Alutech Unveil the Sennes DH 29

Nov 30, 2016
by Mike Kazimer  
Alutech 29er DH bike


The concept of a 29” wheeled downhill bike isn't new – we've seen prototypes from companies like Trek, KHS, and Intense pop up over the last six years, but none of them ever made it into full production. You can now add Alutech to that list, except that there's one notable difference – the German company's new Sennes DH 29 isn't just a concept, and interested riders will be able to order one very soon.

On paper, the aluminum framed bike looks like an absolute beast, with a 62-degree head angle, 445mm chainstays, and a reach of 458mm for a size medium. A Horst link suspension design handles the 204mm of rear travel, and there's a Fox 40 Float up front that just barely has room to accommodate a 29” tire. The claimed weight of 32 pounds is extremely reasonable, a figure that's made possible via the liberal use of carbon fiber components, including the seat post. Read on for the full press release from Alutech.
- Mike Kazimer


Alutech 29er DH bike
There's just enough room to accommodate that big front wheel...
Alutech 29er DH bike
But there's still not much clearance between the tire and the fork arch.

Press Release

Everyone in the Alutech Cycles Team has made their passion into their profession. Alutech is a rider owned company, we are colleagues and friends, real mates who do their jobs with pride, dedication and idealism. We are all individual character and entrepreneurs and everyone is a specialist in their field. We have a personal, open and honest working atmosphere and appreciate the freedom that means for us.In short: we live our dream

One of this dreams was an enduro bike with 29" wheels. This dream has become reality - our Tofane bike was born. We had this vision of a bike with big wheels back in 2013 and tried our best to make the bike perfect. Since the release of our Tofane Bike we are in love with the 29“ concept.

For this reason we worked on new concepts and ideas. As a result of our hard work, we can present you today a new bike. A bike which will totally change the game. Our Sennes DH 29" isn´t just a downhill bike with big wheels. We changed the geometry to ultra slack 62 degrees and lower the bottom bracket to 356 mm. This bike makes us really proud and the best thing on it is - you can buy it in a few days on our homepage.


Alutech DH 29


Alutech 29er DH bike
Alutech 29er DH bike


Alutech 29er DH bike
Alutech 29er DH bike

Alutech 29er DH bike

alutech-cycles.com

Photos by Joerg Wohlfromm.

Posted In:
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Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,716 articles

362 Comments
  • 299 14
 I bet that in 2020 everyone in the DH WC circuit will be on 29". The industry is currently waiting for everyone to buy a 650b before fully produce 29" dh bikes
  • 70 10
 I do believe you are right. 29" DH bikes are inevitable. Everyone needs to get on board the current hub standards so they can really screw with us when the 29" DH bikes drop with their all new standards.
  • 184 9
 then in 2023 it'll be back to 26". I'll just keep mine n wait..
  • 85 6
 @bat-fastard: ill look forewards to seeing you run a quill stem and threaded headset for dh in 2030 then...
  • 41 4
 2027: 29+ Downhill bikes and a resurgence of 24" rear wheels for trail bikes...
  • 56 20
 My nightmares came true. Rip cool looking bikes
  • 14 0
 Far sooner than 2020.....
  • 18 29
flag torero (Nov 30, 2016 at 14:24) (Below Threshold)
 The 29-inch wheels have one major drawback: reliability. The radios are loosened quickly.
  • 40 0
 @gooutsidetoday: naw, they will come out with 29er DH bikes then 2 years after that they will widen the hub saying the 29 inch wheel needs to be 3% stiffer. So everyone with 1st gen 29ers will be hosed too.
  • 20 8
 Yeah and in 2026 everyone will be on 26 again Big Grin
  • 51 7
 @bat-fastard: i reckon this full suspension fad will blow over soon too, thats why im keeping my hardtail.
  • 7 3
 @bat-fastard yeah .... or 28.25 " haha .....
  • 43 4
 Ya I'm still on 26' just waiting for the industry to chill out
  • 3 1
 @AdamOdh: I wish!
  • 18 16
 UCI needs to just regulate wheel size, makes F all difference once everyone moves to the same size anyway.
  • 13 1
 I've got a 6" 29er and I'm skeptical that there will be enough clearance between butt and wheel with 8" of travel.
  • 57 0
 @torero: I hate it when my wheels radio comes loose
  • 11 3
 @netracer-enduro:
Those were a mistake from the word 'go'.
26" was Never a bad idea.
  • 6 1
 And then in 2040 everyone will be back riding on boneshaker size wheels
  • 18 2
 @netracer-enduro: 2055 back to ye olde penny farthing
  • 28 2
 Not against progression-- but in my arsenal of bikes I own a Canfield EPO-- I'm 5'6" and I simply hate how big the wheels feel. I definitely have no enjoyment when I ride this wheel size (considering I like to jump, manual, etc..) Am I the only one in the short mans group who feels this way about 29"??
  • 1 0
 @dthomp325: Not a bike for boxer shorts and dropper posts for sure >_
  • 5 0
 @netracer-enduro: Fabio Wimber didn't do too badly in his edit
  • 2 0
 @makripper: beat me to it!
  • 1 0
 @diggerandrider: bridgermurray got the answer below.
  • 1 0
 I see what you did there
  • 1 0
 than it still hasn't made it to production yet either...?

just sayin
  • 9 0
 @makripper: DH Penny Farthing races. We need to make this happen
  • 6 0
 @gooutsidetoday: I finally gave up on even trying. I'm still riding a 10 x 135 mm frame with 15 x 100 up front. I've pretty will decided to ride it until the wheels fall off.
  • 10 0
 @diggerandrider: Nope. I tried a 9er and it would work for me. I'm a hair under 5'10". The 9ers don't have any pop to me. I'm much more at home on a 27.5, and if someone still made 26 inch with badass geometry I would probably still ride a 6er.
  • 2 0
 @potatomasher: To each and their own! Cheers!
  • 4 0
 @FlowTheory: I'm still on 26" waiting for a real 29 to come though. This might it. Or at least a start.
  • 7 1
 @diggerandrider: I feel the same. I am 5'8" and I am sticking to my 26" bikes until they brake down, then onto 27.5". I don't like how the 29ers corner.
  • 6 1
 @shaolinhonky: I had a 27.5 for a season then sold it. I still have my 26 and 2 29ers.
  • 1 0
 @bat-fastard: lol no shit huh
  • 6 0
 @MeDuh: 26" only came about because of 'supply chain' issues with suitable tires for the 700 x high volume (i.e. 50+ = 29'er) wheel/tire design that the US MTB pioneers had chosen after extensive testing, for production of 'mountain bikes'.

However, a vast supply of 26" beach balloon tires for Schwinn was available, a much safer choice in 26" for launching new business venture - business decision rather than performance.

It's all in the history books.

Its come full circle in some ways?
  • 4 0
 @diggerandrider: I am also 5'6" and like to jump, manual, etc and I can still do it all on the 29er I'm riding. In fact I've gained confidence on the bigger jumps because the thing is so stable. Whips and stuff don't come quite as easy but there are bound to be trade offs with the extra stability and you can still whip you just have to learn to put more into it bit like the manuals too I suppose.
  • 7 0
 @dthomp325: I say the same about my 150mm 29er.....Mind you I'm not sure you need 200mm with a 29er.
I tried mine down Hamsterly and TBF was shocked how well it went...

Apart from the wheel to butt contact issue the wheel size is not the issue for DH really.....its the wheelbase length, something bigger guys who ride 29ers have to adapt to anyway...

