26 inch vs 29 inch wheels
I've had my 2018 Chisel Expert 1x for one month ... and rode it every day. Soooo much fun.
However, I pushed a little too hard down a rocky tech section yesterday, wedged my front wheel between two boulders, jolted to a stop, rear end went straight up in the air, balanced on the front wheel, looking straight down at the ground, thought I was going to endo, pulled it back down, but crashed the rear of the bike sideways into more boulders, and bent my rear derailleur. Did not recognize the damage, hoped back on my bike, tried to ride up a steep to do it again, geared low, chain fell off big cog, and jammed between the cassette and spokes (see picture with bike upsidedown). Chain wedged so tight, could not remove, and had to carry bike off mountain. Bummer.
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Chisel now out of service, getting repaired. Totally my fault.
Wanted to ride today, so pulled out my old back up bike, 2003 Epic softtail with a blown rear shock. (Can you see that old "brain" rear shock in the picture? 2003 was the year of brain. Worked great for 14 years.)
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Here is what I discovered:
- I really really like the Chisel.
- I rode the Epic for 15 years. But after 30 days on the Chisel, the Epic seems like an alien vehicle.
- The 29 inch wheels on the Chisel are far superior to the 26 inch wheels on the Epic. The 26 inch wheels are slower, twitchy, and less stable.
- I was shocked how much slower I was on the old Epic. Felt like I was moving at a snails pace.
This experience made me realize that we can "get used" to anything. I was used to the old 26. But the new 29 really is better. Initially, I thought it was hype to sell more bikes, but 29 is sooooo much better.
Hope that helps any "old-timers" like me out there who are still holding onto the old ways. Step up and get on one of these new 29 bikes (test ride, demo, borrow a friend's, something). 29 is faster, way more stable in corners, and quicker downhill. It will be strange for about a day or two. Then you'll fall in love, and want nothing else.
P.S. Another funny was the handlebars. The Epic had old 600 wide. The Chisel has 720 wide. MASSIVE difference when went back to 600. So narrow, it felt like I was holding the fork crown. The 720 is way more stable, expecially on fast descents.
UPDATE: I've been riding the Epic for several days while waiting for Chisel repair. Here are a few more observations:
- Wheel Size. 29 rolls UP and downhill better. The rolling resistance is definitely more with the 26 (now that I've had to go back). I'm getting stuck in sand, loose dirt, and loose rocks more on the uphill with the 26 ... and its harder to roll over large rocks (have to throw the bike more). I started to take for granted how efficient the 29 wheels roll OVER obsticles in both directions.
- Gearing. My old Epic has a 3x9 drivetrain. My Chisel is 1x11. Love the simplicity of the 1x. I do NOT have any better climbing on the 3x. Nor do I feel I have better top end.
- Weight. My old Epic weights 32 pounds with all gear (pedals, water bottle and holder, pump, seat pack with tools and spare tube). My Chisel weights 25 pounds with all gear (and tubeless). That 7 pounds is a BIG difference on the climb. It took me 6 minutes long to get to the top of the mountain ... and I felt GASSED on the Epic (total energy drain). The Chisel is so much lighter that it's is dramatically easier to get up the mountain. AND surprisingly faster down the mountain.
- Wider Rims. My old Epic has 20 mm rims with 26 inch 2.35 tires (originally had 1.95). My Chisel has 25 mm rims with 29 inch 2.3 tires (stock). The old Epic tires "fold" in on corners, edges, ruts, get lots of pinch flats, and lose traction. The new Chisel holds corners and stays on a line (on or off camber).
Conclusion: Love my Chisel. What a machine. : )
