The PRO29 boasts a multi-shaped tubeset for stiffness, beautiful lines for pure aesthetics, race proven geometry, excellent responsiveness and confident handling. New for 2011 is the addition of an oversized 2 inch Helix downtube and oversized headtube creating our stiffest best handling 29er frame to date. In addition we've added plate style chainstays to provide significant tire clearance.
PRO29 Features
NEW for 2011! Oversized 2 inch HELIX shaped downtube provides a stiff bottom bracket for efficient energy transfer and stable front end handling
NEW for 2011! Oversized headtube for increased front end stiffness and accepts 44mm headsets for both straight and tapered steerer tube forks
NEW for 2011! Plate style chainstays for significant tire and drivetrain clearance
Race-tuned tubeset provides precision handling and excellent stability without sacrificing rider comfort
HELIX toptube provides precise handling and control
Disc specific slider type dropouts allow both geared and singlespeed setups
34.9mm clamp-on front dérailleur (Low Mount Bottom Pull Required)
Strengths: The quality finish. Sliding rear dropouts. Its Titanium!! A real crowd stopper as well.
Weaknesses: 2010 model rear tyre clearance, although I am running a Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25 with no problem.
It does have tendency to creak around the seatpost, especially aluminium seatposts. I ended up fitting a carbon post with plenty of carbon grease.
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike. Our local riding area is very steep rocky and technical and this thing rides over everything with ease. Although I do worry about the wheels sometimes.
I originally set it up as 2x10, then decided to single speed it. Just bought a E13 single XC crank and guide.and rear single sprocket. Fitted spacers on the freehub. Fitted the single speed rear dropout supplied. Removed all the gear shifters and cables and was ready to go. What a difference in weight!!! It was featherweight. Riding single speed really improves your riding style.
After a major surfing accident (broken neck), when ready to get back on the bike I decided to fit gears back on as a easier transition to getting fit again. I just refitted the geared dropout, cassette, rear derailleur and rear shifter and now I had a 1x10 speed xc racer. I found this to be my ultimate preference.
Strengths: Stiff where it needs to be, but with plenty of compliance
Very good geometry, rides lighter than it's weight
Finish and build quality is well thought through
Weaknesses: Premium cost for titanium, but all "Handmade in the U.S.A." is, and this is definitely on the less expensive end for American made titanium.
Bottom Line:
For 2012, I made the leap to titanium after using steel, carbon, and scandium aluminum. I purchased the Pro29 SL in the Leap Day sale which included a Rockshox SID XX 29 Tapered fork and Cane Creek 110 Tapered headset. I also at the same time purchased the Lynskey titanium seatpost.
Initially, the 4.1lb frame weight (with sliders) was a little disappointing, but it is an absolutely beautiful looking frame with the helix bends in the top tube and down tube with the Industrial Mill finish, and the small details that Lynskey does to their frames. For 2012, a 73mm BB was added to the mix of the previous year addtions: 2in. downtube, plate chainstay, and 44mm head tube. When I built up the bike, it weighted more than my Salsa Selma by the difference of the frame weight (.4lb) but rode lighter. I attribute this to a superior geometry, and a lively material (titanium) that a ride that is more rich in feel, dampening, and responsiveness. The slider system (nearly mirrors that of Paragon Machine works) works very well. It is adjustable from 16.9" to 17.9" which gives a lot of flexibility in cog changes, and also creating a ride characteristic that is just right for the rider. Also a nice attribute, and the reason I chose the Pro29 SL over the Ridgeline was the rear tire clearance. The Pro29's rear tire clearance is drastically more generous than the Ridgeline. My Schawble Racing Ralph 2.25 had plenty of room to spare with the slider nearly all the way forward! The Ridgeline is rated to accept a max 2.1" tire.
I believe Lynskey really nailed it with the 2012. My experience with the other materials have been a series of trade-offs. The carbon (Orbea Alma) I rode was great...light, responsive..but didn't really offer compliance..it was more vibration dampening than anything. Steel: Niner MCR had great dampening at the expense of weight and flex. Aluminum (Scandium with carbon stays) was very stiff and responsive, and relatively low weight, but it would beat you up! The Lynskey Pro29 offered great stiffness at the bottom bracket and head tube like the Salsa, but rear wheel compliance (not flex) of the MCR. Yes it does weight slightly more, but having a dialed geometry and such a well performing frame with great stiffness for acceleration trumps the weight penalty. It rides incredibly light and continually asks for more!
