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29ers good on moguls?

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Rob94hawk

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
New to the mountain biking scene. Right now I'm using a borrowed 26er Diamondback. The trails I ride with the guys (Long Island, NY) have steep hills, moguls, some wicked switchbacks, roots and sand.

I've read that 29ers are good for most of those things listed. But what about moguls and some jumps?

BTW I was looking at KHS flagstaff for my 1st bike.

I've only been out 5 or 6 times and I'm hooked so any advise you can give me is appreciated! Thanx
 
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#3 ·
by moguls you mean bumps and jumps?

I would say that if your trails are littered with bump either large or small a 29er is a good choice. The larger wheel has a smaller angle of attack on bumps and makes the wheels hang less on them giving a smoother ride.

However if there are a lot of jumps, especially of the "to flat" type you would be better off spending your money on a more substantial bike than the KHS flagstaff. The 29er wheel being taller is more susceptible to side loading, and thus the frame is more susceptible to side loading, which can certainly be applied when jumping. It will be discernible as a flexy frame or wheel or both.

It doesn't rule out a 29er but you might want to look more at a hardtail 29er, something from canfield or banshee if you are to do a lot of jumping.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
I thought they were called moguls since they can be as high as 5 feet and sometimes 2 in a row.

No I don't do a lot of jumping. There are quite a few trails here with combinations of everything. 15+ miles of flats, 40 degree uphills, downhill runs, wicked switchbacks with narrow trees and roots, 3 to 5 foot high moguls, roots, sand, etc. so I was looking for a bike to be able to handle it all. Especially hills.

I currently suck at hills because my feet are not clipped in, they are old school peddals so I don't get any efficient peddaling. That being said I thought the 29er was a good overall choice.

If not I can get my hands on a 2009 KHS XCT 525 for a decent price.
 
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#5 ·
the only moguls i've ridden were on a closed ski area, and i was riding my 26" cook bros with drums and CHAINS! well, i took the rear chain off fro the downhill. it was fantastic, way before pocket cameras.
 
#6 ·
Rob94hawk said:
....There are quite a few trails here with combinations of everything. 15+ miles of flats, 40 degree uphills, downhill runs, wicked switchbacks with narrow trees and roots, 3 to 5 foot high moguls, roots, sand, etc. so I was looking for a bike to be able to handle it all. Especially hills. ...
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Yeah I think what you have described here is technically called "trail riding" or as I like to call it "mountain biking" so I would say that the KHS would be a great choice. It is a highly underrated mountain bike due to its...rarity(?)..perhaps or exclusivity as few bike shops actually carry KHS anymore, similar in effect to Salsa bikes.

There have been a few reviews on this forum regarding that bike. Search 'em out and see if it fits your bill and your body. A sweetness of a good deal never outlasts the bitterness of poor fit.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
rockcrusher said:
Yeah I think what you have described here is technically called "trail riding" or as I like to call it "mountain biking" so I would say that the KHS would be a great choice. It is a highly underrated mountain bike due to its...rarity(?)..perhaps or exclusivity as few bike shops actually carry KHS anymore, similar in effect to Salsa bikes.

There have been a few reviews on this forum regarding that bike. Search 'em out and see if it fits your bill and your body. A sweetness of a good deal never outlasts the bitterness of poor fit.
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I've seen the reviews on the 29er KHS flagship and they were pretty good but none on the 26er 2009 KHS XCT 525. Either way it would probably be a few steps up from my friends old Diamondback.

BTW, how do you size up a bike? I'm 5'11' and 195lbs? thanx again
 
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#8 ·
Rob94hawk said:
I thought they were called moguls since they can be as high as 5 feet and sometimes 2 in a row.

No I don't do a lot of jumping. There are quite a few trails here with combinations of everything. 15+ miles of flats, 40 degree uphills, downhill runs, wicked switchbacks with narrow trees and roots, 3 to 5 foot high moguls, roots, sand, etc. so I was looking for a bike to be able to handle it all. Especially hills.

I currently suck at hills because my feet are not clipped in, they are old school peddals so I don't get any efficient peddaling. That being said I thought the 29er was a good overall choice.

If not I can get my hands on a 2009 KHS XCT 525 for a decent price.
Click to expand...
Tough to stand on a 40-degree slope, let alone ride up it.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
shiggy said:
Tough to stand on a 40-degree slope, let alone ride up it.
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One trail has you coming down a fast hill only to have to make a sharp left and go up another hill and by the time I get in the right gear it's too late and I end up walking it.
 
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#10 ·
I ride an XL 29er on the same trails you probably ride. Thing for me is, I don't view my 29er as some novelty. I see it as a bike that fits me. I ride it on the same trails as I rode with my old 26" wheeled bike and I ride em better and faster on my 29er. BUT... I'm not as fast as my buddy on his 26er.
What I'm gettin' at is if the bike fits you and you're comfortable on it, you'll do just fine.

Are the moguls the Got Trail section at Glacier? I love that trail.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
NYrr496 said:
I ride an XL 29er on the same trails you probably ride. Thing for me is, I don't view my 29er as some novelty. I see it as a bike that fits me. I ride it on the same trails as I rode with my old 26" wheeled bike and I ride em better and faster on my 29er. BUT... I'm not as fast as my buddy on his 26er.
What I'm gettin' at is if the bike fits you and you're comfortable on it, you'll do just fine.

Are the moguls the Got Trail section at Glacier? I love that trail.
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Haven't been to Glacier yet. Only East Setauket, Rocky Point and Cedar Pines. Rocky Point had some really awesome high moguls and one of the best downhill run I've ever experienced. East Setauket has the most dangerous moguls IMO cause their the ones with the roots sticking out on the apex of them. Went head over heals my 2nd time out because of it.

I only have 5 runs under my belt so not really sure what's best for me at this point.
 
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#12 ·
I'm wrong... I've only been to Cathedral Pines. Never East Setauket or Rocky Point. You should try Glacier. Nice flow and even the techy stuff is manageable for beginners.
 
#13 ·
Rob94hawk said:
One trail has you coming down a fast hill only to have to make a sharp left and go up another hill and by the time I get in the right gear it's too late and I end up walking it.
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World Cup downhill courses are not as steep as 40 degrees.

Overestimating grade--and the height of drop/bumps--is a common error.

This hillside slope is 40-45 degrees


Making down/up transitions takes practice and anticipating the gear you will need. Wheel size of the bike does not really matter.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
^^This is good to know. It sure felt like a 40 degree incline goin up those hills. Thanx!
 
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Discussion starter · #15 ·
NYrr496 said:
I'm wrong... I've only been to Cathedral Pines. Never East Setauket or Rocky Point. You should try Glacier. Nice flow and even the techy stuff is manageable for beginners.
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I don't really have much to compare it too but Rocky Point has really awesome flow! It was a great 15 mile run. Between a nice downhill run and a straight run that lasts for 1/4 mile in 20 foot high by 2 feet wide hedges Rocky Point has a top spot in my book.
 
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