Every cyclotourist knows that the password is comfort, handling. It’s impossible to travel long distances for several days on an uncomfortable bicycle.
To get the best bike comfort you need to consider different technical aspects including the diameter of the wheels.
For touring bikes the standard wheels have always been 26”, but for some years some cyclists’ houses have begun to propose the 29” wheels, the same diameter as the bikes for racing. What are the differences? And how to make the best choice?
Advantages of the 29” wheels:
– greater gyroscopic effect: once in motion, they allow easily to maintain a stable speed.
– greater metric development: every pedal cover a distance 5% bigger respect the 26” wheels.
– greater grip on the ground: having a wider surface also allows greater grip.
– better overcome the obstacles, such as bumps or footpaths.
– less fatigue of the cyclist: on bikes that mount 29” wheels, the cyclist is in the upright position, sitting.
Disadvantages of the 29” wheels:
– less handling: less quick of 26” wheels.
– weaker spokes: spokes are more subject to breaks because they are longer.
– heavier bikes: larger frames and wheels affect the weight of the bicycle considerably.
– higher costs.
In general, the choice between 29” and 26” wheels is mainly tied to the driving style of the cyclist and the type of route you are going to tackle.
A particularly significant feature is height: a cyclist over 185cm could have difficulty on a 26” bike because it’s too small, vice versa a cyclist less than 167cm could have difficulty on a 29” bike because it’s too big.