I have to add that the Lynskey titanium post is a great addition, and probably attributes to the ride quality, but definitely worth the investment to just complete the package and provide a ride quality that will just wow you every time you clip in!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Stumpjumper S-Works hardtail (STIFF!!!)
Cannondale Flash 29 (2) Great bike, but wanted something that was more timeless, and reliably SS or geared.
Salsa Selma: Great ride, fast, responsive, very little tire clearance, and EBB created problems where the geometry changed every time I changed the chain or a cog.
Soul Cycle Dillinger (Gen 4): Great riding bike for aluminum! Again...EBB, a little on the heavy side.
Niner MCR: Flexy, flex tend to make the bike feel like it wanted to wander. Great dampening and compliance..but it did not feel as stable or confident as the others. Also a bit heavier than even the overbuilt Soul Cycle Dillinger.
Submitted by
badbikemechanic
a Racer
from Alexandria VA USA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2012
Strengths: Brilliant. Single Track Masterpiece. I have finally achieved the true soul of mountain biking.
Weaknesses: If I really was trying to nitpick it would be the tire clearance in the rear triangle. Their is a caveat - the pro29 is a race bike and is not designed for fat tires because you don't ride fat tires on the race course.
Bottom Line:
I am a long time bicycle mechanic. I ride everything. I own this bicycle and I can say without running my mouth off that this bicycle is a masterpiece. Period.
Similar Products Used: Let's see over my 15 years of being a mechanic I have ridden EVERYTHING.
Bike Setup: Full XTR. The only group. C29ssmax wheels. Rock Shox reba dosequis fork (unfortunately I had to go with sram on the fork). Moots ti handlebar.
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Submitted by
hilts1lotus
a Cross Country Rider
from hARROGATE UK
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2011
Strengths: bought a large as wanted the more racey stretched out feel, geometry just right and just a joy to ride
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
Absolutely love my titanium Pro 29 ... if am not out on my anthem 29er, this is the next one off the hook...and i've got a few to choose from ;-)
Bike Setup: full xtr, thompson post and stem, easton ec90 flat bars, stans ztr hoops on CK hubs,
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Submitted by
G Melancon
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge, LA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2011
Strengths: Light
Weaknesses: None at the moment
Bottom Line:
Great bike! I have own some really bikes made by some really good builders. However, they do not compare to this bike. I love this bike and the company is easy to work with.
Favorite Trail: D-Town ( Durango) Test Tracks/ Hogs Back
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At: Lynskey Loft
Similar Products Used: First Ti
Bike Setup: single speed
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Submitted by
idioteque
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN - #1 bike city in US
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2011
Strengths: Amazing appearance, definitely grabs attention. Versatility with dropouts. Climbs strong, turns quick, planted in corners. Maintenance free. Refinish-able.
Weaknesses: Too dirty to bring to bed with me. It's not legal to Marry a bicycle in MN at this time.
Bottom Line:
This is by far the quickest, most nimble 29'er I have ridden. The climbing is amazing and the handling makes it very exciting to ride. Unfortunately I have not had a ton of seat time to have more response for a review. It might not be for everyone as it is a very responsive, quick platform requiring that you are paying attention and on your game, but it has never left me wanting for more performance.
Similar Products Used: Independent Fabrication - Deluxe 29.
Bike Setup: XTR group, I-9 wheels, Thompson stem/seat post, Chris King Headset.
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Submitted by
vtskibum
a Racer
from Chester County, PA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2011
Strengths: Light, nimble, versatile, compliant over trail chatter. Sliders work very well w/ Paragon hardware upgrade.
Weaknesses: 2010 rear tire clearance
Bottom Line:
I've been riding and now racing this frame since September 2010; Including several 6+ hour days, weekly group rides, and expert level SS races.
I've been swapping SS gear ratio's often depending on individual races, which is quick and easy. Clearance isn't the best on my 2010, but I primarily run 2.1 XC race tires (WTB Nano, Conty Race King, various Bontragers) anyway and have plenty of room.
Local trails often have many rocks (some loose) and the Industrial Mill frame/finish has held up great, no need to touch up or any dents.
Handling is great, w/ minimal flex in BB area, but also don't feel as beat up over a long ride as an Alu frame. Similar to my steel Mariachi but a few pounds lighter. I've run it with short a2c rigid fork as well as 100mm suspension fork, handles well in both cases, noticeably quicker w/ shorter a2c, but descends great in 100mm mode.
Similar Products Used: Various Niners, Salsa El Mariachi, lots of 26" aluminum hardtails
Bike Setup: SS rigid and suspended. Industrial Mill finish. King/Crest wheelset, Thomson post/stem.
