You gotta figure out what wheel size you want before you start considering
the frame. The wheel size will have more of an effect on the ride of the
muni than the frame.
There are three common wheel sizes for muni 26x3 3 inch Gazzaloddi
26x2.6 Gazzaloddi Jr or similar tire like the Intense DH tires 24x3 3 inch
Gazzaloddi
I ride a DM Vortex with a 26x3 tire. It’s a big heavy tire and it rides
like a big heavy tire. The 26x3 wheel has some good points and a lot of
bad points. Its added weight makes it harder to jump with, its big size
makes it less maneuverable. But it is a little bit faster than a 24x3
and the big 3" wide tire does eat up the bumps. The 26x3 is best for
trails that don’t require a lot of technical maneuvering because it’s a
little harder to turn than a 24x3 and it is a little harder to jump with
due to the extra weight. A 26x3 wheel will be about a pound heavier than
a 24x3 wheel.
Tires like the 26" Gazz Jr are what I would consider to be a hard core XC
tire. Lighter than the 3" tires. Good for XC type riding on XC trails. Not
the best tire if you are planning on doing big drops.
The 24x3 is the total freeride muni tire. Your best bet for when the
trails get technical. But it is still good for XC riding too. And the 24x3
is still pretty fast as long as the rider knows how to pedal fast. There
were several (many <g>) 24x3 munis finishing ahead of me on the muni races
at NUC even though I was on a 26x3.
IMHO, the 24x3 should be the default size for someone looking for a hard
core muni. Only consider the other sizes if you have a good reason to want
a different size wheel. I’m currently looking for a 24x3 muni for use on
technical trails where I’m finding the 26x3 to be a little too big, a
little too heavy, and a little too hard to maneuver.
One idea that gives you more flexibility is to get a frame that can fit
both a 24x3 and a 26x2.6. Get two wheels and swap wheels depending on
where and how you plan to ride. But it all depends on how you plan to ride
and how much you are willing to spend.
Then there is the issue of flat crown vs. rounded crown. The flat crown
lets you do one footed stuff and (for those with the skill) gliding. But
the flat crown creates an angular edge that you may hit with the inside of
your calf. A rounded crown won’t jab you in the calf when you rub against
it. A well used muni will have the paint all rubbed off near the crown
due to your legs and Roach pads rubbing the frame. Would you rather
rub against a flat crown or a rounded crown?
And finally there is the issue of a brake. If you really want a brake then
the KH muni is the one to get because it has the best brake mount. But
keep in mind that a brake is very difficult to use on a muni. On a fire
road or on a paved road the brake is easy to control and works well as a
drag brake to help slow you down on long descents. But on a bumpy
technical trail a brake is difficult to control. Every time you hit a bump
while applying the brake you run the risk of activating the brake a little
too much and causing a face plant. Brakes also poke out and will jab you
in the leg. When I have the brake installed on my Vortex I may come back
from the ride with a bruise on the inside of my calf from hitting the
brake when I do a jump or do a drop. I hardly ever ride with the brake
installed. I just don’t find it that useful. And when it is installed it
is a hassle to deal with cause you have to worry about snagging the brake
cable (hydraulic tube) when catching the muni after an unplanned dismount.
Happy muni shopping.
john_childs
>From: Chilliwack <forum.member@unicyclist.com>
>
[snip]
>The Hunter costs 385$U.S., while the “KH” costs 400$U.S. I have to decide
>which one to order. Problem is, they both look really nice. I would
>appreciate comments on which one to get. Keep in mind I am Canadian. I
>also already have a United Monty trials uni, so I probably wouldn’t do
>much trials on it. I want this for the Mountain, and perhaps short rides
>around town. So:
>Q1: Will the difference in wheel size make much difference?
>Q2: Can I get either in Canada without having to order from the States?
>
>What is recommended? I know both are likely hardcore bad-boys.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Caleb Penner
>
>http://homepage.mac.com/cpenner/ Totally Unrelated Link
>
>
>
>
>–
>Chilliwack Posted via the Unicyclist Community -
>http://unicyclist.com/forums
>__________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
