Mtb 29Er

[yotspeed]

So I was just wondering, anyone here in Thailand riding a 29" MTB yet. If yes, what type (HT, FS), brand, info?? Most of all; if you are, how are you finding it??

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

it seems to be the rage in the US and Europe.

It may be harder to gain popularity in Thailand because so many Thai riders are shorter heights.

The big wheels don't work as well with small frames sizes.

I am really interested to switch at some point. A lot of riders find a Titanium or Carbon 29 with flexie stays is as good as a 26' with rear suspension.

Getting back to simplicity and ditching the cost, complexity and maintenance issues of a rear suspension is a major benefit.

I have ridden a few and been impressed but just not ready to switch yet. The forks are pricey and the tire choices over here are slim to none. In Chiang Mai anyway.

Also the 29' tends to be a bit heavier unless one spends more for light parts.

[yotspeed]

it seems to be the rage in the US and Europe.

It may be harder to gain popularity in Thailand because so many Thai riders are shorter heights.

The big wheels don't work as well with small frames sizes.

I am really interested to switch at some point. A lot of riders find a Titanium or Carbon 29 with flexie stays is as good as a 26' with rear suspension.

Getting back to simplicity and ditching the cost, complexity and maintenance issues of a rear suspension is a major benefit.

I have ridden a few and been impressed but just not ready to switch yet. The forks are pricey and the tire choices over here are slim to none. In Chiang Mai anyway.

Also the 29' tends to be a bit heavier unless one spends more for light parts.

Good comments there CSN and well noted. Yes, the smaller frame sizes and lack of 29er parts here in LOS would be an issue. At 5'8" I guess I'm right on the border, but am looking to try and test one out on my next trip up to Bangkok - seems ProBike have some in stock. Also looking to visit Worldbike to check out the Giants - they have a few in their range but not sure whether WB stock or not. Am hovering on the verge of going to FS but a 29er might be (initially) a more cost effective alternative, although the FS entry level bikes from Trek and Giant are very well priced.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

Let us know what you think about them and the models available in BKK.

A few factors to keep in mind. A 29" wheel is weaker and more flexie due to the longer spokes and bigger hoop. To build a comparably stiff wheel to a good 26" then it needs to be expensive and or strung tightly which tends to fail quicker. Broken spokes, cracked hub flanges etc.

If your okay with more flexie wheels then it does contribute to ride smoothness.

The 29" wheel definitely is more stable and rolls over obstacles easier but also harder to change direction on switch backs etc.

Some people think the 29 is slower in accelerating especially at slow speed and uphills. It feels that way to me also but some think it just feels slower and really not much different in acceleration performance.

Definitely at speed the 29 rolls better and holds momentum.

Anyone else out there with opinions or experience?

[JungleBiker]

The latest edition of Mountain Bike Action (May 2011) has a review of the "Specialized S-Works Epic 29er" and says it is the best mountain bike they have ever ridden. They say no other cross country race bike (including the lighter 26er version) will beat it. Price US$9,900. As far as I know the Thailand distributor does not import this model.

[OriginalPoster]

How's the availability of tires and tubes for 29'ers in Thailand? I've been toying with the idea of bringing one of these bikes over from the States but wondered if getting spare tubes/tires/spokes etc might be too big of a hassle here. Not sure that I've ever seen those things in stock at a bike shop in Thailand.

[yotspeed]

Didn't get my hands on a 29er yet, living down in Surat we are really dependent on what the LBS keep in stock. Have checked pretty much all the local stores and not a single 29er in sight. All say they can check with the distributor in BKK but I've already done that. Most of the main brands have some of the 29ers in stock. Giant have a pretty good selection but prices quite a bit higher than the US. Trek (Fisher) have a few models, Specialized have the Hard Rock (but only in standard, bottom end fit out). Merida have a very well specced model available and Cannondale asked 'which model do you want' which tends to suggest maybe in stock out of the Singapore main distributor??

