First off, KUDOS for your win in Tahoe and good luck in Maui!

My question is, are any Pro's riding 29ers? I noticed your riding the Orbea carbon, this comes in a 29er, are you riding one or have you considered it?

Thanks Girl and again good job

Tim

I do know that Jim Vance is riding a 29er. In fact it was a fully rigid 29er until Alabama, then he put a suspension fork on the bike. I thought Mike Vine was going to ride a 29er this year, but I think his deal with Rocky Mountain pushed him over to a full suspension 26" rig. Anyone else Mel?

OK, I was hoping to get someone from Orbea to answer this one because I personally have not ridden a 29er.

I know Melissa Thomas has one and has had a great race in Maui on it. She loves hers. And yes, Orbea does have a wicked carbon 29er of the Alma. Given that the Alma was the bike I won on last year, it seems that if you can handle the big wheels that would be a good combination.

I would not advise a rigid 29er for anyone. Jim did nothing but break his bike trying to ride rigid at Temecula and Alabama. I think he got his suspension fork by Richmond. So hardtail 29er with front suspension good... rigid, not so much.

Again, I have very little experience with the 29er to date and it is not widespread in the racing field right now. That does not mean they are not fast... it just means that some of us racers, myself included, have not spent enough time on a 29er to be sold yet for the season. Hopefully this offseason I will have some time to play on one.

Ciao, m