i'm 75 and lived in mill valley and marinwood back in the late fifties . it's enjoyable to listen to these guys talk history from a first hand perspective as opposed to someone that didn't live it . hearing a person tell their own story has so much more depth to it than someone who is relating something they heard or read . a throughly entertaining video .
Picked up a Cobia in May, MAN this thing FLLLLLYYYYYYYYZZZZZZZZZZ. Very comfortable, perfect cockpit measurement right out of the box. Cant believe how fast this bike is and stable. Took a little getting use to seeing the front tire sticking out so far. The G2 is just a perfect concept. Great job Gary keep up it up.
He is very right about the pecking order. I moved way up to the heels of the fastest guys just by changing from a Titus Racer X 26" to a Giant X0 29er. The Titus was too sharp for me and the 29er gives great confidence and climbing. the best move for the average rider = 29er. cheers
I just drank the 29er kool aid. Bought an 09 GF Cobia.. Damn nice ride and it was extremely stable. Handles single track and technical areas very well.
My first bike was a 26er. I rode it for 1 year before buying a 29er. The difference was night/day to me. The 29er climbed like a magic carpet, and it descended like a rabid bat out of hell. It took me a couple of weeks to familiarize myself with how differently it handled, but even on my first ride I lopped several minutes off my Strava times. We can debate nuance between them all day long - but at the end of the day, the clock doesn't lie. There's a very good reason why virtually all XC racers ride 29ers.
I got the privelage of camping with gary fisher for the past two years at sea otter classsic... and i have to say... he has the most wierd sense of style..... but hes gary fucking fisher so its all right...
he and others like him such as breeze and Cunningham weren't so much " ahead of their time " as they were in the right place at the right time . They were /are skilled bike builders and riders and used their innate creativity as needed ., When you have steep fire trails as in marin county and you get the insane idea to ride down it on a double top tube schwinn with crap brakes , you immediately start brainstorming as to how you can save your life the next time out . 😂🤣
Rode a 26" geared bike all last season and marked how far I could go up a certain trail. First ride of this season I bought a used 29er single speed and made it far past my personal best on the 26" on the same trail. I'm sticking with the 29ers from here on out. I'm 6'2" 250lbs
Have ridden mountain bikes for 20 years, worked in the trade for ages and ridden virtually every brand out there. Have never loved any bike as much as my Superfly, (And I'm only 5' 4'')
I like the new gizmos they come out with because I can get great deals on the used older technology that's still really good. I have access and ride both 26 and 29. 29 is fine. Still prefer the 26.
too late! I bought a 26 Stumpjumper and am happy with it..I ride tight, rooted trails, seems to fit me. I'll be watching out for the 27's in a few years... I did try a 29 S Scott and still had clearance issues. I have small legs.. Thanks for your input.
14 years later and they are all over the place. I was riding a Paragon with 26’s. Just got a deal on an rei bike with 27.5. We’ll see how it goes. Maybe a 29er is next.
I am 5'9" and since my original post I also have a 29 specialized in my stable. The 2012 top bars were changed to allow for more clearance when dismounting. I have found that trail types determine what bike I like to ride..the more wide open the trial the better the 29 does. Unfortunately most trails in my area are tight and rooted, where the 26 shines. So choice is individual. Took me several months to figure this out.
2014 now, brands say they have research that shows 27,5'' is better than 29ers and, of course, 26''. But you know what? it's all marketing bullshit. A guy who rides a 26'' harder than you will still beat your ass even if you are using a 29er.
...but will that guy be even faster on a 29" wheel bike? That's the real question. Sure a ton is marketing BUT each wheel definitely has its own plusses and minuses. Smaller are better for big air, are stronger, weigh less and accelerate better , while large wheels maintain speed better, roll over objects easier and provide more traction. Pick what best suits your personal riding style and size.
schlooonginator Tests done with pros demonstrate that at best the 29er had an advantage of a few seconds in an around 15min ride. So, unless you are competing it really doesn't make a difference at all. It's a marketing ploy to make guys who are dropped believe they will do better with a bigger wheel. And now, low and behold, they say that it's wrong and what you want it a 27,5. Crap, i'll say that the feel of the bike is way more important the the wheel size. Your body size, the way you ride, will determine what is right for you. In then end, it doesn't really matter that much.