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Submitted by
downhillbike1000
a Cross Country Rider
from st louis, mo
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2011
Strengths: This bike rides better than any other bike I have ever ridden. I was expecting less and got more!!! The bike handles amazing and the ride quality is smooth yet extremely responsive.
Similar Products Used: Trek 8000, Lynskey M230, Niner EMD, Fuel EX9, Specialized Stumpjumper, Kona Stinky six, Bianchi Sass, Trek 69er, and Cannondale F900.
Bike Setup: Custom Pro 29er (I'm a 5 foot tall Female that has trouble finding bikes that fit). The bike is equipped with an XTR drivetrain, Rock Shox Reba RL fork, Bontrager RL wheels, Chris King head set, Easton 90SL carbon bars, and Ritchey stem and seatpost.
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Submitted by
pedaltopia
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern Virginia
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2011
Strengths: Everything! This includes the weight, strength, versatility, cornering, speed, climbing (beyond words) and overall coolness factor.
Weaknesses: Haven't found one yet. The only weakness on this bike is me.
Bottom Line:
This is a FANTASTIC and I dare say a PERFECT bike. Yes, strong words I know, but this bike ROCKS. Here is what I have to say about this bike and how it works for me.
I got it mainly for singletrack use, but I also use it for commuting and everything else. On singletrack this bike carves turns like Michael Schumacher in an F1 Ferrari. The geometry is perfect for singletrack. I find myself cutting corners closer than I have in the past, and gaining speed quicker as I come out of them; and it doesn't matter how fast or slow I am going.
The weight with the setup I have is significantly less than anything else I have had in the past, including my most recent bike (2001 Aegis ProAxe with full XTR and carbon everything). This low weight in conjunction with the geometry makes it an excellent hill-climbing machine. I have climbed hills on this bike that I have had little luck going up in the past. I haven't ridden anything that flattens the hills like this.
The speed and overall versatility are beyond any bike I have had. I rode this bike on the Shenandoah Skyline Drive in the summer because it was too muddy to get an off-road ride done. On a long and steep downhill, I reached just under 50 MPH (49.8) and it was solid. I didn't feel any waivering or shimmy of any kind; something I had issues with on my Aegis. I felt comfortable at that speed even though the crosswinds were quite high on that ride. The speed on singletrack is more than impressive. It is quite easy to "shoot" out of corners and gain speed on straighter parts of the trails.
When it comes to versatility, I use this bike for all of my riding. I commute on it and even run errands on it. Towing a trailer is done with ease. I tour/camp on occasion, and it actually pulls the trailer, whereas my previous bike seemed to be "pushed" by the trailer. My last camping trip on my Aegis, I spent the entire 110+ miles counter-steering due to the "flexxy" frame. Lynskey has made the Pro 29er SL strong enough and stiff enough to make towing a trailer seem almost effortless.
I realize that comparing an older carbon fiber hardtail to a much newer Lynskey rigid bike is like comparing apples and oranges, but since that was my last bike, that is the best frame of reference that I have. All I can say is that Lynskey Performance has built a bike that is ready to straighten out the curves, flatten the hills and be ready for literally anything you can throw at it. Jack at Lynskey is a great guy to talk to when it comes to answering questions and getting things done.
Thanks to the Lynskey Performance to listening to what riders want, and building a machine to meet our needs.
Bike Setup: Pro 29er frame, Origin 8 rigid fork, Avid BB5 brakes, Spinergy 29er wheelset, XT crankset and FD, XTR RD and shifters, Lynskey seatpost, Titec H-Bar, Chris King headset, and Conti Mountain Kings (2.1), Polar computer/HRM, and Light & Motion lightset(s)
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Submitted by
derrick nehrenberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Fruita, CO USA
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2010
Strengths: geometry, build quality, ability to futz with the wheelbase length, and run gears or not.
Weaknesses: ability to futz with the wheelbase
Bottom Line:
I've ridden this bike on NC trails (piedmont and smokeys) for 6 months and in Colorado (Fruita, Salida, and Crested Butte) for the past 14 months. I wrote a glowing review after the first few months after ridding in NC (but can't find it now on mtbr), where I ran the wheelbase as short as possible. I loved it then, mostly because it made everything (tech rides and long rides) feel easier and more efficient.
