Terry Martin, Action photo
The June 2006 issue features a Cheat Legally story about NoTubes ZTR-74 cmer 355 wheelset. This wheelset was named Cheat Legally because of the incredible performance difference between the Gary Fisher Paragons stock and NoTubes.
It’s amazing! It also features a 26 wheel versus 29 wheel « Is Bigger Really Better » shootout. It compares the elapsed times of the 29er Gary Fisher Paragons and the 26er. After each test was completed, we sent the MBA Wrecking Crew out again on the 29er Paragon equipped with the NoTubes ZTR 355 wheelset and The Crow tires. These are the results.
WHEEL SHOOTOUT ELPED TIMES
1/10-MILE ACCELERATION: 25.826sec28.695sec26.782sec
1/4-MILE HILLCLIMB: 2 min. 19.014 sec2 min. 30.961 sec2 min. 26.617 sec
1-1/4 MILE Cross-Country: 8 min. 19.243 sec9 min. 15.938 sec8 min. 56.833 sec.
1/10-MILE DOWNHILL COAST 29.69829.605 sec29.780 Sec
WHEEL SHOOTOUT AVERAGE MPH
1/10-MILE ACCELERATION: 22 km/h20 km/h13.442
1/4-MILE HILLCLIMB: 10 km/h10 km/h10 km/h
1-1/4 MILE COUNTRY: 15 km/h13km/h13km/h
1/10-MILE DOWNHILL COAST 12.12220 km/h19km/h
Coast testing was done in the 26 versus 29, 29 and 29 shootouts. The 29er felt faster when you stopped pedaling. We speculated that the bump-erasing properties of larger hoops could be responsible for the feeling that you’re moving faster, as the results were very close. The results were close enough to wrap a blanket around. This contest was won by the Paragons stock Bontrager 29, wheelset because the heavier rotating mass helped the bike gain a little more speed.
NOUBLES WEIGHTS
The ZTR 74 cmer 355 shaved 15 kg of the 29er Paragon. Here’s how much:
ZTR 74 cmer 355 Rim400 Grams
American Classic front hub113g
American Classic rear hub227 grams
Front wheel1 pound grams
Rear wheel1 pound 349g
The Crow tire1 pound, 57 grams
NoTubes aluminium brake rotor60g
1/4 cup NoTubes sealant60 Grams
Complete rolling wheelset3kg 306 grams
The total weight of the rolling wheelset also includes Ritchey Ti Skewers as well as a Ti XTR11-34 cogset. We rounded the June 2006 issue’s figure to 3 kg 312g. Because we are mountain bikers, we use pounds and ounces.
29 THOUGHTS
After experiencing NoTubes wheelset, you will realize the potential of 29 wheels. These 29-inch wheels are so light that the bike can pedal and jump over all obstacles. Rear suspension is not required. Fork travel of more than 8 cm is unnecessary. Cross-country riding is much easier with the wheels feeling faster. The larger tire diameter allows for more air to be contained in the casing, which makes it easier to handle low tire pressure. A 74 cm increase in tire contact length increases The Crow’s cornering and climbing traction. This is in addition to the 20 psi tubeless semi-slick tires. As your starting pressure, use 20 psi.
This same performance increase is seen with the standard NoTubes ZTR355 wheelset in 66 cm with NoTubes The Crow rubber tires. The NoTubes tires and wheels are lighter than any other size. They are the only tubeless ready tires and wheels available.
All other 29-wheel products are too heavy, except for the Kenda Karma DTC (74 cm) and American Classic MTB350 wheelset (350mm). It’s because of the rotating weight of these products that the 29 movement is kept grounded.
FINAL THINK
Riders less than 525 cm are not tall enough for 29-wheel riding. The larger rear wheel requires longer stays. You will never be able to lift steep climbs without putting enough weight on your back, especially in and out of the saddle.
The 29-inch wheel size is a good option for those riders who are too tall or small to fit on a medium frame.