costa200 Absolutely, the feel of the bike is what should ultimately be the deciding factor not wheel size. I hear what you are saying. They saw the increase in sales with the change to 29" and low and behold, yet another, supposedly better, wheel size comes along to make people think they need the latest. All the while manufacturers are reaping the rewards. I'm just saying that the various wheels sizes can benefit someone who knows what they want and which wheel best suits their needs. For example, I love my new 29er hardtail. I cannot afford several bikes and don't drive so I must ride to the trails and it must perform some commuter purposes. I don't get air outside of hopping over roots etc and the wheel size has been a noticeable benefit for maintaining speed and riding over rocks and roots which are plentiful here in BC. My ride to the trail head would be more difficult as would riding down a dried out gully of large rocks on my old 26" bike. It will be interesting to see how the whole thing settles. Will there be all 3 or just 2?
schlooonginator Yeah man that's it. It just annoys that whole "this is the new stuff that is 1000x better than the last fad...". Of course bigger wheels, or smaller wheels, have their purposes. And the future? Why stop at three? Why not 30''? Or 25''? I wouldn't put that behind them. But i've seen guys that bought 29ers complaining that there seems to be a shortage of some parts for those bikes. And that should concern people that bought such bikes. The 26'' was in business for so long that you have decades of manufactured parts even if you have to resort to 2nd hand material. It is somehow concerning that the 29ers seem to already be in the road to oblivion by several major brands. People should not be forced to buy discardable bikes. When i buy a new bike i want to last, at least until i decide to change, not to be forced into it due to lack of replacement parts.
I am testing riding differents bikes that I am thinking about and I test road the Mamba in Blue. Its a pretty nice bike and it was my first time riding a 29er and I felt like I could go against anything with the 29 inch rims and the amazing shox.
@lmbngtracer7975 I feel like I could ride either wheel size and be happy, but the marketing behind the 29" wheel thing really pisses me off. I still enjoy riding my 26" mountain bikes.
@SkodaMart a 29er isn't necessarily for big riders. Fisher makes 29ers for people as small as 5 foot. I'm 5'7 and I ride an x-cal. The point of a 29er is to speed you up with decreased rolling resistance.
honestly its all preference and riding style. I can ride 26 27.5 or 29 and i don't notice huge differences. if I'm racing xc ill probably go with a 29 or if I'm doing enduro or dh i might choose 27.5. 26 is slowly fading but i still like it for dirt jumps.
Can someone please take me through the decision process when choosing between a Fuel EX, a Superfly, and a Rumblefish. It would be most appreciated if someone could think aloud how they would define their anticipated use, and use this to then assess each bike model's pros and cons thereby leading to an informed choice. Where does each bike design excel? Which bike design offers the most versatility? What is each bike design's weakest attribute? Thanks!!!
sounds like the real issue is people are having a hard time letting go of the 26" rim because change is scary. why would bicyclists assume this was a huge mistake and all of it is because money is the driving force in this issue. didnt you hear and see gary's face light up? it wasnt money that did that. it was an experience. buy both, shit, buy all three 26" 27.5 and 29er. the 29 kicks so much ass in a lot of ways.
I wonder if there have been studies done that break down the height of the rider vs like the 29er. I tried to get fitted for a 29er and the top tube was just too high even in a small. I am 5' 9"
yeah i have a rockhopper 29er and a stumpy fsr 26" and only use the stumpy for the rough stuff(hardly ever) most of the time i ride cross country trails and the 29er is great over it
@RBK855 okay, I stand corrected. I guess it's just an opinion thing. I'd always ridden 26ers, then I bought an x-cal, and I don't think I'll ever go back.
What do you guys think about these three bikes? I trying to get a good bike for weekend riding Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc 29 2010 Black - $829.99 Gary Fisher 2010 Mamba $929.99 Diamondback Recoil Comp 2010 $874.99
IMHO: Gary Fisher bikes handle quite well. Get an alloy Paragon 29er built before Trek took over. The best 26er will never get the trail speed of a 29er. I'm only 5'8", my girl is 5'0" and we both climb and bomb descents better on our 29ers. Plus, the bike just accelerates so much more easily. I like my custom-built Columbus EL 26er, but it still doesn't compare to the big wheel advantage.