Only way to find out is to give to a tall pro dude like Minnaar, who has the brains to analyse it, and see what he says....
  • 2 0
 @hampsteadbandit: that's a pretty interesting factoid. Surprised id never noticed that before now. i need to get me one of these book things! can u by bok in shop?
  • 1 4
 look Grandpa built me a bike derka derka!
  • 10 4
 They are laughing at us.
I wonder what they will come up with when we all had bought a 29"dh? maybe a come back to 26, telling us that we need LIGHTER, STRONGER, FASTER ACCELERATING wheel, thats the future guys...

as always, marketing bullsh....

If you wanna go faster, train, improve, dont ride bigger wheels on bikepark "dh" tracks... thats liying to yourself.
  • 6 0
 @diggerandrider: I'm 6'3", all legs and arms, and I've been riding an old Trek 24" kids bike and loving it. Got it for free as a water jump bike. Weighs the same as that Unno enduro. Manuals so easy and is manoeuvrable in the air because of the insanely low top tube and how easy it is to affect the bike. Not just short guys like small bikes.
  • 3 6
 No 29"rs please, those wheels are just to big to get out the corners you shred
  • 5 0
 @choppertank3e: and not just big guys like big bikes ;-)

@DMdh some of you conspiracy theorists need conspiracy so bad you find it in thin air.
One of the many things the 26 4 Lyf brigade look right past is the fact that manufacturing techniques improve with time. There once was a time that the 26" wheel was the best possible choice for strength: weight: agility: speed: etc (it still is in certain aspects of mtb) but we're now able to produce a larger diameter rim and tyre, chainstays, etc allowing for improved rollover without the associated trade offs from the past.
I don't believe that 29ers necessarily make for a better bike but if I had the ability to chose the wheel size for the race or track I was riding their would often be times when the 29er would be first choice - long, rough tracks...not dissimilar to a DH track...
Did you say the same when disc brakes were introduced? V brakes worked just fine...but discs work just finer for most applications.
  • 1 0
 @freerideglory: go on then convert......... dont see anyone here running one for anything more than a joke or spite any time soon....
  • 4 0
 @dbarnes6891: Banshee bikes are still totally usable with 26/650b wheels. Running my 2016 Rune on 26 with the 650 dropouts with no problems.
  • 1 2
 @Phsx2: I honestly didn't know anyone was still making 26 inch bikes. Sweet.
  • 4 3
 @ThomDawson: hahahahah lol.
smaller diameter means that its stronger, less flex, lighter, and faster accelerating, its not conspiracy, those are facts dictated by the laws of physics.

And as you say, given that manufacturing techniques improved, a 26 wheel could be made even lighter/stroger.

rough tracks are just that, rough tracks, racing tracks not flowy bikeparky ones, they are meant to be tough. so...
a) if you need to change your wheel size to feel confident riding them.. you should stop racing or try another sport.
b) if you need to find and advantage over the competition with a larger diameter wheel you arent pretty wise, because all competitors will spawn at the next race/year with wagon wheels and your advantage will be over. So train harder, and ride more.
  • 8 0
 @DMdh: your logic is indisputable....

If tracks are meant to be tough why aren't we racing klunkers down em?
Why did we need disc brakes?
Why did we need suspension improvements?
Why did we any improvement at all since the klunker days?
If you're racing a klunker fair play, I'll shut up.

Why do you suppose racers try to find advantages?
Nobody is suggesting that improvements in our gear is a substitute for skill on the bike, they go hand in hand.
  • 2 0
 @diggerandrider:
I am 6'1.... and I feel the same! Smile
  • 1 0
 @diggerandrider: I think you're onto something. The converse is also true that a rider of McGarry's stature won't be most comfortable on a smaller bike or wheel size. But my first ride on an early 29er left a horrible impression. I now have an EPO too but standing over 6', it's a perfect fit. Love the modern geo 29ers but I'm not crazy enough to say they're appropriate for every rider or course.
  • 5 0
 I'm out
  • 2 1
 @DMdh: That is bang on thanks for talking the truth
  • 2 0
 @dbarnes6891: Check out our page on here and gives us a ring.
  • 2 0
 @ThomDawson: Some people just don't like the disadvantages you get with larger wheels. I rode a 29'er for a bit and hated the thing. I prefer a 26" wheel because i like the handling/agility, strength, and lower weight.
But the physics don't lie about the pros and cons of each wheels size.
  • 1 0
 @Peregrinebikes: I love my 26" dh bike. It's truly awesome. I also have a ton of fun on my single speed 29er. It's a sub 20 pound 29er. Little noodly tbough compared to my dh rig. I also have a 150 mm travel 29er that long, low and pretty slack. I like it, but.... I want it to be a bit slacker and more travel. So...... I'd love to feel what a 8" 29er would feel like. I like the wheels I build myself. I feel that they'd be laterally stiff enough.


I like bikes. I want to try one. I don't do flips or spins. So I don't have to worry about moving them around that fast.
  • 2 1
 +1 for opinions based on trying things
-1 for opinions not based on trying things
  • 1 2
 @ThomDawson:

You are incorrect about associated trade-offs going away with improved manufacturing techniques. The trade-offs are based on physics, therefore you cannot manufacture out the differences. I have ridden all 4 wheel sizes and can tell you that they are all good AND bad at different aspects of riding. Full-suspension basically equalizes all the sizes anyway. Disc brakes are a major improvement in every aspect of mountain biking, adding 1/2" to the outside diameter of a 26" (interior ) wheel is not...

P.s. the real reason they used 26" wheels originally was because it was considered a child's size bike wheel and had a different/ cheaper import tax at the time .
  • 3 1
 @Saidrick: the trade offs I'm talking about have been addressed very well by improved manufacturing abilities. For example to make a 29er wheel comparably stiff to a smaller diameter wheel once meant that the same wheel would also be heavy as hell/ make it lighter and it becomes a noodle - not so any more. I'm not suggesting that a 29er wheel can beat a 26er for stiffness, I have been to school and read about these 'physics' of which you speak (as well as spent time riding different bikes with different sized wheels). But things have come a long way. It'a not only true (and correct) that manufacturing techniques have narrowed the gap in trade offs but also that bike design has come a long way in the same respect. 29ers can now deliver a ride and handling more akin to the smaller diameter wheels we were once so used to while still providing the benefits they are known for such as grip and roll over. Before some mad man comes at me for suggesting that there's no difference in handling and no trade offs whatsoever let me be clear - there are still trade offs (that work both ways) and there are certainly still handling differences but while we can continue to improve the way a larger wheel is produced and constructed to make it lighter and stiffer, we cannot so easily add a chunk of grip, roll over ability or stability to a small one.
I'm not particularly pro 29er, I'm not anti 26" but most importantly I am not against change, progression and innovation in the sport especially when there are such glaring benefits to be tapped.
PS a rider that thinks full spenna bikes 'basically equalises all the sizes anyway' clearly is unable to appreciate the nuances of bike design. Some people don't, that's cool, some people just rip. But you can't then tell a guy who can tell when a gnats pissed on his front tyre about the differences in wheel size.
  • 1 1
 @ThomDawson:

