frame is custom quality, full XT build, Ritchey WCS finishing kit

$3,000+ MSRP steel hardtail, integrated derailleur hanger, Ritchey ZMax Comp tires

I have the more recent P-29er that comes in a black & yellow paint job and switches over to a integrated derailleur hanger. The bike is incredible out of the box. Rockshox SID, XT drivetrain, XT brakes the build fits the rugged frame. Logic steel has a truly custom feel, MSRP is $3,200.00 dollars which is steep for someone not appreciating steel but the Ritchey quality is clear & apparent in the saddle. Bike is incredibly balanced perfect for endurance racing/riding & bikepacking. The bike screams Epic Race/Rides

Similar Products Used:

Niner AIR 9

Solid, simple, hardtail design.
Fairly light for a production steel frame (4.35lbs for medium)
QR rear hub- because it works and do we really need anything more?
Threaded bottom bracket- same reason as above.
Tapered headtube- even though I don't think it's necessary the fork industry has pretty much made this necessary.

It took a while for the black/yellow colors to grow on me, but I'm into it now.

This review is for the latest version of the frame- black/yellow with tapered head tube. I don't ride a lot of different mountain bikes, I tend to buy a frame and ride it to death. I still own, ride, and like my '94 Kona Kilauea which I haven't killed yet, just for perspective. I did a lot of research before buying a steel hardtail and I'm glad I didn't get lured by the hype of the latest frames with super slack angles, longer travel forks, plus tires, etc. Think about the type of riding you really do and maybe a classic steel frame like the P-29 is the perfect all around bike. For me it hits the important marks- it goes up as well as it goes down, it's playful enough to be fun but not slow or sloppy when the turns are fast and tight, it's light enough to race but sturdy enough to not worry about breaking. I'm looking forward to putting as many years and miles on this frame as I have on my Kona.

Steel, looks, tri-color paint is perfect, build quality.

Relatively soft frame especially in XL/21". Sliding rear drops adds complexity and weight, and is a mess.

Got the bike in February 2012 and rode it 4 seasons, primarily 1-2 hour trail rides. It is a great bike that handles really well in the trail. This bike can take a beating, no doubt. Had it set up with 2x10 Shimano gears and a Reba fork. The bike/frame flexes quite a lot, which can be good and bad. My brother has a Cotic Solaris, which is a more rigid frame. So if you want a steel frame and really want to hit the trails hard, I think the Cotic is a better choice. It just does not come close to the Ritchey looks and quality wise. Ultimately I got tired of the sliding drops and was considering the 2015 version with fixed drops and tapered front end. I think these changes are very welcome, since I believe this bike belongs in the trail geared and with a suspension fork. Just a shame Ritchey changed the paint as well. In the end I decided to try a carbon frame, but often find myself missing the Ritchey. Overall a really nice bike.

Similar Products Used:

Cotic Solaris, Singular Swift

Handling, acceleration, weight, BB type, build quality, cool factor

Wish the rear end would absorb a bit more, for a steel bike it is extremely non compliant.

This is a fantastic frame. Handles great on just about everything. Geometry is spot on. Under 5 lbs for a steel bike is really good. I have the non slider version and it weighs 23-24 lbs depending on what tires I run. I tent to favor squeezing in 2.4s @ about 20psi for some extra cush because it is a harsh ride by steel standards. Same reason I run a ti post and a carbon rail saddle... the more I can mellow the ride yet still reap the benefits of a snappy hardtail, the better.

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So many bikes.

Climbing, agile, light, comfortable, fun, solid, always gets compliments on the trail,tracking, cornering. This bike is the complete package for XC. I'm thing about getting another frame and building it up with gearing.

Maybe price but considering the way the thing rides it ain't a big deal.

If you had of asked me when I first started riding mtb's that 7 years down the road I'd be riding a rigid steel single and loving it more than anything else I have owned. I wouldn't have believed you. For the last two years prior this I've been riding a Pivot Mach 4 and have loved every minute on it. Then I bought this frameset and begun the build, ever since the first ride I haven't ridden the Pivot at all. I actually sold it last week.

Every time I get off this bike I'm more and more impressed. Whether it's a short 20km blast with mates or a 6 hour enduro this thing is super comfy.

Steel is real. Just went and bought myself self a steel roadie.

Similar Products Used:

Pivot Mach 4
Cannondale Caffeine 2
Giant Anthem
Giant Trance

Very Durable!!! Lightest Steel! Really fast both trails and road.

It make me sleep very late at night. Coz I cant stop staring at it!!!

I have been searching for the perfect bike for years, I tried road, i tried dh full sus bike, but I still have upgraded to another bike. Until I finally bought my P29er. From classic looks to superb performance, the frame itself dances in the trail even if your tires are quite hard. It feels like you are riding a fullsus. This hard tail does it ALL! Thanks to John Wilkie Bike Shop for bringing this beast to the P.I. Thanks Tom Ritchey. I will keep this bike till the end of time. :)

Solid, predictable, rides like a 26er, but smoother than my full suspension Cannondale Scalpel. 23.3 LBS.

Most people complain about the red, white, and blue paint, but I remember watching the Grundig WC races and like the colors. Called my old school, but better than some of the "in" color schemes around. Classical!

Buy this if you are looking for a light hard tail that is different from the mainstream.

So cool I ALMOST hate to get it dirty.

I built the P-29er (21” frame) with Ritchey WCS saddle, seat post, bars, and stem. I used the 2013 Sram XO 2 X 10 group, and Stan’s EX Flow wheel set matched to a set of Ritchey WCS Shield tires (tubeless). Shop scales said 23.3!
It is smooth as my full suspension bike but six pounds lighter. I was thinking that there would be a draw back or an adjustment to riding on the 29 inch wheels, but it felt just like my first Bridgestone MB-1. Smooth climbs, better than my Slingshots, and the XO four piston brakes are better than I hoped for.
This bike is light, dances through ugly stuff, and craves the twisty singletrack like a Jedi using the force.
Very happy I bought it!

Stiff rear end, comfortable, nimble. Retro-cool factor...

Integrated headset, this frame deserves a Chris King.

Wow, just built up my 19" P29'er SS from a mix of old and new parts. The bike is way beyond my expectations. Coming from a succesive line of Fisher Rigs (3 broken frames, all replaced at no charge/no question) I was ready for something different. This is a well made, well thought out frame that really works. It accelerates like no other mountain bike I've ridden. Its handles twisty single track really well and descends like a dream.

The geometry fits my longer torso well. The paragon sliders make for easy and solid chain tensioning and allow you to make tweaks to the chain stay length.

It's only flaw is the "Made in Taiwan" sticker, but money matters and you'd be hard pressed to find a better frame for less.

Thank you Mr. Ritchey!

Similar Products Used:

Fisher Rig, Vassago Jaberwocky, Niner EMD