and for something completely different

I have made several references to a bike as “29er.” I will take out a blog entry to give a brief explanation of what it is.
The common mountain bike that everyone is use to has 26 inch diameter tires. The 29er uses a tire closer in size to what the typical road bike uses. This distance accounts for a 1 ½ inch rise in the bike height.
This distance would seem like much, but when riding over areas that you were use to on a 26er now seems much more different. The extra height allows for easier rolling over logs and other obstacles. It also delivers much lesser rolling resistance.
The 29er is not with out its critics. Many sight the extra weight as big draw back in using the 29 inch tires. They also say the 29er lacks responsive handling and maneuvering. The 29er requires special sized frame and front fork to accommodate the larger tires. It also requires a larger tire, tube, and rim. The availability of these special size components can end at a moments notice. This would be the biggest draw back of having a 29er.
I have been able to take a 29er out for a spin from Trail House in Winona Lake, service not provided from the web bike shops and one not offered from Summit Bikes. So far I have been avoiding purchasing a 29er, but I think my next bike will be a 29er.

29er explained
Q&A for 29er
More info on 29er
Niner Bikes