It was Richard Cunningham, who said that full suspension eliminates most of the draw backs of the 26" wheel size. But clearly you must know more than him too.
  • 4 0
 You guys realize you are pissing in the wind right? Go ride and stop whining about it. 26, 27.5, 29, who gives a shit as long as you are happy?
  • 1 0
 @app-uncture: That's the smartest comment I've seen since this whole abortion of standards began. As you said, it makes little difference once everyone is on the same playing field, and while I'm all for product advancement, increasingly bigger wheel sizes will just result in tracks getting wider and faster until we have to be going mach10 to rail a corner. For once I think a ruling from the UCI / some kind of homologation on wheel size would be an incredibly good idea.
  • 1 0
 @diggerandrider: No you're not. I'm 5'7" and I don't like the way 29" wheels feel either. I don't care what anyone says they simply don't steer the same as smaller wheels. Granted they are fast simply because of the greater gyro effect once they get rolling but that same gyro effect lends itself to the steering feeling "off"
  • 1 0
 @dthomp325: I've got a 24" and grizz my butt when I'm pulling hard.
  • 2 0
 @bman33: 24x36. It will feel like xc.
  • 1 0
 @ThomDawson: @ThomDawson: yes but if you applied the same manufacturing tech to manufacture new 26" wheels they would be lighter, stiffer, stronger. i dont like the limited heel clearance on some bikes as it is so i would rather not have boost messing that up even more. Sure all sorts of wheel sizes can be used but the only reason we dont see many more people choosing to ride modern 26" wheeled bikes is because the manufacturers decided not to make them.....in every pinkbike survey i have seen 26" wheels are still the most popular. Its only a matter of time before manufacturers realize this (assuming they havent allready and are just milking the newer sizes as long as they can before bringing back 26").
  • 1 0
 @rabidmonkfish: you may have missed this bit - "we cannot so easily add a chunk of grip, roll over ability or stability to a small one. "
  • 1 0
 @diggerandrider: I feel exactly the same way as you. And I'm 6'2.
  • 1 0
 @ThomDawson: no ive heard those things said before and i never said they were not valid but since you mention grip im pretty sure tyre choice makes about as much difference as you can get. Cant say i ever struggled with traction on 26" wheels that a 29er wouldn't have although i do understand the benefit of and increased contact point but with expander gears and eagle style groupsets your far less likely to spin out on technical climbs (not that i use them but a lot of people do). rollover ability gets mentioned a lot and once again cant say i have ever struggled with this but yes bigger wheels help in this department. Stability sure in a straight line this is very much true and we already know these things. As been said before suspension negates a lot of the roll over ability difference but yes bigger wheels do have there uses and this is a given but yet still any benefits aren't free and for every small plus point there is also a negative. I like bikes that corner well and can turn quickly without having to lean them over anymore than needed and i like a bike that feels nimble which is why i prefer 26" wheels but i am not against 29" wheels as they do have there merits i just whish 26" was still an option when buying new as it personally suits me better.
  • 1 1
 @Husker2112: You are right, Sir! Frown
  • 1 0
 J'ai rigolé en voyant ce commentaire, on n'est qu'en 2017 haha
  • 1 0
 Spot on Smile
  • 99 7
 According to the theory of general relativity if Danny Hart would ride that bike with Double ply tyres on these 29" wheels the proximity to speed of rotation of such mass would cause him to be 14years old by the time he gets to the bottom...
  • 1 0
 that's what Minnaar is doing in Lourdes. he'll be 22 when he crosses the finish line with a time of -18 years
  • 65 2
 I'm honestly very surprised there aren't more comments on the weight...did people miss the fact that this is an aluminium 29er DH bike and it comes in lighter than many 27.5 and 26 carbon bikes??
  • 18 0
 Right!?

32lbs is insane for an 8" travel do bike let alone one with aluminum frame.
  • 8 0
 Did they accidentally go 'Full Enduro' on us?
  • 6 1
 @meathooker: my Banshee Legend is about that same weight. All aluminum except bars cranks and seatpost.
  • 7 0
 @meathooker: Without much too much bling, I had my Canfield One (also 8'' and aluminium) at ~30 lbs with a solid build. From that experience, I can see where they cut the weight on this build - once I made the One full DH ready, more like 34 lbs. Anyway - point is - these guys made this build specifically for the "oh crap that's light" gawk.. cool to see tho.
  • 11 0
 makes me wonder where the 40lbs on the alu demo come from.
  • 4 0
 Look at the wheels and tyres....they are enduro E13 wheels not the downhill ones....that's half a kilo saving for both wheels. The tyres are only 900gms (but tough enough IMHO) so call it saving about 0.7kgs in total on tyres. There are no tubes (see the tubeless E13 valves) so that's like another 0.6kgs allowing for fluid etc. That is 1.8 kilos or 4lbs in total.....throw in some carbon and a slinky frame....job done
  • 3 2
 @Travel66: Thats great but if this ever gets raced at pro level it will be built far more solidly. Can you imagine those wheels surviving a Gwin, Hart or Atherton?
  • 2 0
 @headshot: Dude I was just pointing out why its 4lbs lighter....I wasn't saying what is wrong/right with spec...here is my view however....

I wouldn't use the wheels myself but then I cant afford to toss them in the bin after one race like Gwin (he uses TSR)

But the E13 tyres are fierce (I use them and think they are tougher than Mary SG) and tubeless is a no brainer for weight saving (no manufacturer actually else supplies a DH bike set up tubeless right?) so 1.3kgs of the 1.8kg saving is "real" IMO
  • 3 1
 @Travel66: four pounds lighter than what? I think top shelf DH bikes that are around 32 pounds is almost commonplace. I've seen several over the last few years. From Santa Cruz, GT, intense just to name a few.
  • 3 0
 @headshot: Gwin don't need no wheels
  • 2 0
 @headshot: maybe the bigger wheels will survive longer as they flex more?