After 4 years of riding xcal6,i can say big wheel is okay,but every time i sit on my old trek 4300 disc and my sister 27.5 haibike,i'm amased how much faster small wheels accelarate !!! So i may return to smaller.... I'm 186 cm tall
Funny that Gary talks about his company having more resouces than smaller companies to build bikes. Gary's first 29'ers were made by WTB. His own company wouldnt make him a bike.
@:40 seconds "Ignatz Schwinn" - love that. Fisher's comments in this vid are much appreciated - I am assuming he is being honest rather trying to sell more bikes by convincing cyclists they must go out and buy 29ers. I figured sold his interest in his name brand - and he did - but he appears to have a new deal going to sell bikes w/ his name so dunno how unbiased he is: See this where Gary promotes his new(er) signature line: v=IevGwwCdD-8 "Fisher sold his company in 1991 to Taiwan's Anlen company, staying on as President. In 1992, Howie Cohen, who had previously imported Nishiki, Azuki and Kuwahara bicycles, assisted Gary Fisher with his brand, 18 months later brokering the acquisition of Fisher by Trek Bicycle Corporation. On June 16, 2010, Trek Bicycle Corporation announced "the Gary Fisher Collection, a line of Trek bikes that will replace the standalone Gary Fisher brand"."
29 is good for riders like me (5'10") and more .. 26 was great.. 27 1/2..haven't tried..and 29 is good.. but it's crap for shorter people.. and women..real too high this 29 inch thing is the BEST way to keep women off this sport..
My experience. Really fast guys with lots of skill will go the 26" because it is more light/nimble and they would not declare a benefit of the 29er. The rest of us, mere mortals who are not the cream will gain heaps from using a 29er, and enjoy the ride a whole lot more as well. 29ers hold speed better in the transition to the climb, less concentration required, lines can be sloppy, the climbing is easier as the toque is sweeter for managing the bumps. I ride the Giant X0 2012, happy as. :)
Doesn't make sense, I am 5'10" and ride a M Giant 29er X0. You should be able to get onto an M or S of most brands. Try again, get another make and give it a go
@blah666ful Ever watch a Danny MacAskill video? Highly skilled riders have more options than that. Being proud of rolling obstacles is like being proud of riding the short bus to school.
Och aye! 24” bike too. I’ll be sticking with my 26”ers. I laugh every time I see a kid struggling to ride a wagon wheeler that’s obviously way too big. Sure, if your six foot plus, knock your self out or your 29er It’s an extra 3 inches to fall. Bye tha noo!
i'm 75 and lived in mill valley and marinwood back in the late fifties . it's enjoyable to listen to
these guys talk history from a first hand perspective as opposed to someone that didn't live it .
hearing a person tell their own story has so much more depth to it than someone who is
relating something they heard or read . a throughly entertaining video .
Forever, I will say thanks for the creation of 29ers.
Picked up a Cobia in May, MAN this thing FLLLLLYYYYYYYYZZZZZZZZZZ.
Very comfortable, perfect cockpit measurement right out of the box. Cant believe how fast this bike is and stable. Took a little getting use to seeing the front tire sticking out so far. The G2 is just a perfect concept.
Great job Gary keep up it up.
He is very right about the pecking order. I moved way up to the heels of the fastest guys just by changing from a Titus Racer X 26" to a Giant X0 29er. The Titus was too sharp for me and the 29er gives great confidence and climbing. the best move for the average rider = 29er. cheers
I just drank the 29er kool aid.
Bought an 09 GF Cobia.. Damn nice ride and it was extremely stable. Handles single track and technical areas very well.
been riding since 1991 and 26 inch until this year. love the 29er...never going back.
My first bike was a 26er. I rode it for 1 year before buying a 29er. The difference was night/day to me. The 29er climbed like a magic carpet, and it descended like a rabid bat out of hell. It took me a couple of weeks to familiarize myself with how differently it handled, but even on my first ride I lopped several minutes off my Strava times.
We can debate nuance between them all day long - but at the end of the day, the clock doesn't lie. There's a very good reason why virtually all XC racers ride 29ers.
I have a Hoo Koo E Koo from 1998 and it has 26" wheels.
I didnt know there was anything else until today when I started shopping for a new bike.