I left the wheelbase short for my first year of riding in CO, and politely accepted nearly weekly recommendations to adjust the wheelbase longer. I left it short because I wanted to really experience how different a longer wheelbase would feel after I grew accustomed to western trails. I finally made the 1/2 longer adjustment in OCT 2010, after exactly 1 year of living out west, and I couldn't believe how different the bike felt. As expected, the bike felt noticeably less nimble. But I could not have predicted how much better the rear tire contact patch hooked up on long tech climbs and how much more compliant and stable the bike would feel on long descents. The extra climbing traction and overall gain in stability gained by extending the wheelbase far outweigh any nimbleness lost by leaving it short.
I have had the pleasure of riding quite a range of sweet new full-suspension 29er bikes this past year (e.g. Epic, Leviathon, Tallboy, etc), which we're all incredibly fun to ride. It is dumb how fabulous these new bikes are. They all climb well, and are faster down than a hard-tail 29er. However, despite the fabulousness, I have inevitably yearned to be back on the PRO 29er--even in the midst of these super rig rides. It was like the super rig bikes were so awesome, they were almost boring, because they took too much care of the riding chores, I found my mind wandering off the trail.
For me, a TI 29er hardtail feels more like bike riding. Yes, I occasionally have to portage my bike down stuff that I could otherwise ride on a full suspension bike. And, I occasionally get dropped on gnarly descents. But overall I could care less about such incidental situations. I have had my days in the sun jumping, careening through obstacles, as well as my share of separated shoulders, concussions, and broken bones. And, I admit that riding a hardtail is my wimpy pseudo-method of injury prevention, because I am still stupid enough to try stuff above my skill level. I'll get back after the gnarly stuff someday, but I simply can't afford to be laid up off my bike at this point in my life.
Someday, I'll turn the PRO 29 into a singlespeed, which is why I bought it instead of a regular geared frame. I don' think I'll ever adjust the wheelbase shorter again, as I have seemed to have found the sweet spot for the rear, which leads me to think that there is no need to purchase an adjustable wheelbase bike if you plan on running gears. Just buy one with the correct geometry in the first place.
Regarding the helix downtube, it feels like it works as the bottom bracket feels solid in all situations. Personally, I don't understand why Lynskey decided to go with a helix top tube. The extra stand-over clearance afforded by the curved top tube of the 2009 version has "saved" me on many occasions. Plus it sure does make for comfortable trail-side seating. Moreover, the curved top tube is way more appealing to the eye, to me anyways.
The durability of the bike is outstanding. I have had some magnificent crashes that would have certainly destroyed a carbon bike (or even steel or aluminum for that matter), including one that left me scared to look at the seat stay I had bashed incredibly hard while trying to do some stupid stuff in Crested Butte. Incredibly, it was only scratched. Scratched instead of broken.
Given the ride quality, durability, and happiness this bike has given me it gets 5 stars all around.
Similar Products Used: None, as this is my first 29er.
Bike Setup: XT/Sram X.O level build, Reba Team Maxle fork, Mavic wheelset, WTB saddle, WTB Weirwolf 2.55 front and 2.2 rear tire.
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Submitted by
saxman0321
a Cross Country Rider
from Sylva, NC USA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2010
Strengths: This is the fastest bike I've ever owned, no comparison. I've cleaned climbs on this that I never did on my old dually 26er's.
You can tell that someone in the states put some time into making this frame right. The welds are gorgeous, and the ti is going to last a LONG time.
Weaknesses: I think it could have benefited from a tapered heat tube, more tire clearance, and a 73mm bottom bracket, but they seem to have figured that out for 2011.
Bottom Line:
I'm a big believer in: You get what you pay for!
It took me a couple of rides to get dialed in with this bike, but it's amazing how well it rides. I've ridden this bike all over Pisgah and WNC, and can't find a reason to need a full suspension.
I didn't buy this frame for it's flashy twisted tubes, but it's hard to go for a ride and not get stopped by other riders. It's a real head turner.
Buy this: if you ride trails and like to go fast.
Don't buy this: if you ride on the road or like extra weight and inefficiency of full suspension.
Weaknesses: Tyre clearance (Chain stays) too narrow, Customer Service
Bottom Line:
I waited 5 months for this bike, with the delivery date constantly being extended. When it arrived, I thought it was one of the most visually stunning bikes I had seen for a long time. I was thrilled until I tried to fit the back wheel with the sliding dropouts all the way forward. Wouldn't even turn. I was running the factory recommended rim/tyre combination.
To achieve even a few mm tyre clearance, the sliders had to be at a point where there was only around 5 mm of travel left ( the chainstay length measured 450mm as opposed the factory listed 435mm )and this then negated any chance of single speeding. Out of that saddle efforts then resulted in the tyre scraping on the chain stays.