Larger frames generally break faster than the smaller sizes because they are stiffer. Which is funny as the stiffer frames are ridden by smaller/lighter riders in general.
  • 1 0
 @paulaston: I am not following - surely smaller frames are stiffer and its bigger frames that flex more and break less? If thats what you meant, I agree. I ride large and XL frames and have never broken one. Its hard to reconcile flexi wheels with the needs of DH racers who seem to like tough, stiff wheels - Santa Cruz Syndicate being an example. Time will tell.
  • 1 0
 @kmsports: how hard can it be to read the thread?....4lbs lighter than running DH wheels, DH tyres and DH tubes....
  • 48 1
 There's just something about raw aluminum, looks badass! I hope it rides even better!
  • 8 0
 I bet it will be fun. looks killer, and what the hell bikes are fun ...why not.
  • 36 4
 Well, 29ers excel at straight line descents and carrying momentum... and downhill racing is all about keeping momentum and are mostly straight line descents with banked turns. Considering how bike-parkified race courses have become nowadays, a 29 DH bike seems like a great option. I fee like people just looking to have fun will stay on 650b/26 though. 29 seems like it would be hard to throw around- Especially with those extreemly slack angles.
  • 22 5
 I agree. If you are a DH racer where every seconds count, a 29 DH bike is a great option.
  • 21 2
 Luke Strobel killed in PNW Cup aboard an Evil Wreckoning. Certainly those aren't World Cup courses nor is the Wreckoning a full bore DH rig, but there is no doubt a properly designed 29'er DH bike in the hands of a capable rider could be a force to reckoned (pun-intended) with.
  • 12 0
 still on a 26 (I ride just for fun) and waiting to see where this goes....what will be the real standard wheel size?
  • 18 2
 @Pedro019: I am keeping my 26 Santa Cruz v10 2012.
26 for fun, playful and for a quick sudden changes of directions.
I also have 2015 Santa Cruz Nomad CC 650B. I have been doing tricks to the Nomad and I have a hard time compare to my 26 bike, to each own has its pros and cons. The best wheel size is what you have and just enjoy what it can do.
  • 5 1
 @Pedro019: I dont think there will be a standard wheelsize. I also think we've already found our standard wheelsizes. 29ers dominate XC for a reason just like 26 dominates dj. I think its preference but each wheelsize has a purpose. We have multiple wheelsizes for the same reason we have different stem lengths. You dont run a 40mm stem on an Xc bike but its great on Enduro or DH.
  • 2 1
 @Pedro019: 42. Cause.
  • 2 0
 That's what I was thinking too. Makes sense.
  • 2 0
 @hellbelly: Regarding Strobel's bike, I assumed he had a proto 40 with lowers for 29". If not, then my bad. But it seems odd that Alutech is offering a spec'd bike with a fork that's not designed for 29". That that I'd prefer a Dorado but it seems like a safer (legally speaking) offering.
  • 36 0
 I'll never quite understand why mountain bikes are debuted on the beach.
  • 32 1
 They're just trying to float the idea across.
  • 5 0
 Then you must have forgotten 559 is the size of a beach cruiser wheel.
  • 3 0
 @Clarkeh: And make sure it's not a wash...
  • 3 0
 @Clarkeh: And to get the best flow possible.
  • 7 0
 The company is located in the north of Germany along the coast, not too many alpine peaks for them to photo shoot on up there...
  • 8 0
 they get so pitted
  • 3 0
 This bike has me speechless, honestly. Some could even say, tongue tide.
  • 1 0
 Cuz thats where the girls are at!
  • 25 3
 Looking forward to a ride report. I've run those e.thirteen tires on my 150mm 29er and they produce an incredible amount of traction. Not so sure about that suspension layout for a DH bike.
  • 24 2
 With 12-speed Eagle setup you got a XC-weapon, too!
  • 50 1
 + a dropper post and the category "hyper enduro" was born!
  • 17 4
 @SickEdit: I just face-palmed so hard I think I now have concave forehead.
  • 1 0
 Epic
  • 26 7
 looks pretty good but Im still not sold on this whole 29 thing....
  • 13 4
 204mm rear travel.
  • 3 23
flag sabroo515 (Nov 30, 2016 at 13:21) (Below Threshold)
 180 i think
  • 10 0
 204mm according to Mike's description (3rd line of 2nd paragraph).
  • 2 16
flag sabroo515 (Nov 30, 2016 at 13:25) (Below Threshold)
 @megaold: thats rear
  • 3 0
 Says 204mm in the second paragraph.
  • 6 0
 @sabroo515: I was under the impression that's what he was asking for, but it appears to be a moot point as his post has been edited.
  • 2 1
 @megaold: yea re read it and found the answer. figured no point in the question anymore and couldn't delete. sorry guys lol
  • 4 2
 If it's of any consolation to you, remember that road bikes were using 630mm rims 30 years ago before they realized that 622 (same size as 29er rims) is better. XC racers were all using 559mm rims (26") until they realized that 622 is better. Maybe 622mm is just the sweet spot for bike rims.
  • 2 0
 204mm. It's in the second paragraph
  • 4 2
 This bike is for abusing on DH courses, right? Once we start making the hoops diameter to large, they loose their strength that smaller hoops have. I wouldn't be able to trust aluminum hoops on this whip. I'd have to have carbon, and good carbon hoops can be expensive.

We were never told what tire width can fit the back!
  • 4 0
 @XCMark: My Flow Mk 3's hold up fine enduro bike smashing at race speed in and out of the bike park. I was personally blown away that I have had no issues with wheels yet riding an agressive 29er.
  • 1 0
 @mdhorner: Well, you probably understand to check your spoke tension after every other ride/so many miles.
  • 1 0
 @XCMark: Like I said this blew me away, I checked tension after every ride at first as I also didn't trust them, but the only drop in tension I've noticed was only 10 kgf on a single spoke during my second ride! I check every 5 rides now just to be safe but it's surprised me that I have yet to have issues. Tensioned to 125 kgf during the initial build and they have held up straight and true for months, even with many death cases so far and my hackish riding style haha. Albiet, if the wheels weren't properly tensioned at first I'm sure problems would arise pretty quickly...
  • 21 3
 Yo guys, can someone hold my BMX? I'm laughing too hard at this industry lmao
  • 4 8
flag boxxerace (Nov 30, 2016 at 20:09) (Below Threshold)
 What's not to like about large diameter rubber?
  • 8 1
 Totally! Mtb industry is fucked
  • 29 13
 DH bike sales are slumping....... Quick let's increase the wheel size it worked once before. I can see this catching on with anyone but racers.
  • 41 6
 Don't you think racers would be curious?
  • 21 5
 Dh sales need to prop back. This is innovative. Lack of innovation and imagination is what has killed dh bike sales. All the players are focusing only on the largest piece of the pie. The only innovation has been marketing. They try to sell enduro bixe like they will ride like a dh. Its horse $#¡t, leaving ppl who know the truth behind. Enduro is not dh. Dh is fun. Free riding is fun. Putting pros on enduro bixe in the park does not make them handle any more like a big bike
  • 15 5
 @mikekazimer: You would think so wouldnt you, if anything this bike has a limited audience outside of racers.

I love how people hate on different wheel sizing even though they can offer one of the biggest performance changes to a bike available - If you dont like it you were not the target market anyway!

Great to see 29er Dh testing, certain tracks will see a 29er dominant in the future i am sure, especially the way course design is going.
  • 24 2
 @Racer951: I agree. I think a track like Fort William would be prime 29er territory - maybe this will be the year we finally see one of the top dogs give it a try.
  • 7 2
 @mikekazimer: After riding a few 29er's, that are a blast to ride I might add, it would be interesting. If my dabbling with my 130mm hardtail 29er with a 2.5/2.35 tires on a 28mm inner rim are any indication of all out speed, matching my 150mm FS 26er in speed, I'd think a 29er DH would be faster in all but the tightest turns. Someone was racing an Evil Wreckoning this year in the Pro GRT tour I believe. Be interesting to get his thoughts on it..
  • 4 2
 @Gasket-Jeff: thank you!
  • 3 8
flag barbaricht (Nov 30, 2016 at 13:46) (Below Threshold)
 @oldschool43:
delusional!
  • 27 3
 @oldschool43: It was Luke Strobel, he wasn't just racing on a 29er, he was winning.
  • 4 0
 @barbaricht: I replied to your comment that was neg propped off of here. Go ride a new one! They are a lot of fun.
  • 10 9
 Racers do not prove things by "curiosity", they are forced to try new shit and publicize it.
  • 7 0
 @mikekazimer: meant to say that I can't see this catching on with anyone but racers.