Planning to head up to BKK (prob. after the elections are done and dusted) and will then try to check some of the bikes out with a view to buying one to run some comprehensive testing and compare with my current (old) Jamis HT 26.

OP; based on the above feedback my guess is that any 29er spare parts / components will be few and far between so if thinking of bringing one in might well be prudent to at least bring some tubes (unless you're running Tube-Less), spokes and a couple of tires. Maybe an overhaul kit for the front fork, although seals, etc. should be common across 26-29. For any major components (new fork, rim, etc.) I guess it would be quicker to bring from US or Taiwan, Oz (the latter two places to avoid import duty).

There was a thread started on the Thai MTB forum back in 2009 but it petered out without any real feedback other than derision??!! But seems from all accounts that the 29er is now becoming a lot more common on the US trails and a lot more ladies riding them with the advances in geometry to give better handling for shorter riders. Recently the 2nd round of the World XC MTB championship held at Dolby Forest UK was won on a Specialized S-Works Epic 29er FS. Predictions are for increased demand in Europe with Germany leading the way.

Peter

[Digitalbanana]

I bought a Specialized 29x2" wheel Hard Rock MTB in southern Thailand about 18 months ago for 15000THB. It was about the only choice in the shop that I could fit on. Been good to me ever since.

[yotspeed]

I bought a Specialized 29x2" wheel Hard Rock MTB in southern Thailand about 18 months ago for 15000THB. It was about the only choice in the shop that I could fit on. Been good to me ever since.

Where in the south did you buy the bike? Hat Yai seems to have a very active cycling community and one very good shop in particular. A mate of mine (from Songkhla) buys all his bits n pieces from there. Nothing in Surat or on Samui. Spoke to the Spec. distributor in BKK and they only carry the Hard Rock (standard not sport)in 29 format, but most of the accounts I've read for this bike say the first thing you need to do is upgrade the fork. So given the (apparent) dearth of 29er parts available it seems to make more sense to buy a higher specced bike to start with.

D.Banana; you mention 'the only one you could fit on' - taller rider? One of the main issues with the early 29ers was suitability for shorter riders, but the new geometry seems to have taken care of that. If you rode a 26 before how do you find the switch to bigger wheels?

Hoping to get to test ride some of the different models on my next trip to BKK.

[12DrinkMore]

I'm trying to put a list of 29 er bikes that are available in Thailand.

So far

Giant 2011 XtC 1 29'er FS 158,000

http://www.worldbike...2011&Itemid=122

Giant 2011 Anthem X1 29'er HT 84,900

http://www.worldbike...2011&Itemid=122

Trek Gary Fisher Wahoo 29'er HT 16,800

http://probike.co.th...?bc_id=2&id=630

Trek Gary Fisher HiFi Plus 29 FS 89,900

http://probike.co.th...?bc_id=2&id=583

Trek Gary Fisher HiFi Delux 29 FS 99,900

http://probike.co.th...?bc_id=2&id=582

Trek Gary Fisher sawyer 29'er NS 56,500

http://probike.co.th...?bc_id=2&id=594

Trek Trek Marlin 29 HT 19,500

http://probike.co.th...?bc_id=2&id=612

No reply from Specialized yet, they have no Thai website

SPORT BICYCLE CO., LTD

968 U Chu Liang Building

Floor 8 Room A1

Rama IV Road, Silom Bangrak Bangkok 10500

Tahiland

Tel: +66 2 687 5159

Email: [email protected]

Anybody care to add to the list?

[yotspeed]

Thanks for the list 12DrinkMore. My calls to the various dealers in BKK came up with the additional bikes ex stock.

Sport Bicycle did indicate they have the Specialized - Hard Rock Disc 29er in stock. Price was around 15,000

Their web site does not show the 29er Sport Bicycle web site

As well as the Anthem and XTC World Bike said they also have the Giant Talon at B.37,000

Their 29er prices are quite some way above equivalent prices in US, which seems a bit strange as they are all made in Taiwan at the Giant factory?? Their 26er prices are pretty much same as US values.

