bike

mountain bikes
Lately theres been no mountain bike debate more divisive than wheel size: 26-inch versus 29-inch. This year the flames get even bigger with the advent of midsize 650B wheels (or 27.5 or 27, depending on who you ask). At our bike test, some 29er fans loved the 650B; others were unmoved. Small riders seemed to favor the midsize, but a few of our tiniest testers preferred 29ers. We took on the subject quantitatively a few weeks later, and our conclusion was that the performance differences are smaller than you might expect. Suspension design, accessories like dropper seatposts, and basic bike fit are all just as important as wheel size. Incidentally, though, this is the first year a 26er didnt make the final cut, even though we tested a half-dozen of them. BY AARON GULLEY

Gear of the Year

Niner Rip 9 RDO $6,869 The sculpted carbon tubing, the color-matched fork, and the blinged-out red hardware accentsevery detail on this 5.1-inch trail bike screams quality. You feel it in the ride, too. The Fox CTD shock provides killer traction and a surprisingly firm platform when climbing and a totally secure feel bombing even the chunkiest rock gardens. Niner, as its name implies, is one of the longest-running purveyors of 29-inch wheels, and the Rip 9 RDO is extremely well balanced and stable but also nimble and quick. The new SRAM XX1 drivetrain, which eliminates the front derailleur by putting 11 cogs out back (including an bereasy 42-tooth ring), is a brilliant simplification. Plush. Sweet. Awesome. Beauty. Ultimate heaven, one tester gushed. And he wasnt exaggerating. 26.4 lbs; ninerbikes.com CLIMBING: 4.5 /DESCENDING: 5

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OUTSIDE BUYERS GUIDE 2013