Just look at all the bike parks. I just cannot imagine riding those jump trails on a 29er. Maybe it's just me but jumping a 26" trail bike felt fun, flickable, and nimble in the air. 650b feels a little different, but still can have that same feeling.
  • 5 0
 @Fix-the-Spade: I believe Gwin won Sea Otter on a 29er as well.
  • 2 1
 @torero:
exactly!
  • 6 3
 Because you don't need a DH rig to ride buffed out, machine made, trails. Not complaining as on trips out west I can take one AM bike and hit the trail rides one day, and lift assist the next. My local lift assist still demands a true DH rig, and I wish it didn't. Would be nice to do it all on one bike, maybe two wheelsets.
  • 5 0
 @groghunter: Sea Otter isn't really a dh course though. Smooth and fast. Most competitors were on AM bikes.
  • 2 0
 @MikerJ: smooth and flowy rollercoaster rides are fine but so is attacking the gnar gnar. I like it all. I ride my am bike only when I can't ride my dh (is find a lift/shuttle, or ride trails that are not shuttleable). I love my am bike. It cost more than my big bike and gets used less. I find a day on my little bike makes me a better rider on my big bike. I just HATE that dh rigs are disappearing. I like that you can (or used to be able) to go to the lbs and buy the same bike that gwin or loic or Atherton rides. You can go to a Toyota dealership and get a TRD sticker but you sure can't buy a formula race car
  • 4 0
 I think literally the opposite is true. 29 will be less fun, but faster. You'll be more inclined to keep the big wheels low on jumps, more rotating mass to fight if you're trying to pop around, etc. However, they will certainly be fast.
  • 6 0
 @torero: explain privateers.... I would argue (And I'm sure many would back me) that plenty of brands and unique designs, like Zerode, have been propelled and "proven" by racers who aren't being forced to try anything but are riding at a top level. When you get to the tip top, although they have to advertise, they also need to win. Gwin winning on a stock YT frame "proved" a lot for many people. You could argue he was "forced", but that would be a narrow minded perspective
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: for the most part yes.
  • 5 0
 If DH sales are slumping, a new wheel size won't make as much difference as it would if riders had a reason to buy them instead of six inch bikes that can do pretty much everything their old DH bike did, without shuttling. If you don't live near big mountains, it's harder and harder to justify owning a DH bike.
  • 1 1
 @codypup: you don't need big mountains to need a dh bike necessarily. You just need the right terrain. There's so much that a dh bike can do that an enduro bike struggles with. I can ride my local dh on an enduro bike but it beats the the living hell out of me all while going way slower (not as fun). There's been a huge marketing push with enduro, making claims that they are a dh and a trail bike all in one when they aren't really either.
  • 3 0
 If you have ridden a well designed 29 with good geometry (looking at you evil) then you will know it is a racers dream. Good geometry on a 29er negates the lumpy cornering usually associated with the wheel size. The increase in traction, rollover and momentum is a game changer for ESPECIALLY racers because they are so stable compared to smaller wheels which can be thrown around easier in the air and on tighter trails. Its going to be a game changer
  • 1 1
 @mikekazimer: bike-curious
  • 1 0
 @Fix-the-Spade: Course, it might just be something in Strobel's coffee, but all of the Evil crew seem to like the 29"er wheels despite the owners hesitation. One of the guys I know at Evil is riding his 29" Wreckoning over his 26" undead for pretty much everything. No reason not too.
  • 1 0
 @ibishreddin: you are spot on. A properly designed 29 rails corner so good. More tire on the ground.
There are no drawbacks to the bigger wheels now.
  • 2 1
 Neko Mulally is curious. Check his insta, been messing with DH 29". I expect there are many other racers interested to see how 29" wheels will affect their ride.
  • 2 1
 @torero: If a sponsored racer don't like something he won't ride it, belive me.
  • 1 0
 double post
  • 2 0
 @Eneite indeed, look at Gwin and his Maxxis/Onza situation @toreo. Furthermore, there's no "forcing". Do you really think these guys and girls have guns to their head? They sign for a contract based upon exposure for the brands that represent them of course, but that is an aside to the racing and or results. Its a contractual obligation, but they chose the package that suits them at the point in their career they find themselves. Danny Hart, the current WChamp no less, has stated publicly he's not a fan for this obligation but understands it's his job and is grateful ultimately for the support he receives as i'm sure every other rider represented by a company would say.
  • 6 0
 @mikekazimer: I am curious as to how close your bum comes to that back wheel when you move around on the bike. Maybe ass reinforced DH pants will become the new norm - just in case.
  • 1 0
 @headshot: some people seem to have found an issue with the ass-tyre interface but I only experienced contact for the first few minutes/ first couple of manuals and I'm a short guy. I sound like a crazy 29er convert but I'm not I promise - I'm not sure which wheel size will feature on my next bike.
  • 2 0
 @ThomDawson: Will be a 36er Thom!
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: A few companies have already tested them. May be better in some areas, worse in others. Doubt it's a be all end all solution, but rather raises another set of issues. See physics for reference (Foales book helps)
  • 3 0
 @groghunter: He started on a 29er, but finished riding on an actual sea otter.
  • 3 0
 @skidrumr: using sea otter as any measuring stick for downhill is absurd.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: not only fort william !! Mt saint anne is straighter and faster !! Whindam too !! But for vallnord, lenzerheide, cairns 29" may not be the best choice
  • 4 0
 @RedBurn: having been to St Anne many times, I can assure you it's hardly a straight course. It's actually very technical in the woods. Well worth the visit. 29er may suit the open sections, but when you see how that place destroys wheels, and the technicality of the woods, you'd be surprised.
  • 1 0
 @atrokz: the bigger the wheels the better the rolling over the rocks ? But yeah for sure in the turns ... we ll have to wait and see I guess !!
  • 15 1
 I can see some of the open area's, but once in those tree's and rock & roots? How are those Wagon Wheels going to twist & turn. Would really like to see a ride report and video. For down hilling I'm sticking to 26 and 27.5.
  • 8 1
 Ride a few 29ers and see for yourself. Once they have the right geometry they are blistering fast. They're a little worse in slower speed tech and super, super tight terrain but I haven't encountered a race course, especially a DH race course, where I would see a 29er being a real disadvantage, from simply the size of the wheel. Maybe for a smaller person, simply having to fight the inertia of the big wheels would be more taxing.
  • 3 0
 This thing would get destroyed on some of the rock gardens I've seen- unless its so freakin' fast you simply fly over them... there are gardens that require pretty severe direction changes, and if you don't track the wheel just right it will wedge in like a door stop. I would expect to hear "kapoing" on a 29" wheel and after picking myself up off the boulders, seeing a nice figure 8 with spokes all over the place. With a 26" you can still muscle the wheel out without stopping.
  • 11 0
 62 ha..... is it just me or is that insanely slack for a 29er... even a dh rig
  • 4 2
 It sure is! I was thinking the same thing.
Although not liking the idea of 29" DH bikes, I would most definitely go for a testride if I had the chance... just for curiosity.
  • 7 3
 They are clearly off their rocker, 458mm reach in M..?!?
  • 8 3
 People are getting taller and taller. Large is the new Medium ^^
I guess they were aiming to be radical and unconventional hoping that there might be a potential crowd that only waited for a really aggressive 29" DH bike.
  • 6 0
 they probably had to slack it the hell out to keep the front end as low as possible?
  • 1 0
 @bonkywonky: this is 2017... XL is the new M
  • 5 0
 I honestly have to start wondering about fork deflection & bushing bind with that slack a HA... I think Santa Cruz & FOX did some testing where they realized if they made the V10 any slacker, it affected the fork too much. But with a big wheel & maybe a different offset, who knows. It might be travel limited too, I know other FOX forks I've looked at, it wasn't arch clearance so much as crown clearance at full compression that determined max tire size.
  • 3 0
 @bonkywonky: XL would look much better with 29
  • 1 0
 exactly my thoughts. must be one hell of a monster truck
  • 2 0
 @groghunter: F*ck yes, when you check those 'bottom out' slideshows on Vital you can clearly see forks flexing like a sonbitch on full compression. All other things constant the slacker the angle the more flex. Looks crazy!