I informed my LBS of this and they started the communication process with Lynskey to get this rectified. Lynskey offered a lower model, The Ridgeline, as they said it has better clearance. Not an option and I informed the LBS that I wanted what I paid for.
After much tooing and froing, Lynskey decided they wanted the frame back and they would repair it. I was extremely reluctant to have this repaired as I paid and waited for for a new frame, not a repaired one and also because of the lack of information given as to how they were going to repair it.
I have searched the internet for some other instance of a Lynskey frame having this issue but can't find anything so I can only assume a mistake was made in manufacture.I have since seen a 26" Lynskey and the chain stay clearance is fine.
As you may be aware if you are still reading, I am extremely disappointed with the whole Lynskey experience, which is a real shame as I can imagine the Pro 29 would be terrific if manufactured properly.
The LBS has since taken back the frame as a measure of goodwill and I am onto greener pastures.
Similar Products Used: Niner SIR 9, Niner Carbon Air 9
Bike Setup: Fox Forx, XX Brakes, DT Swiss 240 hubs with Stans Crest rims and Maxxis Ignitor Tyres
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Submitted by
jfaerman
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2010
Strengths: There are no changes that I would make to this frame. It is made for a smooth, comfortable, and wicked fast / responsive ride. The ti dampens the hard rocky trails out here and I actually feel like the ride gets smoother the faster I go. I love how light it is and it's got major bling factor. I actually got thanked by a bike tech and the staff at a local shop for bringing my bike in to have a small adjustment made! It's nice when other people recognize a sweet frame and understand what solid american made craftsmanship is all about!
Weaknesses: None that I have experienced. It's a phenomenal frame and I haven't had a single problem with it.
Bottom Line:
I paid $1600 for the frame, crankset and carbon fiber seat post...at that price I feel like I got it for a steal! It's hard to swallow shelling out $2800 for a new frame but now knowing how great this frame is I would spend $2800 on a new one if I had to. If your shopping for one of these sweet rides, check out the Lynskey website and go to the "lynskey loft" where they often liquidate many of their frames.
Bike Setup: SIngle speed set up with FSA afterburner cranks, spinergy xyclone 29'er wheels, titec titanium bars, shimano XT disc brakes, FSA carbon seat post, On One carbon fork, Kenda small bloc 8 tires, shimano XTR pedals - my bike weighs 19.8lbs!
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Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2010
Strengths: Fast, great handling and lightweight. This is my first 29er and it's an amazing bicycle. Almost as comfortable as my full suspension but much lighter and climbs great.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
There's nothing like riding a titanium bicycle and thankfully there's two great companies (Lynskey and Litespeed) right down the road in Chattanooga, TN still making the best handmade ti bicycles in the world. I also ride a 9 year old ti road bike and it's still rides the same as it did when I bought it. That's the benefit if Titanium. My new 29er Pro from Lynskey is not only stupid light, stiff and a great handling bike, it's going to ride this way forever!!!! Plus it looks great too.
In short, buy a Lynskey road or mountain bike and you will be one happy cyclist.
Similar Products Used: First 29er so it would not be fair to compare to a 26 inch.
Bike Setup: Race Face Atlas cranks, 32-21 single speed, Hope Pro II hubs, Stan's Arch rims, xt brakes and Fox fork. Maxxis Ardent.
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Submitted by
tsimmons
a Cross Country Rider
from Havelock, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2010
Strengths: Light, durable, begs to be ridden fast.
Weaknesses: Have not found one yet!
Bottom Line:
Really I have had this bike for two months. Every day that I ride this bike I am more impressed. This being my second 29er, and coming from the 26 inch field this is nothing short of amazing. I rode my Access XCL29er with all the above components in ORAMM 2010(Off Road Assault on MT. Mitchell) and finished. This bike will make next year even easier to complete. Climbing is awesome, with the lightness, and stiffness of the frame it wants to climb. On tight single track it screams to go faster. I do not have rocks or big down hills in Eastern NC, but the course that I have to train on gives me a pretty good idea of how this bike will preform overall. Roots, and short steep uphills are not a problem. When I was looking at a Ti bike I looked at, and Demoed a Moots YBB, this bike I feel is as good if not better. The price was right, and the customer service from Mike V. at Lynskey was awesome. When trying to decide on a Ridgeline, or the Pro29 Mike was very helpful. This will be my ride for some time, and look forward to each and every ride that I do. I do not feel like I have had my butt kicked by our roots when I am finished with a good ride. Great job to the folks at Lynskey, you now have a customer for life.
