 is 1-1.5 inches bigger in the radius depending on the tires.

Today it’s kinda rainy, still wet for a rain late last week, so I have the 26 with me. But, I rode Saturday in the mud and soft leaves, rode some rock ledges, and I was on the 29 :slight_smile: I like to keep both in the car, then grab the one that matches my mood.

8

i have a @#$% load of 26 tires and i think it will match our trials

9

I would state it this way… if you plan to use it mainly for the Muni, then 26er seems a good choice. If you would like to do some road riding as well, then 29er is better imho.

10

The narrowest 26" tire you’ll be able to use based on your weight is a 2.4/2.5 DH (two ply sidewall), unless you’re just riding smooth trails, so you probably won’t be able to use all those tires :roll_eyes:

My favorite big boy “narrow” 26er tire is the Intense DH 2.5, next fav is the K1TryAll Sticky 2.5. I ride a Duro Leopard 3" now, upgrading to a Larry 3.8"

Your best bet and biggest bang for the buck is a Nimbus 26" muni. If you can wait, the Nimbus Oregon will be disc brake and likely run a wider rim. You could also get a KH 26, but if you plan on running a 3" tire you’ll need to order the newest frame; the first generation of frame was too narrow.

If you have the patience and are willing to look around, you might want to consider building up a Surly 26. The frames are no longer available, but you can still find the used for ~$200. They are well made, nice looking, and will handle a super wide tire (Larry, Endomorph).

11

thx for your so detailed comments! I am in the same situation: I am just learning on a 20" (qu-ax professional) and now I am looking for something “different”.
My favorite would be a 29"KH with brakes (and maybe a Schlumpf) for XC. But I am not shure, if I will be able to ride on it just now…
So maybe a 26" with a big tire would be better for the moment.

But finaly as you mentioned: it would be great to have both and to have the choice. This is, what I am working for :wink:

12

Yeah, that’s been something I’m working toward, having a “quiver” of unis that are different enough that they don’t cancel each other out.

Here’s where I’m at:

KH Trials, 19, 2.5"
Surly 26, LM, Larry 3.8"
KH 29, FR, Racing Ralph 2.4
KH 36, Nightrider, 2.5

I’d like to add a guni, which I’m looking to do within five years, would probably be a 26, though as my skill grows I am thinking 29, esp since it would probably be a mixed use uni for XC, light muni, and some double track.

13

If you already have a 24" MUni, I wouldn’t bother with a 26" MUni; get something different enough to be worth it (like a 29er or a 36").

If you’re currently on a 20", a 26" could make sense if your trails include a lot of easy stuff, along with significant technical sections. If it’s all technical, stick with a 24"; if it’s mostly easy stuff, a bigger wheel will be more fun.

14

will a nimbus 29 rim be strong?

15

I ride a 24 x 3.0, a 26 x 2.7 or 3.8 (no 3.0 yet) and a 29 x 2.3 (Stout) up to a 2.5 (Kodiak).

My impressions: The Large Marge/ Larry combo is the fastest in a lot of situations- IF you can push the pedals and hang on. The Larry is lighter than a 3.0 DH tire, but the width really can grab and pull on off camber trails. I think it’s faster than the 29er for me as I don’t get thrown by the roots and rocks around here as easily. I can roll more too since the tire helps.

The 24 excels in steep climbs and is a hoot to hop, and the 29er has been doing a lot more sitting as of late.

The 2.7 (Maxxis Mobster) on the 26 is nice, but with Marge- it’s around the smallest tire I’d want to run.

I’m 6’1 and 160lbs. Not that it really matters, but I did 10 or 11 MTB/ Cyclocross races this year on various wheel sizes. The longest race was 18 miles and I don’t think I finished last at any of the events (i.e. faster than bikes).

The newest surprise is how well the 36" KH with 165s can ride the trails.

The internet is full of opinions. These are mine.

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@unigoat: which crank size do you use with your 26 large_marge/Larry combo? (I am thinking of buying one with 140mm cranks…for semi-technical terrain -mostly single path in the woods-)

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I’m in the market for a Nimbus 26" muni. I will probable put brakes on it eventually. What is this Nimbus Oregon with disc brake set-up you speak of? When is it coming out? I’m very interested.

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Yeah, I was thinking the same, ran 165’s for the past year, had fun on some mellow trails, gravel roads, but went down to 150’s to improve spin rate and for more greenway/distance riding. Take care with that wheel, they can taco way easy.

I’d post a link, but their website is down. Look under the blog on UDC’s website, there’s a picture of Josh with a green muni, yellow trim, sporting a disc hub. That uni is the prototype using an aluminum spindled hub, the final product is coming out in the Spring/Summer sporting a steel spindle.

