Eleven years ago, I purchased my first new mountain bike. That Rockhopper hardtail continues to serve up my weekly singletrack fix, a single speed conversion the only real modification on it. As much as I love my Rockhopper, the roots and rocks of southeastern Massachusetts have had me contemplating the 29er revolution, and Iʼve been dying to try one out.
Thanks to Spark BRS, I got to demo a big wheeled marvel last weekend. Mikeʼs 29er test bikes came in last week, and I was first in line. I would have preferred a hardtail 29er demo, if only to isolate the benefits of the wheel size, but this bike proved it really is time for Chris to pony up for a new bike. And beggars canʼt be choosers.
The Specialized Camber Elite 29er full suspension represents a quantum leap in mountain bike technology from my old hardtail. Along with the other “trail” class Stumpjumper FSR, the Specialized Camber claims a “trail-tuned suspension” and “balanced geometry” to allow for a wide variety of trail riding. I agree. Combined with the 29 inch wheels, this bike climbed like a champion and descended like a marble on a steel track. Even the rootenist, tootenist, rockiest descents in the park transformed into bomber autobahn, the combination of the full suspension and bigger wheels really smooths things out. My Rockhopper comes in at around 24 pounds, and the Camber– Iʼm guessing–comes in a few pounds north of 30. I think the bikeʼs additional weight lends itself nicely to fast descents, both for inertia and stability. But as much as I loved that aspect, I would still be willing to wrestle my bike a bit more on the downhill in exchange for a nimbler feel on the climbs.
Honestly, I nitpick a bit with the weight issue. The bike climbed wonderfully, wet leaves were to blame on the hills I failed to complete, and no bike will fight that. Cruising along the flatter sections further proves the benefit of the bigger wheels. I did notice one thing about the larger diameter: getting up to speed requires a bit more effort. I had read about this phenomenon, and I discovered it right off. While this difference may require some small adjustment in shifting technique, I also discovered a silver lining here. This force also translates to more momentum once under way. You will have to try one out to get a feel for how this may impact your riding, but for me it would only serve to improve my technical riding (much like single speed riding does).
Yet the question remains, why did I enjoy riding this bike so much? Was it the full suspension travel, coupled with a modern front fork with its own 100mm of travel? Or was it the 29 inch wheel diameter with the improved terrain tackling ability that comes with it? Alas, I may never know, but I suspect the bike really brought me tons of trail riding enjoyment thanks to the wonderful combination of both. As a hardtail holdout, I like to think the tires provided all the enjoyment, but I know I cannot ignore the suspension.
But there is one thing I can be sure of, I can see a new 29er in my future. The very near future.
–Chris
Spark Bike Run Sports in East Taunton, MA has Specialized Camber Elite 29er Test Bikes in stock now for local Raynham, Taunton, Lakeville, Middleboro, Easton, Berkley, Assonet and Freetown residents to ride. Stop in and check out Southeastern Massachusett’s newest Bike, Run and Swim shop, located on Route 44 next to Joe’s Gas and Honey Dew Donuts just a few miles from the Middleboro Rotary.
