Abstract
This study examined the energy expenditure during mountain bike trail rides on a 26-inch wheel (26er) compared to a 29-inch wheel (29er). Thirteen experienced bikers (four women, nine men, age=33.0±10.1 yrs), completed similar 6.7km trail rides on a 26er and 29er. GPS was used to measure distance and speed during each ride. Energy expenditure was determined by measuring oxygen consumption. Compared to the 26er, the 29er rides took less total time (24.2±3.2 vs. 25.5±3.5 minutes, p=0.015), hence faster speeds (4.7±0.6 vs. 4.4±0.6 m•s-1, p=0.022), lower average heart rates (155.0±19.2 vs. 162.2±16.8 bpm, p=0.047), and lower total calories (263.3±34.3 vs. 290.7± 36.9 kcals, p=0.001). Work rates represented by the rate of oxygen consumption (ml O2•min-1, p=0.65) were not different. At similar work rates, riders apparently gained a mechanical advantage on the 29ers allowing for 5% lower riding times and heart-rates, 6.8% faster speeds, and a 9.4% reduction in the total caloric expenditure for a standardized trail ride.
Highlights
Mountain bikes with 26-inch diameter wheels (26er or 559mm ISO) were the industry standard for decades
This study examined the energy expenditure during mountain bike trail rides on a 26-inch wheel (26er) compared to a 29-inch wheel (29er)
The purpose of the present study was to determine if the larger 29-inch wheel size had an impact on the energy expenditure and speed during a standardized 6.7km mountain bike ride compared to 26-inch wheels for recreational rides under a self-selected submaximal pace for a 6.7km course
Summary
Mountain bikes with 26-inch diameter wheels (26er or 559mm ISO) were the industry standard for decades. Mountain bikes with larger circumference and fatter wheels have gained popularity. One of the most common modifications is alterations in wheel diameter or size. Bikes with 29-inch diameter wheels (29er or 622mm ISO) are very common. In countries where the metric system is the standard for weights and measures, the terms for mountain biking wheel diameter is still often reported in inches and is well understood. The terms 26er and 29er to describe wheel diameter will be used throughout this report
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