It's a Boxxer but you get the point:

www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/G-Out-Project-Lourdes-World-Cup-DH,10000/Banshee-Bottom-Out-at-Lourdes-World-Cup,103683/sspomer,2
  • 10 2
 A 29 dh rig is long overdue. It will catch on. I'm all for it. This bike is a beast! Nice for alutech to make that step!
  • 6 1
 Has anyone else tried a 27.5 plus full bounce bike with 2.8 or 3.0 tires on your local DH trail ? E.g. SC HighTower or similar. I was very surprised how well they roll and track comparatively. The outer diameter pending your tire choice is close to 29. Now imagine a tire that is a little less sluggish turning, but maintains the rolling speed and contact patch for traction. Worth investigating, although I'd like to see other forms of technology explored further too. E.g. active air pressure, active suspension ( mechanical or electronic ) . I really like that concept that disengaged the chain when not under power. To me I want DH to represent the pinnacle of performance technology to cover insane terrain as fast as possible. That terrain is a race course though and that means turning, braking, and accelerating.
  • 6 0
 Plus tires are not up to the dh challenge yet.
  • 1 0
 @d-man: Agreed - not burly enough, and adding the appropriate sidewall/protection/rubber would cost you in rolling weight for sure, but it is still surprising how well they role over serious terrain, opened my eyes to the possibility that 29 wheeled DH is worth investigating. The fun factor monster trucking the plus tires is definitely smile inducing though...
  • 1 0
 interesting that i know of a major manufacurer who's race team wont run plus bikes for enduro because to have stiff enough sidewalls for the tires to be run the way they would like, the tires would weigh 2kg each and that sort of weight penalty would wipe the sales floor clean of plus bikes... an interesting take that to make plus tyres dh ready would probably be talking a minimum of this penalty.. cant see it happening myself but im sure someone will try it
  • 6 2
 I remember the stoke buying my first bike, it was a 29er, I had no idea about anything in biking. I now have strong opinions on everything in biking and it's taken away from the pure joy of just riding. That is why I just keep on shredding my 26er and just loving the ride.
  • 7 3
 What's wrong with 26" wheels huh? they get rolling fast, their tough, more compact, look cool, and theres lots of other reasons. The bike industry is really shutting the door on alot of us that like to just have fun. 26" is the fun wheel size. I think some company instead of trying to be revolutionary by making a 29" dh bike needs to keep makeing 26" bikes and in that they will be revolutionary.
  • 3 2
 Personally I am starting to think 24+ or 22 fat might be the ticket for the recreational enthusiast. I could throw that like my DJ and still plow through any amount of muck.
  • 6 1
 the MTB market is driven by racing and thats the problem. bikes are made to go faster and faster so the racers can win on them and then the companies can sell more of them. this makes smaller more playful bikes get overlooked. in my opinion the most fun bike you can have is a 26" hardtail but you will never see anyone winning the enduro world series on one of those so no one pays much attention to it.

fun doesnt sell in mountain biking, race results do.
  • 4 1
 i have started using my dirt jumper for pretty much every thing now and it kills it all, just threw two brakes on it and have been using it for dh stuff. Almost like it better than my 650dh bike. Most fun on a bike though was a 7 inch 26in freeride bike, there is nothing like it. Enough pop to throw around and can still plow stuff.
  • 3 2
 Nothing wrong with them but they roll slower and are less efficient.
  • 2 0
 go and ride a 29er, its still a bike, its still fun, and its a joke how much faster it is than your 26 - it will literally roll away from you like you've got the brakes on, there's fun in that
  • 1 0
 @R-trailking-S: 24" x 3" all day! Unicycle tire size, like a monster truck
  • 4 0
 29ers make total sense alongside modern geometry trends. bikes are becoming longer, lower and slacker to go faster and faster at the cost of some handling so why not pair that with the wheel size that makes those same trade offs?

and remember there is no best wheel there are just certain use cases for certain wheels. 26" for nimbleness and 29" for raw speed.
  • 6 0
 "The claimed weight of 32 pounds is extremely reasonable"

Ummm.....my dh bike would be 32lbs if it didn't have wheels, tires, fork or cranks......I think 32lbs is amazing.
  • 5 0
 Why don't we just build better World Cup DH tracks that have rock chutes and woods sections instead of 6' / 2m wide gravel roadways that don't inherantly benefit a 29" bike? Or is that too simple and obvious?
  • 3 0
 that way they couldnt try to sell us this Sh-t
  • 3 0
 lourdes, fort william, vallnord, MSA and val di sole? yep. super mellow season next year... practically CX racing
  • 1 1
 @blitz66: Lourdes a xc-track? you must be kidding... The top section is quite gnarly... I agree that the mid section is kind of full speed and cleaned up but the lower part is hardcore as well... not so crazy root sections but totaly insane drops right into nowhere.... Even Gwin uses all his suspension in Lourdes so i would say that this is a benchmark...
Vallnord is not that insane with roots and rocks but it's so steep that every cx rider would go over the bars immediately... or at least from the mid-section (the top section is not steep at all)...
  • 2 0
 @Nicolai-ion-rider: sarcasm font was active...
  • 9 2
 No clue how well it rides but this thing looks so sick!
  • 7 1
 Good luck fitting minions, Mary's, or butchers, on there. Especially on muddy day. Dangit!!
  • 3 0
 I habe one question and maybe someone could give me a solid/believable answer...
The Fox fork clearly wasn't intended for 29er wheels(even though it fits)..due to the different tolerances,stiffness-or not,just a bigger wheel being built into a 27.5 fork,are these builds still covered by warrany if something goes wrong? Fox clearly designed this fork around a smaller wheel...
The forces on the tubes must be harder on the fork,no?
Glad on your feedbacks guys.
  • 7 3
 actually looks pretty good....also give some love to the BCD dude he was hand building/racing carbon29er DH back in 05/06 plus he's a carney...
  • 7 1
 Why didnt they just fit a Dorado
  • 3 1
 29" Dorado has only 180mm no?
It would look sick though.
  • 4 0
 Fox built a 40 for luke stoble's wreckoning. Look at what they've already done.
reviews.mtbr.com/prototype-29er-fox-40-mounted-on-evil-wreckoning-spy-shot
  • 5 0
 by modified to fit a 29 inch wheel they just ground out the arch and put a fender on it to try and cover it up ahaha its not that "prototype"
  • 1 0
 @Motoracer31: yeah I saw that post,post. Lol thanks for fact checking my drunken shenanigans.
  • 6 0
 stack soon to be measured in meters...?
  • 3 0
 lol that has to be a mistake right? +35cm stack from a 650b DH rig?
  • 5 1
 Waiting for 24" return!...big wheels are so clumsy, not fun and aesthetically not pleasing. 24-26 are so manoeuvrable and fun.
  • 10 3
 26' gang
  • 6 1
 It's about 20 years to late, image doing the Duel Eliminater at Mammoth Mountain back in the 90s. Speeds would be unreal.
  • 10 3
 just doesn't look right
  • 5 3
 Why would you want a bike that has zero tire clearance? That's just stupid. Also the rear can looks odd the way it's mounted and takes away from the flow of the bike. However, when 29 becomes the new dh standard, you will be faster for it.
  • 2 0
 I'd ride the hell out of that bike. I figure with all of the "29ers make bad riders think they're good" and "29ers do everything for you so you don't need skill" comments when big wheels first came out, I think I'd love to have one just so I could sit back on the bike, have a cup o tea, and let the bike charge the gnar for me.