I bet you had sticker shock too
I got the privelage of camping with gary fisher for the past two years at sea otter classsic... and i have to say... he has the most wierd sense of style..... but hes gary fucking fisher so its all right...
he knows more than any of us could ever hope to know
I love my 29 Panasonic FX and my 26 Orange St4. Each has its merits, and not many downfalls.
he was ahead of his time. a true inspiration.
he and others like him such as breeze and Cunningham weren't so much " ahead of their time " as they were in the right place at the right time . They were /are skilled bike builders and riders and used their innate creativity as needed .,
When you have steep fire trails as in marin county and you get the insane idea to ride down it on a double top tube schwinn with crap brakes , you immediately start brainstorming as to how you can save your life the next time out . 😂🤣
Yup , thanks Fish.
i love vintage
Fisher
bikes
Rode a 26" geared bike all last season and marked how far I could go up a certain trail. First ride of this season I bought a used 29er single speed and made it far past my personal best on the 26" on the same trail. I'm sticking with the 29ers from here on out. I'm 6'2" 250lbs
Have ridden mountain bikes for 20 years, worked in the trade for ages and ridden virtually every brand out there. Have never loved any bike as much as my Superfly, (And I'm only 5' 4'')
I like the new gizmos they come out with because I can get great deals on the used older technology that's still really good. I have access and ride both 26 and 29. 29 is fine. Still prefer the 26.
CR-7 thats it a true bike!
Big wheels keep on turnin proud mullet keep on burnin', rollin, rollin...
too late! I bought a 26 Stumpjumper and am happy with it..I ride tight, rooted trails, seems to fit me. I'll be watching out for the 27's in a few years...
I did try a 29 S Scott and still had clearance issues. I have small legs..
Thanks for your input.
14 years later and they are all over the place. I was riding a Paragon with 26’s. Just got a deal on an rei bike with 27.5. We’ll see how it goes. Maybe a 29er is next.
On and on far into the night.
I have two of his 29ers still!!
rocked it bra on the pass, 2701s with mazollis,
Wyans and Stoli wow bra 79... the Butte
I am 5'9" and since my original post I also have a 29 specialized in my stable. The 2012 top bars were changed to allow for more clearance when dismounting. I have found that trail types determine what bike I like to ride..the more wide open the trial the better the 29 does. Unfortunately most trails in my area are tight and rooted, where the 26 shines. So choice is individual. Took me several months to figure this out.
it's the passion
he was here in aruba last week and i got my 2013 superfly signed by him, this dude has an epic mustache! he's pretty tall also
Ingredient hasn't been found yet. Miracle grow substitute for demo video.
2014 now, brands say they have research that shows 27,5'' is better than 29ers and, of course, 26''. But you know what? it's all marketing bullshit. A guy who rides a 26'' harder than you will still beat your ass even if you are using a 29er.
...but will that guy be even faster on a 29" wheel bike? That's the real question. Sure a ton is marketing BUT each wheel definitely has its own plusses and minuses. Smaller are better for big air, are stronger, weigh less and accelerate better , while large wheels maintain speed better, roll over objects easier and provide more traction. Pick what best suits your personal riding style and size.
schlooonginator Tests done with pros demonstrate that at best the 29er had an advantage of a few seconds in an around 15min ride. So, unless you are competing it really doesn't make a difference at all. It's a marketing ploy to make guys who are dropped believe they will do better with a bigger wheel. And now, low and behold, they say that it's wrong and what you want it a 27,5. Crap, i'll say that the feel of the bike is way more important the the wheel size. Your body size, the way you ride, will determine what is right for you. In then end, it doesn't really matter that much.
costa200 Absolutely, the feel of the bike is what should ultimately be the deciding factor not wheel size. I hear what you are saying. They saw the increase in sales with the change to 29" and low and behold, yet another, supposedly better, wheel size comes along to make people think they need the latest. All the while manufacturers are reaping the rewards. I'm just saying that the various wheels sizes can benefit someone who knows what they want and which wheel best suits their needs. For example, I love my new 29er hardtail. I cannot afford several bikes and don't drive so I must ride to the trails and it must perform some commuter purposes. I don't get air outside of hopping over roots etc and the wheel size has been a noticeable benefit for maintaining speed and riding over rocks and roots which are plentiful here in BC. My ride to the trail head would be more difficult as would riding down a dried out gully of large rocks on my old 26" bike.