Siam MTB have the Merida 29Lite 1000-D at around B.37,000 - which is a pretty good price for this well specced bike.

Siam MTB Merida 29 Lite 1000-D

ThaiCannasia said they might be bringing some stock in but waiting on Cannondale releasing a 2012 29er that is supposedly aimed at smaller riders. The main web site (Singapore) shows the Flash (AL and Carbon) and Trail 29ers.

Flash Carbon

Flash AL

Trail

Did not check with TCA re the Jamis or their other brands - was planning to do that on my trip to BKK in next few weeks.

Seems the general consensus with the dealers is that the vast majority = Thai riders, do not seem to be interested, mainly due to the (outdated) impression that 29ers are only for tall and Clydesdale riders. The number of US ladies sized in the low 5 ft range now riding 29ers would seem to blow that one out of the water!

Interesting to see just where this trend is going as it's certainly taken the US by storm with Europe just starting this season.

Hopefully I will be able to give some first hand feedback soon.

[12DrinkMore]

Here is a big list of 29'ers.

http://www.siambikes.com/default.asp

Scroll past the "Focus" photos.

What is not clear is whether all these bikes are available in Thailand. I doubt it, wonder why they bothered to put up all the details?

One issue with buying bikes is that the distributors don't carry all the sizes. The Merida 29'er is only available in 15" and 17" sizes from the main importer. Pretty poor.

Note that it is generally possible to get a 20% to 25% discount off list price.

[yotspeed]

Here is a big list of 29'ers.

http://www.siambikes.com/default.asp

Scroll past the "Focus" photos.

What is not clear is whether all these bikes are available in Thailand. I doubt it, wonder why they bothered to put up all the details?

One issue with buying bikes is that the distributors don't carry all the sizes. The Merida 29'er is only available in 15" and 17" sizes from the main importer. Pretty poor.

Note that it is generally possible to get a 20% to 25% discount off list price.

12DrinkMore - had spotted that myself and thought - wow! But if you check out the rest of their web site the trend seems to be that if there is a Thai Baht price noted then it should normally be in stock. But if no price or even a US$ price then my guess is no stock, forward order, price to be confirmed. I do plan to visit these guys and try to test the Merida 29er. 17" would be OK - it's what I ride now, although think a 17.5 or 18 night be better suited. But next size up on the Merida is 19" which I think will be too big for me at 5ft 8.5". Will keep you posted.

[12DrinkMore]

Here is a big list of 29'ers.

http://www.siambikes.com/default.asp

Scroll past the "Focus" photos.

What is not clear is whether all these bikes are available in Thailand. I doubt it, wonder why they bothered to put up all the details?

One issue with buying bikes is that the distributors don't carry all the sizes. The Merida 29'er is only available in 15" and 17" sizes from the main importer. Pretty poor.

Note that it is generally possible to get a 20% to 25% discount off list price.

12DrinkMore - had spotted that myself and thought - wow! But if you check out the rest of their web site the trend seems to be that if there is a Thai Baht price noted then it should normally be in stock. But if no price or even a US$ price then my guess is no stock, forward order, price to be confirmed. I do plan to visit these guys and try to test the Merida 29er. 17" would be OK - it's what I ride now, although think a 17.5 or 18 night be better suited. But next size up on the Merida is 19" which I think will be too big for me at 5ft 8.5". Will keep you posted.

Hi Yotspeed,

Merida irritates me a little bit, on their website they do not give the three, IMO, most important dimensions.

1. Standover height

2. BB height

3. Effective top tube length.

http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike/2011/60/MTB+Hardtail/TWENTY-NINE+Lite+1000-D

Apart from that the bike spec is very good for the price.

Looking forward to your feedback, as we are about the same height and I am looking for something a little less jarring on the spine. I am also considering a Trek Fuel EX 5 full suspension or even maybe the Gary Fisher FS 29'er, but that is getting a bit heavy Bahtwise.....

