Double Hoo'na and 29'er Review

The air was crisp, clear and a bit chilly but I didn't go for the tights quite yet. I did opt for the long sleeves and glad to have them. Sunday's high temp for Boston was in the low sixties. The best of riding conditions in my opinion. Rain on Saturday flattened out the trails and dust was at a minimum. Glen Cook, Jon Stanwood and myself rode from the hood to Gordon and points north on a modified double K that would take us 6+ hours to complete. Two Planned Sags along our route where I stashed a gallon of water and fruit the previous night.

Whoops, next time I'll put the bananas in an animal-proof box and not just tie them to a tree in a plastic shopping bag!

Multiple choice; choose the best answer...
(a) Glen helping John place his bike on the other side of the guard rail
(b) two riders having a closer look at the rear wheel
or
(c) Glenn using the guard rail to bend back John's big ring!





The view from atop Red Rock, visibility was ~30 miles

Now for a quick review on my Igleheart 29'er Single Speed.

I can now write an informative review on my new ride now that I've had some longer rides on my new Favorite bike. I've started to sell off my 26 inch components and am hooked on the 29 inch wheels. This thing rocks on the rocks! The larger wheels fill in gaps that 26 inch wheels get stuck in...bottom line is that 29'ers run smoother over the rough and seem more stable.

A slightly longer wheelbase aids in out of the saddle climbing and high speed descents. My Igleheart 29'er likes to attack rocky climbs and loose conditions and really digs in. As a new comer to one gear riding I can tell you that attacking climbs is a big part of the ss riding style, especially where I live. Small technical ascents and rocky descents is what we've got here on the north shore of Boston...and glad to have 'em. I notice a huge improvement on traction in general while standing on climbs. The bigger wheel up front allows for better descending characteristics and although the Reba that I've chosen only provides 3 inches of travel up front this bike handles downhills with ease.

With a downside to everything, a 29 inch wheel is most likely weaker than a 26 inch wheel and more susceptible to warping. For this reason I don't think that many 29'er down hill bikes will be roaring down the face of whistler any time soon but you never know.

Another trait I've noticed is directly due to the lower top tube of the frame on this bike. Not only does it's position provide for better clearance but makes for a stiffer bike laterally. This is important because (from my own brief experience) SS riding involves more lateral torque on the frame as you twist, pull and stomp the pedals to the top of climbs.

I am having a absurdly large time with this new bike and can't wait for another ride. Thanks again to Christopher Igleheart. You done good!

I stashed sag #2 under a pile of rocks in B+T's...provided a safe haven for vital replenishment :)