Anyone ride a 29er?

[Colby]

Just picked up an 09 Diamondback overdrive from my buddy. I am trying to decide what would be the cheapest route as far as wheels, brakes, and derailliuer I should buy? The bike was complete other than those things. Frame has only been used a couple of times by a guy who was too small for it. Any recommendations are welcome, and please post some pics and info on your 29er!

 

[jsowens]

Based on the specs I saw, I assume the bike has the Shimano Alivio rear derailleur and the mechanical Hayes disc brakes? For the derailleur, you could step up to something like a Deore, or even SLX if you have the extra cash. For the brakes, it depends on if you want mechanical discs or hydraulic. If you want mechanicals, go for Avid BB5's or BB7's...and for hydraulics, you could get a set of Shimano m505's or Avid juicy's. The cheaper route would be the mechanicals and a Deore or lower derailleur.

 

[Colby]

Thanks! I should have mentioned I only bought the frame, forks, bars, seat and the crank. I need everything else lol. I will definitely be looking into mechanical disks

 

[47willysbuggy]

Go with sram drivetrain over shimano, everything ive ever owned shimano has failed now i dont even bother, i have like 4 brand new complete xt drivetrains i refuse to even use

 

[Colby]

I've had luck with shimano on my down hill bike. Would you like to get rid of one of those xt's? 8)

 

[jason]

I have this 29er

Frame: Scale alloy 6061
Fork: Rock Shox Recon Gold TK Solo Air
Group set: Shimano XT / SLX
Brakes: Avid Elixir 3 disc
Wheels: Scott Comp / Shimano FH-M529 hubs, DT Swiss 485d rims

and I just picked up this DH

 

[Colby]

Love that 29 Jason! Is there a big difference in running straight bars versus bent bars? I have a set of answer bent And straight bars for my 29. I guess its all in feel and preference?

 

[OSRC]

Have an Overdrive as well, just got it this summer. 29'ers are nice! You won't miss the stock components, I'm not a fan of the SRAM's ergonomics, though they seem to work well. This is my first Diamondback as well, I've owned mostly Treks, Haro's and GT's. Love it so far.

 

[72Blazer]

Stay away from Avid Elixer hydros.THey have a problem with vibtation on 29ers.Search MTBR.com and you will see.I have them and ABSOLUTELY hate them.Can't get rid of the vibration no matter what.Tried new pad compound,different brand pads,3 different type of rotors and all the tips given to me.
BB7 mechanicals would be the way to go on the cheap.I've heard the new XT trail brakes are nice.
Stans Crest is a nice wheelset and is on my wishlist or Stans Flows if you are a bit heavier or ride real hard.
Iv'e always had good luck with Shimano derailiuers,currently have XTR on a 3x10 set up.I use a 11-34 cassette and it works well here in Florida.May go to a 20t small chainring at some point.
Have FUN! 29ers are a blast!

 

[Colby]

Have an Overdrive as well, just got it this summer. 29'ers are nice! You won't miss the stock components, I'm not a fan of the SRAM's ergonomics, though they seem to work well. This is my first Diamondback as well, I've owned mostly Treks, Haro's and GT's. Love it so far.

Well, I never had the stock components, so I guess it's safe to say I won't miss my 26. This is also my first DB. I own a kona stinky downhill and a giant rincon. I love my stinky but that's just for being dumb and jumping off chit.

Stay away from Avid Elixer hydros.THey have a problem with vibtation on 29ers.Search MTBR.com and you will see.I have them and ABSOLUTELY hate them.Can't get rid of the vibration no matter what.Tried new pad compound,different brand pads,3 different type of rotors and all the tips given to me.
BB7 mechanicals would be the way to go on the cheap.I've heard the new XT trail brakes are nice.
Stans Crest is a nice wheelset and is on my wishlist or Stans Flows if you are a bit heavier or ride real hard.
Iv'e always had good luck with Shimano derailiuers,currently have XTR on a 3x10 set up.I use a 11-34 cassette and it works well here in Florida.May go to a 20t small chainring at some point.
Have FUN! 29ers are a blast!

Thanks for the great input! A buddy of mine actually just told me the same thing about the AVIDs. I guess I won't be using those. I haven't done any research on wheels but I appreciate the help!! "thumbsup"

 

[vonclod]

Go with sram drivetrain over shimano, everything ive ever owned shimano has failed now i dont even bother, i have like 4 brand new complete xt drivetrains i refuse to even use

yup i have 2 bikes with sram shifters/derailers"thumbsup" and they are hard to beat..as for brakes you could easily do front and rear hydraulics for about or under 200 bux..i would go with avid juicy,s all mine work quite well..if you do the mech go with bb7s
i havent got a 29er yet but it will be my next bike purchase"thumbsup"
what forks are you running?

 

[Colby]

yup i have 2 bikes with sram shifters/derailers"thumbsup" and they are hard to beat..as for brakes you could easily do front and rear hydraulics for about or under 200 bux..i would go with avid juicy,s all mine work quite well..if you do the mech go with bb7s
i havent got a 29er yet but it will be my next bike purchase"thumbsup"
what forks are you running?

I'm liking the mechanical bb7's, only tme will tell which I actually get. I have a set of avoids on my downhill bike and they are pretty sweet.

I am running the dart 3 rock shox the bike comes stock with.