sorry 31 years look up Geoff Apps .

Did you guys know that 29ers have been around for 40 years?

probably join in a big drunken fight as the inventor of the safety bicycle was a Scottish bloke that ran over a child while riding under the influence. and I kid you not .

just take your chain off lol

For the "29er have higher COG" guys........ actually they don't . The COG is in fact lower on a 29er as the bb shell sits lower between the hubs , think double decker bus . higher than a normal bus but has a lower COG

Actually when the MTB was first designed (by Geoff apps in 1960's) he was using 29er wheels . He even sent some over to Gary Fisher , but due to the fact that Nokia who made the tyres were not supplying the USA at the time Garry pumped for 26inch . The US ATB took off where as Geoff's Bike company was always going to be a backyard garage affair . Garry Fisher wanted to make 29ers since the very beginning . So the only reason for not having 29ers was the US market couldn't get the tyres simple as . I've ridden a few 29ers and found some to be better handling than some DJ bikes on tight terrain . As regards the COG on a 29er it is infact lower , as the BB sits lower in relation to the hubs so you get better stability in corners . I really do think 29ers will be the future even in DH .