Bystickel's 29er design is a complete rethinking of the big-wheeled concept. Almost 6 years ago, when I was introduced to 29er, I was half-impressed. I enjoyed the ride and the high-speed stability of the wheels, but was dissatisfied with the sluggish feel, heavy front end, and sleepy low-speed handling. I wanted to know why this bike felt so slow compared to my heavier 26” bike and I learned that it wasn't the wheels...

Current and past 29ers have disproportionately long chainstays. These bias the rider's weight too far forward and compromise the bike's handling balance. They're made this way because the tire, chainstay, chainrings, and front derailleur are all fighting for space. Rather than take the time and expense to develop a solution, these manufacturers took the easy way out, making the stays longer.

The result is a long bike that lost it's maneuverability. Attempts to regain that quickness solely through front-end geometry lead to a bike that's nervous at speed or endo-prone. No matter what you do to the front end, long stays still make for a heavy feel and slow acceleration. Sure, one can get used to the sluggish feel, but why? They make the bike difficult to wheelie and manual -two essential moves for serious technical riding, and prevent you from realizing the full climbing potential and sheer grip that 29er tires offer.

With short stays, and the balanced handling restored, you can take full advantage of ALL of the benefits of the big wheels, without compromise. ByStickel 29ers feel light and quick, uphill and down, in a straight line and while turning. In addition to the smooth ride, lower rolling resistance, high-speed stability, and traction, they offer nimble low-to-medium-speed handling, additional rear wheel traction, eager climbing, and the ability to wheelie, manual, and hop the bike normally. It's a night and day difference. And I have learned from experience that short-chainstay 29ers are not unstable at speed; it's a myth.

Whether you're a techy-terrain guru or a legs and lungs climber, you will benefit from a ByStickel 29er. Since each one is custom, they can be built for any rider, any terrain, and any riding style. They can be ultra-quick or semi-truck stable, whatever you choose. Building them this way takes more time and effort, but for the perfect ride, it's worth it.