Ce commentaire vient d’un utilisateur qui roule depuis longetemps en vtt, et qui a un bon niveau. Il c’est monté un très beau vélo typé marathon, sur la base d’un Lenz sport Leviathan monté avec des jolis composants légers. Ce compte rendu est d’autant plus intéressant que le pilote dispose dans sa propriété d’un parcours de référence qu’il connait comme sa poche et qui lui permet de comparer efficacement différents vélos.

Random observations from a 29er newbie... I’ve been on Levi for about a month now and have logged in quite a few miles and hours. In no particular order here are some thoughts on my experiences :

1. Yep, they roll good — in fact they roll real good. I’ve got one section with a long drop and then an immediate short steep uphill with a switchback at the top. On my 26er’s even having hit the drop hard I have to pedal a little to clear the very top of the rise. On the 29er I hit the top so hard I have to scrub off a little speed for the switchback. This is on my homestead trails that I’ve ridden for 10 years - the difference is big.

2. Yep, they fly over the roots and rock gardens — no doubt. The 3" travel on the Levi feels like the 4.25" on my 26er. Little V ditches are so easy it’s hard to describe — almost like cheating.

3. For me, I’m going to have to learn some new lines through very tight twisty stuff...I’m just not as agile in some sections but that’s likely having to get used to the longer WB.

4. Anywhere I can readily keep up my momentum I’m faster on Levi — be it the flats or technical climbs.

5. The jury is still out regarding longer buff fireroad type climbs — I feel a bit sluggish on them but I have about as light a wheel/tire combo that you can get (AM Classic/Ignitors/Stans). Also, closing small gaps is not something I want to repeatedly do on this bike in a race. Get the big mo up and keep it.

6. I’m having a little trouble adjusting to the change in gearing. I’d been running a 2x9 for a good while on the 26er (42t/29t) and had gotten real used to staying in the 29t for most all of my races. Now with the 29t on Levi that just will not work and I’m having to shift to the granny to maintain my cadence and momentum on some climbs. I’m having to adjust to shifting and anticipating the shift — guess I’ll adapt but then it’ll be wierd riding the 26er. Man, do I wish the 94mm pattern would allow for a 26t middle ring. My skinny ole butt would be in hog heaven.

7. I have no issues with the weight other than the tires and have had zip problems with my Stans/Ignitors after 150+ miles and a good dose of rock gardens and roots.