It will be interesting to see how the whole thing settles. Will there be all 3 or just 2?
schlooonginator Yeah man that's it. It just annoys that whole "this is the new stuff that is 1000x better than the last fad...". Of course bigger wheels, or smaller wheels, have their purposes. And the future? Why stop at three? Why not 30''? Or 25''? I wouldn't put that behind them. But i've seen guys that bought 29ers complaining that there seems to be a shortage of some parts for those bikes. And that should concern people that bought such bikes. The 26'' was in business for so long that you have decades of manufactured parts even if you have to resort to 2nd hand material. It is somehow concerning that the 29ers seem to already be in the road to oblivion by several major brands. People should not be forced to buy discardable bikes. When i buy a new bike i want to last, at least until i decide to change, not to be forced into it due to lack of replacement parts.
Totally get what you are saying there. The industry does like to make something out as the greatest thing just to make a buck when , in fact, its not.
I am testing riding differents bikes that I am thinking about and I test road the Mamba in Blue. Its a pretty nice bike and it was my first time riding a 29er and I felt like I could go against anything with the 29 inch rims and the amazing shox.
29ers rock. Who needs tubless when you have big tyres that you can at 20psi with no problems
Twenty-six, 27.5, 29er, who cares? I ride them all and they are all fun to ride. Good to have choices.
No, my sales rep has one as well as well a customer of ours. Cant get them until march! So I settled for a Paragon, WOOT!
@lmbngtracer7975 I feel like I could ride either wheel size and be happy, but the marketing behind the 29" wheel thing really pisses me off. I still enjoy riding my 26" mountain bikes.
@SkodaMart a 29er isn't necessarily for big riders. Fisher makes 29ers for people as small as 5 foot. I'm 5'7 and I ride an x-cal. The point of a 29er is to speed you up with decreased rolling resistance.
honestly its all preference and riding style. I can ride 26 27.5 or 29 and i don't notice huge differences. if I'm racing xc ill probably go with a 29 or if I'm doing enduro or dh i might choose 27.5. 26 is slowly fading but i still like it for dirt jumps.
Shaddup....!
Can someone please take me through the decision process when choosing between a Fuel EX, a Superfly, and a Rumblefish.
It would be most appreciated if someone could think aloud how they would define their anticipated use, and use this to then assess each bike model's pros and cons thereby leading to an informed choice.
Where does each bike design excel?
Which bike design offers the most versatility?
What is each bike design's weakest attribute?
Thanks!!!
sounds like the real issue is people are having a hard time letting go of the 26" rim because change is scary. why would bicyclists assume this was a huge mistake and all of it is because money is the driving force in this issue. didnt you hear and see gary's face light up? it wasnt money that did that. it was an experience. buy both, shit, buy all three 26" 27.5 and 29er. the 29 kicks so much ass in a lot of ways.
Are there any setbacks on a 29er cause I am really thinking about getting one?
Super Fly Forever!
Do you have to get new wheels or replace them a lot?
I wonder if there have been studies done that break down the height of the rider vs like the 29er. I tried to get fitted for a 29er and the top tube was just too high even in a small. I am 5' 9"
yeah i have a rockhopper 29er and a stumpy fsr 26" and only use the stumpy for the rough stuff(hardly ever) most of the time i ride cross country trails and the 29er is great over it
@RBK855 okay, I stand corrected. I guess it's just an opinion thing. I'd always ridden 26ers, then I bought an x-cal, and I don't think I'll ever go back.
I am waiting for delivery of a 2011 Trek/Fisher Cobia 29er
.....PSYCHED .....to have a second year Trek Sawyer, 29erthat he designed,,,,,,I have had it since 2013......
What do you guys think about these three bikes? I trying to get a good bike for weekend riding
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc 29 2010 Black - $829.99
Gary Fisher 2010
Mamba $929.99
Diamondback Recoil Comp 2010 $874.99
hahaha. gotta love the wisdom of youtube commenters. lol
how tall are you? i am 5'3" and would like to build a 29er one day. i know riders like emily batty ride 29ers and she is my height.
and his hat
I'm a 27.5. Only 6'1
IMHO: Gary Fisher bikes handle quite well. Get an alloy Paragon 29er built before Trek took over. The best 26er will never get the trail speed of a 29er. I'm only 5'8", my girl is 5'0" and we both climb and bomb descents better on our 29ers. Plus, the bike just accelerates so much more easily. I like my custom-built Columbus EL 26er, but it still doesn't compare to the big wheel advantage.
