29, Single, and Rigid

29, Single, and Rigid. No, this isn't about a single 29 year old porn star. It's about a bike. Not just any bike though. It's about a fully rigid single speed 29er, a Walt Works to be exact. Last night (20-Nov-09) was my first experience on one and I must say, I'm in love. After cracking my Paragon frame I've been in need of a loaner until the replacement frame comes in. I've been itching to take a single speed 29er for a spin and fortunately there are enough single speed 29er advocates out there that I was able to secure one for a ride.

The bike was custom made for a guy who is about the same height as me but weighs more than I. Needless to say there wasn't a lot of  shock absorption with my weight bearing down on the rigid fork. Also contributing to the ultra bumpy ride was the tire pressure. I didn't even think to check it until we were about half way though the ride. It was WAY to high for me. Yet another reminder that the bike belongs to someone a bit heavier than I am. It seemed to be a pretty slow turning bike too. I'm not sure if that's just they way it was designed or if it was just me getting used to a different geometry.

Despite the fact that the ride beat the crap out of me I had a great time. I'm definitely more interested in getting a single speed 29er. However, I have yet to decide weather to go fully rigid or not.  

(I have to give credit to treadlight for the title of this post. I stole it from his SWAMP forum signature. Sorry TL but it was so fitting!)