I have a 26" with 5" cranks. It's nice for touring, but i still have
trouble keeping up with people on rollerblades. I can free mount it
fine now, but when i first got it, it took some getting used to. I'm
sure that a 29" would be near impossible for you, until you can mount a
20" easily and consistently. Riding the bigger wheels don't take any
special skills though, just getting used to. Although, i've read that
28"-36" require more of a rolling mount to get up on them.
Smaller cranks mean that you can go faster, since your feet have a
shorter distance to travel per wheel revolution. So, yes, smaller
cranks are preferred for touring (speed or distance). But, it also
means that you have to pedal that much harder in order to get the same
amount of force to the relatively bigger wheel. According to that, it
would seem that climbing hills would be harder, but i don't even notice
the difference between my 20" and my 26" on hills. 26" wheels gain a
lot more angular momentum though, so maybe the momentum is helping me to
climb the hills without me knowing. I guess i haven't really tried any
serious hills though.
I haven't fallen off my 26" before. When you're only touring, there
aren't really any excuses for bailing.
I like the ride a lot more on my 26", because it's so smooth, but i
don't use it a lot, since i'm more into street (20") riding.
I bought my 26" instead of a 28" because i live downtown and ride on
crowded sidewalks all the time. With bigger wheels, it's harder to
start, stop, and turn on a dime, so it's best for me. If you are want
to rip and are in the country, then maybe you'd want to get a 28" or
29". You probably won't even notice the difference between a 28 and a
29, so just base your decision on the rest of the uni (price, brand,
etc.).
One cool thing about riding bigger wheels is that you are that much
higher above the ground. It feels like you are driving a big rig, sort
of - makes you feel a bit macho. Haha! Try it. You'll like it, i'm
sure.
--
hecklar - Slightly-skilled Unicyclist
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