A 29er is a must for someone of my height (6'2"). My first bike was a 26er and I felt like I was on a circus bike.
After 4 years of riding xcal6,i can say big wheel is okay,but every time i sit on my old trek 4300 disc and my sister 27.5 haibike,i'm amased how much faster small wheels accelarate !!! So i may return to smaller.... I'm 186 cm tall
@waspirate That "gezzer" invented the mountain bike.
I'd say 29ers were great too, if a huge bicycle manufacturer paid me a couple of million.....
surely 29er makes sense if you are over 6 ft tall?
why's he wearing couch upholstery?
@lmbngtracer7975 I own two of them. They're fun and all and they have their place, but they're -not- anything better than a 26" wheel MTB.
Funny that Gary talks about his company having more resouces than smaller companies to build bikes. Gary's first 29'ers were made by WTB. His own company wouldnt make him a bike.
weight, cost, limited selection of wheels.
Once you ride a 29er it is hard to go back down. That is all I ride now,
abso-fucking-lutely.
@:40 seconds "Ignatz Schwinn" - love that. Fisher's comments in this vid are much appreciated - I am assuming he is being honest rather trying to sell more bikes by convincing cyclists they must go out and buy 29ers. I figured sold his interest in his name brand - and he did - but he appears to have a new deal going to sell bikes w/ his name so dunno how unbiased he is:
See this where Gary promotes his new(er) signature line:
v=IevGwwCdD-8
"Fisher sold his company in 1991 to Taiwan's Anlen company, staying on as President. In 1992, Howie Cohen, who had previously imported Nishiki, Azuki and Kuwahara bicycles, assisted Gary Fisher with his brand, 18 months later brokering the acquisition of Fisher by Trek Bicycle Corporation.
On June 16, 2010, Trek Bicycle Corporation announced "the Gary Fisher Collection, a line of Trek bikes that will replace the standalone Gary Fisher brand"."
29 is good for riders like me (5'10") and more
.. 26 was great.. 27 1/2..haven't tried..and 29 is good..
but it's crap for shorter people.. and women..real too high
this 29 inch thing is the BEST way to keep women off this sport..
My experience. Really fast guys with lots of skill will go the 26" because it is more light/nimble and they would not declare a benefit of the 29er. The rest of us, mere mortals who are not the cream will gain heaps from using a 29er, and enjoy the ride a whole lot more as well.
29ers hold speed better in the transition to the climb, less concentration required, lines can be sloppy, the climbing is easier as the toque is sweeter for managing the bumps. I ride the Giant X0 2012, happy as. :)
@RBK855 go ride a 29er, then say that. I doubt you've ever even ridden one.
Doesn't make sense, I am 5'10" and ride a M Giant 29er X0. You should be able to get onto an M or S of most brands. Try again, get another make and give it a go
One of... don't forget Joe Breeze and company. Don't believe the hype.
@ybyainc "realatively superior" isn't superior to everyone.
@blah666ful
Ever watch a Danny MacAskill video? Highly skilled riders have more options than that.
Being proud of rolling obstacles is like being proud of riding the short bus to school.
Och aye! 24” bike too. I’ll be sticking with my 26”ers. I laugh every time I see a kid struggling to ride a wagon wheeler that’s obviously way too big. Sure, if your six foot plus, knock your self out or your 29er It’s an extra 3 inches to fall.
Bye tha noo!
Marketing b.s. I've ridden 26 inch Gary fishers for years and am still faster than everyone else.
jny78 same my Joshua x1 flies by my friends
12 years on various 29ers and I just think your ignorant AF.
oh thats nice story. Now make a Gary Fisher 29er that the average Joe can afford and i'll be impressed and support what youre blabbing about.
It came from Germany.... Everything came from Germany!
I thinks that guy is too old for bikes
Yeah, because old Gaz here invented the fucking bike! Where are his bikes now? Yeah, that's right bitch, no where!
29ers turn like shit. 27.5 is the best.
can it yah hippies.
there is no need for 29" friggin wheels
dont need suspension, get a life