Changing mountain bike technology

There are two elements that have changed in all-mountain bikes over the past decade (the last time we purchased the “latest” model).

One is the size of the wheels that are going from 26 to 29' and the other is the adoption of hydraulic disc brakes. First, in terms of wheel size, the 29ers, as they are called, offer better momentum once rolling, meaning more progress for less effort and faster rolling.

They also allow for better traction and control when climbing or cornering and finally their higher “attack angle,” allows them to roll over trail obstacles with less impact, reducing perhaps the risk for flying over the handlebar. fatigue and smoothing out the trail. Their downside is probably less nimbleness in tight turns and some added weight.

Next, let's cover the new hydraulic disc brakes; for one thing, they're much easier on the fingers as they require less pressure, their modulation is better and are less affected by rain if you get caught in a sudden storm. They just require bleeding once a year, which is not so bad if you know how to do it.

Without wanting to predict the future, I can see the next generation of mountain-bikes offering ABS brakes and stability control, but of course, as naysayer often say, “time will tell...”