User Guide

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on a soft surface (Bicycling Science, 1982).
A 35% increase in tire width only decreases
rolling resistance by 10%.
29 inch: The future
Like with any bicycle design, there are
compromises. Larger wheels are not as
stiff as smaller wheels. To maintain similar
strength to their smaller counterparts, they
are also somewhat heavier. Weight and rigid-
ity are two ways to effect the overall efficien-
cy of a bicycle. But they aren’t the only two
ways. Suspension, in the form of heavy, flex-
ible suspension forks, has proven itself to be
a compromise worth making. For many big-
ger riders, the smoother ride and increased
stability of 29ers will also enhance their rid-
ing.
Throughout our development of this new
wheel standard, we have made every effort
to base our decisions on the best science.
Gary himself did a long-running test where
he compared his heart rate and times over
the same course riding a 29er and his favor-
ite 26” wheeled bike. He did this repeatedly,
in a variety of conditions. Gary’s best esti-
mate is that the 29er was 3% faster for him.
Whether you’re comparing finish times, or
you ride a little further on your Saturday
ride, or you’re less whipped after your next
back country epic, we think 3% is a substan-
tial difference
Identical fit
Although there are some differences in fit
between a stock 29er and a 2002 Paragon,
they are mostly due to our desire to provide
the most possible adjustment. In other
words, we use the same number of stem
spacers on all these bikes. By simply moving
headset spacers you can achieve a virtually
identical fit.
The following chart shows how to match
the sizes. It shows the frame model and size,
the stem and spacer configuration (stock on
the 26”, modified for the 29er) and the exact
relationship to the bottom bracket in millime-
ters in both vertical and horizontal measure-
ments. You’ll notice that most of the vari-
ances aren’t much more than the thickness of
a pair of cycling gloves.
Your results may vary, especially since
suspension fork adjustment effects bike fit.
These are calculated using 80mm travel forks
with 10mm sag. Also note that the stems
used on these two models do not match in
rise, which effects the final fit.
The three asterisks (*) denote the non-
stock adjustments.
Model Size Stem Spacers
VerticalHorizontal
Paragon S 75/5 25 653 522
Supercaliber S 60/7* 0* 650 524
Paragon M 90/5 25 674 549
Supercaliber M 90/7 10* 674 553
Paragon L 105/10 25 708 564
Supercaliber L 105/7 25 706 568
ParagonXL 105/10 25 722 564
Supercaliber XL 105/7 25 715 569
Note: 5mm is about 1/8”, so it is not likely
to be felt by even the most sensitive rider.