Climbing

  
  1. Thu Jan 01, 2009 9:38 AM Answer  
SingleSpeed

Joined on 10/07/2007
San Diego, ca
Posts 40
 So I just traded my 26" frame for a 29" frame. It just doesn't seem to climb as well. I don't know if it is in my head or if there really is a difference. When I get to that "I can't go on" spot it seemed like I was always able to get the 26" up the hill. I would kind of use that push the bike forward and crank method. It just doesn't seem to work as well with the 29er. Could this be because of the wheel size or is it something else? Tire choice, tire pressure, gearing, frame geometry. Has anyone else experienced this?
  2. Thu Jan 01, 2009 9:40 AM Answer  
remgeo

Joined on 10/24/2007
Vista, ca
Posts 18
 I seem to climb better on my 29er but that could just be my riding style.
  3. Thu Jan 01, 2009 9:48 AM Answer  
CycleSnack

Joined on 01/01/2009

Posts 5
 First question: Riding SS or Geary? Next I have to ask: Rigid, HT, or FS? It all depends on the bike's configuration and how you ride it. Also, are you riding steel or aluminum? If you are riding SS and you are having problems climbing, then get a road bike, convert it to SS with 42:16 or 15 gear ratio, with a flip flop for fixie and that twice a week fixed and freewheel on some hilly roads and believe me you will soon be climbing for the show and sprinting for the dough! My rig is SS (34:20) with a Zoke 80/100mm fork, steel frame, Exiwolf 2.3 up front and Bonty 2.2 in the rear and she climbs like a horny Mt Goat. In fact, as I mentioned above, that is how I commute to work 2x a week and it's incredible how my climbing has improved! I think riding fixie does the trick. The other thing I find helpful is the cockpit. I have tried flat bars with bar ends, mary bars (actually FUBars), and what I find best are are 1" riser bars.

Risers:



FUBars:



Flat Bars:



You will also note in the last picture, I was riding rigid. Did that for a year and it made me a much better rider.
  4. Thu Jan 01, 2009 9:50 AM Answer  
SDRider

Joined on 12/31/2008
San Diego, ca
Posts 23
 I am riding a rigid steel singlespeed 29er 32:20.

I actually took my 26 FS geared bike out last week and then my 29er this weekend, same trails. I guess it was in my head. I now feel like the 29er climbs like a champ. I even did some pretty technical climbs I was unable to clear on my geared bike... go figure. I think my tire pressure has a lot to with it also. The 32:20 is pretty low gear so I need the low pressure so I don't spin out grinding up the technical stuff.

Here is a pic of my ride.
  5. Thu Jan 01, 2009 9:51 AM Answer  
remgeo

Joined on 10/24/2007
Vista, ca
Posts 18
 I'm also currently riding a rigid SS 29er

My Monocog has been a great bike but it's time to upgrade. I just sold my FS bike so I could get a new bike or upgrade the Monocog. I found I never had the desire to ride the geared FS so it just sat in the garage getting no love. The guy I sold it to was stoked to have it so I feel good that someone will enjoy it more then I was.

If I get a new rig, I'll post a photo here.
  6. Tue May 17, 2011 1:52 PM Answer  
Avi8Ed

Joined on 05/17/2011

Posts 2
 I just bought a Cannondale trail4 29er. I haven't been riding in years so I thought I would try the new wave. It definitely seems like it takes more effort to get it up to speed and keep it there, but that may be because I'm so weak right now and I'm just trying to get my wind back.

I rode Poor Farm Park today. Mud bogging! I spun out a lot on those climbs. The Kenda small blocks that come on it are not very aggressive, but then again, it was a muddy day, and I'm sure they are inflated right up.