Fads and trends are commonplace in the bike world. Innovations can get ridiculed, and sometimes even overlooked. Luckily, the 29er revolution is here to stay—and for good reason.
There’s no denying the rock crawling, root crushing power of a larger wheel. Making the largest of obstacles the smallest of matters is a defining trait of these muddy beasts. By offering decreased rolling resistance, increased traction when cornering and improved ground clearance, one ride upon one of these massive behemoths is sure to sway even the staunchest skeptic.
Benefits of a 29” Wheel
- Angle of Attack – Larger wheels decrease your angle of attack by allowing you to roll over obstacles easier and faster. Bigger wheel = smaller obstacle.
- Momentum – A larger wheel enables one to carry momentum easier though obstacles.
- Surface Contact – 29”wheels are less prone to sinking in soft material such as sand and mud due to the larger contact patch causing lower ground pressure. The longer contact patch increases cornering and straight line traction
- Stability – The relative position of the bottom bracket/cranks to the axles in the wheels also means that your relative center of gravity is lower. This results in a feeling of riding “in” the bike rather than on top of it.
- Tire Clearance – with more tire choices than any platform, the 29”wheel easily accommodates off road as well as commuting tires.
- Taller Riders – 29" bikes tend to offer taller riders a more “natural” frame geometry.
The Diamondback Overdrive Pro is firmly in the group at the top of the 29er pile. The newly revised 6061-T6 Aluminum Overdrive series brings newly formed top and down tubes, a 1.5” tapered machined headtube, and forged drop outs with a replaceable derailleur hanger. The matte black of the frame lets you know that you’re dealing with a no-nonsense machine: this is simply made to go fast!
The geometry of all the Overdrives is dang near perfect, if we do say so ourselves. The gently sloping top tube provides ample standover clearance. A 71° head tube angle and a 73° seat tube angle create the perfect XC/trail geometry. The 390mm (15.4 inch) chainstays equate to an extremely snappy rig and the ability to easily get the front wheel off the ground – something that not all 29ers can claim.
The all new Fox 32 Float CTD 29" gives you 100mm of open bath buttery travel. It also features rebound and lock out, a QR15 thru axle, a butted alloy steerer, and 32mm aluminum stanchions. The Shimano SLX front and XT Shadow Plus rear derailleur combine with SLX shifters to make the going easy, while the Shimano FCM552 Dyna-Sys 10spd Crankset with Shimano outboard bearing bottom bracket and replaceable rings 24/32/42t will give you all of the power you need to make it up and/or down any hill. When you’re bombing down, you’ll definitely appreciate the Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes (w/ 180mm front / 160mm rear rotors ) as they will make stopping a breeze.
Add in Weinmann SL-7 M-Series double wall rims with aggressive WTB Wolverine Comp tires and you can ride this bike over pretty much anything with supreme confidence. CNC’d Wellgo pedals and Diamondback signature alloy handlebars, stem, post and Race M-series saddle w/tubular cromo rails round out this package.
The Overdrive Pro comes in 4 sizes: 16", 18", 20" & 22" and is black.
The 2013 Overdrive Pro is the emperor of the Overdrive series. If it’s just too much bike for you, there are three other models to choose from—there’s a 29er out there with your name (and your favorite trail’s) name on it!