I’m hoping it’ll fit a LM and Larry :slight_smile:

19

I’m pretty sure that’s what Josh has on it.

20

UDC is back up. Here’s the blog post with a photo of the prototype with LM rim and Larry tire: http://www.unicycle.com/blog/?p=515

21

See also: New Prototype disk brake muni?

Nimbus Oregon.jpg
Nimbus Oregon.jpg598×800 101 KB

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Nimbus Oregon

I just noticed that if you click on the pic on the blog, it gives you a really large copy of the picture - big enough that you can read the label on the rim. And yes, it’s a Surly Large Marge.

I’m wondering if I’ll be able to justify getting one of these bad boys. I currently ride a KH29 for muni. I ride XC, and don’t see ever really doing super-technical muni. But I’d like a disk brake, and that huge tire just looks so awesome! :astonished: :sunglasses:

23

Yup. looks like an LM and Larry :slight_smile:

Well I’m running an LM and Duro 26 x 3 now and I find the larger rim to relaly spread the tire out nicely, increasing stability. I decided to get the LM after talking with Terry (muniaddict) who is an advocate.

There are two Larrys, one is a 120 tpi, the other is a 27tpi. The lower the tpi, the more rubber (fewer and courser cording), so in theory the more rigid. I ordered one of each, so once they arrive I can report back.

I don’t think the idea of a fat muni tire is for more extreme riding so much as to provide more suspension and stability. For a while I was riding an Intense DH 26 x 2.5, then swapped to the Duro when I built up the LM, and I found that the fatter tire made riding tech stuff a little easier.

That Oregon sure looks sweet! But if I’m building one up I’ll be going with a Avid BB7 dual adjust mechanical disc brake. I’ve found that hydraulic discs can be grabby and squeaky, but my BB7s work just as well, are easier to fix, and never have leak issues.

24

Wobbling bear: I run 150s on pretty much everything. I tried 137s on a KH 24 and wasn’t a fan. The 36er is the only one I like with anything longer or shorter- 110s are my favorites for the road.

Nurse Ben: I don’t doubt the wheel can taco, but I’ve had no problems with uni wheels (or bike wheels for that matter) that I spend some time on with the tensionometer. Once I get them as evenly tensioned as possible they seem good to go.

I vote for wide rims too. After riding the Large Marge, I’m selling my KH 24. Once again- not for everyone, but right for me.

25

Nimbus 26

knoxuni - I just purchased this uni, and got the hookworm road tire to go along with it. I have not yet ridden it off road, as I am still a noob, but with the 2.5 maxxis hookworm on it I am really enjoying it. It is significantly taller than the 24" trainer I was riding. I am also 6’3" and I really like the stability. I went with the Freeride saddle, which is very nice. I went with the 400mm post, and after several adjustments have used up a good deal of it. The 300mm post would definitely not have been long enough.

I cannot compare it with a 29, but I think the above statement about the wheel on the 29 only being about 1.5" taller is true. With the Hookworm tire it measures at over 27" diameter. I almost bought the Nimbus 29er though, as it was on sale for a killer price. The reviews of it on their site are very good, One of the reviews, labeled “stronger than you think”, reads:
“Both my riding buddy and I have each had one of these for a couple of years. We put exiwolf tires on them and use them for XC and Muni. I was worried about a couple of 200lb guys using single wall rims for Muni, but they have been great. Plenty strong enough and so much cheaper than a KH! I always find Nimbus a better value”.

So, it is as everyone has said in this thread, and others just like it here in the community - you just have to make a choice based on what you think is best. I will probably end up like Nurse Ben and eventually get a 29er as well. For now, I am really enjoying the 26 MUni (even though I have not even ridden it off road yet) and think it was a great choice for me to continue to learn and improve my riding skills and enjoyment. I see myself next spring commuting 7 miles to work on it. BTW, I opted for the KH 137/165 cranks and have ridden it with the pedals in each position. One more thing - I opted for the red one. Love it!!

Hope this helps, even from a noob! :smiley:

26

I also got a Nimbus 26 Muni. I got it in the spring. I also got a 2.5 Hookworm with 137/167 moment cranks. I have only used the 167 spot once. I like the 137 better. The Hookworm will fit in the bus bike racks. There is no way that the 3.0 Duro will ever fit. I used to have a Nimbus II 29er. With the Duro on the 26 Muni there was little difference in outside diameter. The 29er had a Schwabble BigApple 2.3 with square taper cranks. The 29er was much lighter. I am 6’2" and 220 lbs. Usually my backpack weighs between 15 & 20 pounds. I am not worried about knackering the 26 muni. I was a little worried about the 29er. It used to creak & pop alot. I got a Nimbus 36er for commuting so I sold the 29er. I have not done much off roading yet. I have put the Duro back on last week since we got snow in Tacoma. I had great traction.