BIG wheels.

Still lots to do in preparation for those twins, but Stacey and I had a “babymoon” planned for Sedona Arizona. What a cool place. I’ll post more, but I wanted to get this ride report up (since my posts have been few lately).

Rented a brand new Kona Unit 2-9 (SingleSpeed 29er) from the Bike and Bean for a few hours while Stacey was getting pampered at the spa. I’ve been wanting to ride on big wheels for a while now and I loved it. They had it set up with a 32X20 gear ratio, Rock Shox Reba, 2.1 Maxxis Ignitors, Sun Tour CR18 wheels, Avid base level brakes, etc.

There are over 200 miles of trails in Sedona, I was on the south end. It was a lot of rolling hills and rocky, technical climbs – very similar to Moab. The 29er handled everything well, especially the loose turns and gradual climbs. Big wheels roll a lot better and I never even noticed I was on an SS. The rims were a bit squishy and I suffered on quick ups that I didn’t know were coming (e.g. turn a corner, hello technical 15% incline). But if I knew the trails I think it would have excelled.

About half way in I noticed the front shock lost air. As I was out for the day, I didn’t bother to return the bike, I just rode it rigid like it was 1996 or something. Back at the shop the gents told me the Reba only had two rides on it, then they decided I didn’t need to pay. Nice guys. What up Rock Shox?

So, I’m a believer and I have to say that a custom steel 29er is certainly in my future. Albeit probably a good year or two away.

Hope all is well, friends. For those who know Paolo Urizar from xXx Racing, he is now a proud papa. Nice work, pally.