In spite of almost every bicycle being made in Taiwan or China, Thailand is still a little behind in getting the models into the shops.

[Digitalbanana]

I bought a Specialized 29x2" wheel Hard Rock MTB in southern Thailand about 18 months ago for 15000THB. It was about the only choice in the shop that I could fit on. Been good to me ever since.

Where in the south did you buy the bike? Hat Yai seems to have a very active cycling community and one very good shop in particular. A mate of mine (from Songkhla) buys all his bits n pieces from there. Nothing in Surat or on Samui. Spoke to the Spec. distributor in BKK and they only carry the Hard Rock (standard not sport)in 29 format, but most of the accounts I've read for this bike say the first thing you need to do is upgrade the fork. So given the (apparent) dearth of 29er parts available it seems to make more sense to buy a higher specced bike to start with.

D.Banana; you mention 'the only one you could fit on' - taller rider? One of the main issues with the early 29ers was suitability for shorter riders, but the new geometry seems to have taken care of that. If you rode a 26 before how do you find the switch to bigger wheels?

Hoping to get to test ride some of the different models on my next trip to BKK.

I bought it from a shop in Nakhon Srithamarat. There's a lot of cyclists around that town. Cannot recall shop name, a small family run place a few sois south of Ocean dept store. Yes I am tall, so I find the size a much better fit for me. The fat 29 x 2 inch tires also give a smooth ride. I don't get off road that much though besides motorcycle capable dirt tracks. Anything more cross country might be more difficult? I'm not sure, haven't tried. The wife has a 26 inch MTB and I feel less comfortable on it. YMMV.

[Damaz6052]

That Anthem 29er 1500AUD more than you can buy in Aus!!!

I'm trying to put a list of 29 er bikes that are available in Thailand.

So far

Giant 2011 XtC 1 29'er FS 158,000

http://www.worldbike...2011&Itemid=122

Giant 2011 Anthem X1 29'er HT 84,900

http://www.worldbike...2011&Itemid=122

Trek Gary Fisher Wahoo 29'er HT 16,800

http://probike.co.th...?bc_id=2&id=630

Trek Gary Fisher HiFi Plus 29 FS 89,900

http://probike.co.th...?bc_id=2&id=583

Trek Gary Fisher HiFi Delux 29 FS 99,900

http://probike.co.th...?bc_id=2&id=582

Trek Gary Fisher sawyer 29'er NS 56,500

http://probike.co.th...?bc_id=2&id=594

Trek Trek Marlin 29 HT 19,500

http://probike.co.th...?bc_id=2&id=612

No reply from Specialized yet, they have no Thai website

SPORT BICYCLE CO., LTD

968 U Chu Liang Building

Floor 8 Room A1

Rama IV Road, Silom Bangrak Bangkok 10500

Tahiland

Tel: +66 2 687 5159

Email: [email protected]

Anybody care to add to the list?

[12DrinkMore]

That Anthem 29er 1500AUD more than you can buy in Aus!!!

It is difficult to work out how the Thais arrive at the pricing.

The Merida 29'er is just over half the UK and Aussie price. The Trek models are roughly the same price as the US price, the higher priced Trek Fisher line are 20% more than the US price, but the lower priced bikes are the same. No consistency at all.

Almost all these bikes are made in Taiwan and China, so I imagine it is the Thai importer fiddling around with the prices.

[12DrinkMore]

This topic has died a bit.

So, 7 months down the line, I am still looking for a 29'er.

Anybody managed to find one apart from the IMO overpriced Fisher offering by Probike?

[Digitalbanana]

Like I said mine was 15000.

[yakster]

I ride a Lynskey Ridgeline 29er (from U.S.) and live in Ubon. I can get tubes, tires etc from two local shops. They also both sell 29ers by the usual available brands. I love my 29er and now rarely jump on my Cannondale Rush, which is also a great bike. So if you are still thinking about it, give one a try!