It's weird how people are so against change, even when the change doesn't affect them.
  • 6 2
 I'd be very interested to try a 29'' DH bike on our rough DH trails here at Mont-Ste-Anne!
  • 6 2
 Its has to be an advantage definitly !! Rough straight and fast , the bigger the wheels the better
  • 2 1
 I own a 26, 27.5 and a 29" tire bike and I'm going to stick with my 26" for downhill. Maybe upgrade my wheels/fork to 27.5 in the future but 26 it is for now. I just don't feel the 29 being very suitable at speed in tight sections. Straight line yes, technical dh trails no...
  • 3 0
 Anyone else notice the extreme forward roll on the bars? Think im gonna hold out for a 32er though. 29 is so 5 minutes ago.
  • 1 0
 I thought the rider had been standing on the toptube to see over the huge front wheel & naturally swept the bars up for more control.
  • 2 0
 Bike looks cool. i ride a 29er hardtail so probably not the target audience. All the 29er hate is unnecessary ride what you want buy what you want. 26 27.5 or 29 as long as there ain't no electric motor it's all good
  • 3 1
 Its nice but the thought of picking up a stone in the tread and dragging it through that fork archBlank Stare ..that very pricey fork arch.

Too risky sry, 27 not the better option here?
  • 5 0
 Something's wrong with the industry lately.
  • 2 0
 It's not worth buying until they actually make a 29er dc fork instead of using a 27.5 fork. We call that frankenbiking!!! No true mtber wants to waste money on a dh bike they can only ride in super dry conditions!!!
  • 3 1
 Is there currently any restriction on wheel size in dh racing? If not, will there be? *begins designing 45" wheel prototype dh monster...
  • 1 0
 There should be, it's just not a big enough of a sport to do things fully legit as they should I guess. Though there should be wheel size, suspension travel, and age class. The key most factors to determine which rider is the fastest on the given course. Similar to any competition of man and machine. The machine specifications determine the class.
  • 1 0
 Just throw a shock on one of those old 19th century super big front wheel mofos- that 4' wheel would reeeeeally go fast over DH gnar, right? We've come full circle (crickets..)!
  • 6 2
 That thing is dope .... I want one.
  • 2 0
 I just don't feel like having less balance at medium speed when being bucked left and right through rock gardens. But, that's just me.
  • 4 0
 Well looks like I am going back to motocross.
  • 2 0
 Don't know if the welds on that bike were done by a bot or human, in either case they look like they were WUI (welding under the influence)
  • 3 0
 Wow... not nearly as much wailing and gnashing of teeth as I expected. Carry on gents.
  • 2 0
 I've ridden 3 29er's and i have to say i can see them being an awesome bike for trail riding, but i feel like air time would suck with these things.
  • 4 0
 It's not the wheels that make a bike pop its the design. Same as some 26"bikes hug the ground and others like to fly
  • 5 2
 If you're over 6'5" this bike makes perfect sense. Otherwise it's kinda gross.
  • 2 0
 Looks sick, finally 29 arrived where it makes most sense. The only thing I'm not sure about is those wheels, I hope they did not just use them to go for the lowest weight.
  • 3 0
 FFS 27.5 DH bikes just came out! We don't need 29 DH bikes floating around now and changing all the standards Facepalm
  • 3 2
 Absolutely hideous wtf is that wagon wheel!!.. ffs the bike industry needs too slow down leave the 29er for enduro. The 650b just came in i didnt even see anything wrong with the 26
  • 2 1
 An aluminum frame and 29" aluminum wheels is gonna be a heckuva lot heavier than 32lbs.
That is, unless the frame is so thin it twists into a pretzel any time you corner the thing faster than 5mph.
Either way, no thank you.
  • 2 0
 I bet it is Scary fast, ypu don't even need to watch what is in front of you ! But tight corners are not its best friends....
  • 4 1
 nice bike over all just need it in a 26inch wheels
  • 4 1
 26 aint dead....its all ill be running untill i cant get hold of anything
  • 4 5
 being a long time 29 hater to now #29forlife guy I can say that in modern 29 bikes are far better than any 650 or 26 bike from even 2 years ago. I'm pretty excited for the future. DH is about speed and 29 bikes are faster in almost every aspect.
  • 7 4
 if you are only about going fast, pointed straight, you are missing out on 90% of the fun parts of riding.
  • 4 1
 Welcome to the dark side.
  • 3 1
 Almost every aspect... Except cornering.....
  • 1 0
 @nojzilla: I disagree. Do you own a modern 29?
  • 4 0
 @michael-douven: tried one, for 9months. While my average speed was 1mph faster on my XC loop. The bike was way too much hard work in fast single track. I ride for fun so I went back to 26.
An I've heard this argument before " your bike isn't really a good representation of a modern 9er " well, anything that can be done to a 9er to make it handle better can also be done to 26 to make it even MORE RAD!!!

Case in point my SX
  • 1 1
 Nice bike but some things are just best left unmade.... Not sure if its going to happen but I'm not going to enjoy 29" thaking over DH bikes. being short it 650b is my limit...
  • 3 0
 I feel disturbance in the Force!
  • 3 2
 Almost as ugly as the Arbr Saker...
www.pinkbike.com/news/arbr-bikes-launch-2016.html
I repeat: somebody needs to kill it!.. before it lays eggs...
  • 2 0
 I would by it. Actual DH bikes are to small ( ok there is V10 xxl-I know ) - I'm 198 cm high.
  • 1 0
 Throwing a CCDB on there with a climb switch seems a little ambitious. I don't see myself pedaling up any fire-roads with that thing in the near future Wink
  • 3 0
 I've always run 26" for downhill and always will.
  • 9 5
 fugly
  • 11 8
 A fine example of just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
  • 7 1
 How can they release this without showing some vids?!?!

Show that b*tch leaned the f*ck over on a fast downhill run!

Show her plowing down a scree field with reckless abandon!

Show me the mon....... sorry, got carried away for a minute.
  • 2 0
 Nah, there is no "should". But there is always a "why not". I wouldn't necessarily buy it, but I'd love to give it a try. Just as well as I'd probably have a laugh when straightlining that Fat Fanes of theirs down something rough. That said, the thing I would buy is their ICB2.0. Looks like so much fun!
  • 4 0
 wheelbase is hugeeee
  • 2 1
 29 is the best size.... but maybe not for everyone, xc, trail ,am hell yes, dh ? I don't think so! but AM 29ers are so awesome now, it will take years to get dh 29er as good
  • 3 1
 but... we haven't tried 650 or 650A wheels yet! Also, Andre The Giant approves the 960mm stack.
  • 3 0
 I chuckled. Best misprint ever considering the novelty of the giant wheels.
  • 4 0
 Finally its happening!
  • 2 1
 I predict 2 years of bad/average 29er DH bikes before they start to get things like the geometry right and companies start producing decent 29DH wheels and tires
  • 2 0
 Still on my 26 in carbon v10 and loving it. Next bike will be 650b, I don't think I'll ever see myself going to 29in wheels.
  • 2 0
 i'm too short to ride any downhill bike with wheels bigger than 27.5 anyways
  • 3 0
 No thanks... I think I'll wait for 28.25"
  • 2 0
 To summarize, this steed creates 1.5 - 3" less clearance for my massive DH mtb cojones! Fail...
  • 1 0
 Did someone reinvent the wheel? How revolutionary! What foresight! Why didn't I think that! I'm going to race a DH Penny Racer next year...YOU ALL IN.....?
  • 7 4
 Fuckin big yawn....
  • 2 0
 i like the tyres. they are matching with the rims....
  • 5 3
 omg my eyes hurt after seeing that thing
  • 2 3
 All this energy wasted could be put towards developing some more proper gearbox bikes... Instead, we will have giant, flimsy wheeled DH bikes with skinny tires and a new gender pronoun every 3 days. Welcome to 2016.
  • 2 0
 lets see how this rolls out
  • 3 0
 650b aint dead
  • 1 0
 First impression is that it looks like one of those Spawn 24" kids bikes. If that's a good or bad thing is up to you.
  • 1 0
 So does this mean i can throw a 27.5 fox 40 on my enduro or is this a special 29 fox 40
  • 3 1
 This thing should haul on more open, rocky terrain!
  • 3 1
 I like it but the wheelbase looks enormous
  • 5 4
 This thing looks sexy...would like to throw a leg over it..can't wait for a full review soon..
  • 2 1
 I predict the inevitable announcement of 28 1/4" bikes just after Christmas. Look at the tire clearance!
  • 3 0
 hell nah
  • 2 0
 Put a Dorado on the front of that bike
  • 2 0
 Waiting for 30" x 2.6 mickey thompsons
  • 2 0
 That tire clearance is appalling. Hell no.
  • 1 0
 It's like "I will never see myself driving a van!"...Then came these newer Odysseys.
  • 2 0
 gonna half to start milling 26" stuff soon
  • 4 2
 Disaster
  • 1 0
 Build it and they will come
  • 1 0
 next thing you know 36er dh bikes, just wait and see.......
  • 1 0
 Alutech used to create some crazy bikes
  • 1 0
 Looks like Low Rider ^^^
  • 2 3
 Makes me want to wretch, I've never seen such a disgusting travesty in my life.The designers brains must have been through a lawnmower before making this pool of dog piddle.
  • 1 1
 Dude, you had me rolling with that comment!
  • 1 0
 I want a DH bike with wheel 29. Great idea
  • 1 0
 29 is cheating 26 takes skill
  • 6 5
 So that's a 40 for 29" wheels? Is that about to become available?
  • 2 0
 Probably for 27.5. Neko Mulally managed to fit a 29 in one but milled out the arch to give more clearance which I don't think they've done here.
  • 13 0
 No its a standard 40, that's why there's no clearance. As soon as you get a bit of mud on the front tyre it will start to grind away that arch.
  • 3 1
 Nope it's a 40 for 650b but it seems to work with a 29" wheel as well (not much space between tires and fork so maybe fox offers an official option for 29")
I don't think fox provides support if a fork gets damaged by using a 29" wheel because that's not the intended use of the product
  • 1 0
 its a 27.5 40 i think and they crammed 29ers into it
  • 6 1
 The bike is nice but i woudn't buy one until proper 29er DH components like a fork are available. (And yeah i know there are niche USD forks that could handle the tires)
  • 2 0
 @SickEdit: Niche USD? I thought Intense used a Manitou Dorado (USD fork) for their 29" DH bike. I think it is just that Alutech currently doesn't spec other forks than RS and Fox on their completes that they took this compromise. But otherwise I'd say an USD fork would be the way to go. Not sure about DVO as they do have that dual arch. Or can you ride that without?
  • 2 0
 @vinay: You can, but stiffness is compromised, and the stanchions are left bare.
  • 3 0
 @vinay: I believe they aren't making more of the Dorado 29" and they're hard to find currently. I thought I heard that at least during one of these LT 29er debates.
  • 6 0
 Can anyone confirm that a 27.5 40 does work with a 29? And if so what size tire? I have a 2017 enduro 29, which by the way is beast of a bike 165mm rear travel, I think it would be awesome with a longer dual crown fork. If it works, I would go for the 40. Otherwise, I will probably get a 180 lyrik.
  • 1 0
 @Joegrant: That's a 27.5" Fox 40 on this bike (note the sticker on the back of the right leg in the photos).
  • 4 0
 @Joegrant: That's a 27.5" Fox 40 on this bike (note the sticker on the back of the right leg in the second photo). Also, the E13 TRS tires are 2.35"
  • 4 0
 Check out how low profile they've made the centre treads on those tires. Looks like they've been pared down. I don't think any new dh tires would fit.....
  • 1 0
 @cwatt: ok thanks! I may have to buy a one now!
  • 4 2
 Hell yeah
  • 1 0
 looks like its a snapper to me
  • 3 2
 today is "Adams show" on PB?
  • 3 2
 Why 29er wheels need dh bike???
  • 4 2
 LOL
  • 2 0
 review, review, review
  • 1 0
 26" wheels and Carbon frame!!!!!!!!! Best 2 inventions for DH.
  • 3 3
 looks like a dh bike from 2004 scaled up, No thanks.
  • 2 3
 29 inch wheels on a downhill bike? What's next? Electronic 12 speed drivetrains?

...

Yeah, probably.
  • 2 1
 When can I get one!?
  • 6 8
 I will "Never buy a 29'er & if UCI World cup DH goes full clownbike I'll be done watching
  • 4 2
 Seriously? You think a bigger wheel will make a race less entertaining or you're just to ignorant to accept that things change?
  • 3 2
 @d-man: a 29er isn't change, it's adaptation. The underlying point he's making is that World Cup tracks not only allow for a wagon-wheeled bike to happen, there are inherant advantages. Should the tracks become (or rather go back to) tighter, rockier, dare I say - Not bike-parks, we'll see a return of smaller wheels that would be required for the technicality and in doing so, provide a much more spectator-worthy event, A return of the days of talent over fitness.
  • 3 1
 @d-man: It is not ignorance ... I have enough brain power to know what I like & not be swayed by marketing BS disguised as progress. Also if they build courses to "cater" to 29'ers, DH will become as boring to watch as XC so if that happens F*ck them!
  • 2 1
 @Darknut: you're probably one of the people who called 650b marketing bullshit, if it's faster on the clock it is progress not marketing bullshit, the racing will still be the same at the end of the day no matter what wheelsize they're all running so refusing to watch cause they like a new wheelsize is stupid to say the least
  • 3 3
 @JMBMTB: They are already gunning to kill 650b & you say 650b wasn't & isn't marketing bullshit ..... you're the dipshit.
  • 4 1
 @Darknut: nobody is going to build a track to "cater " to any wheel size. That's as ridiculous as your first post. Tracks are built to challenge the riders and use the terrain the venue has.
  • 3 0
 @Darknut: 650b was implemented partly because backwards people like you jumped on the 29r hate wagon before they even rode one. Do you not buy a new car because they all come with antilock brakes now????
  • 1 2
 @d-man: You are the definition of clueless & you are old enough to know better! ... Of course they build course to suit agendas they always have.
They did it with XC when the 29'er nonsense started & they will do it again in DH if certain people have their way.
  • 3 0
 @Darknut: i find it funny that you're calling other people clueless, especially when they're the ones who actually know what they're talking about
  • 1 3
 @JMBMTB: In your opinion ... which isn't anymore valid than mine
  • 3 0
 @Darknut: you have any documentation or examples or just making this crap up? xc courses are more technical than they ever have been.
  • 2 1
 @d-man: Yes XC have gotten more tech again in recent years but back when the 29'er push 1st started the courses got so dumbed-down they were basically dirt road courses ... I was there, I remember it well ( yes I'm old )

I realize 29'er HD will happen & if it becomes the dominate form it will ruin DH for me & prob a lot of others as well.

Hey I tried to like 29'ers & have ridden many, in fact, I rode some of the latest ones very recently & I just don't like them. Some of my 29'er loving friends tell me I would get used to them & that is prob true. I could get used to someone poking me with a stick over & over as well but why would I want to?
  • 4 6
 2015 Santa Cruz V10 Carbon. I'm keeping 'er.
  • 1 2
 Those welds are awfull!
  • 6 8
 29ers are just a fad
  • 5 8
 29 = shit !
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