So if I wanted to run a Hummingbird as a 69er do I use a 26″ or 29″ rigid fork? I think some 26″ rigids have clearance for a 29″ wheel? Presumably any suspension fork is a no-no with a 29″ wheel?

Presumably any suspension fork is a no-no with a 29″ wheel?

Maverick Single Crown with a travel reduction is fine 🙂

(although not tried on a hummingbird myself)

26″ Pace forks work fine, which is what i’m running:

13.11.2011 by Will – B, on Flickr

So the only changed I needed to make was get a 29″ front wheel.

The change really is great! Now roles over lumps, roots, anything much much quicker! Yes the steering might be slightly slower in really twisty stuff, but you can hardly notice!

Essentially I wanted a 29er. Couldn’t afford one, so made a 69er 😆

69-ers seem like a better idea than a full-on 29-er.

The increased ability at the front to roll over objects and gaps that might have a 26 inch wheel struggling but keeping the shorter stays at the back and better tyre clearance behind the seat tube….if i had another hardtail i could see myself building one of these.

This might be useful. For me, I don’t think I’d bother again

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/inbred-69er-experiences

I used a 440mm (26″) fork.

Why not just get a proper Hummingbird rigid fork from Sam? I think the Hummingbird is designed for a short 29er fork with lots of offset / rake (55mm rake I think which is more than most 26er rigid forks) to go with the 70 deg head angle.

I’m using one of those forks on my 29er home build frame (it has a 70 deg head angle and specifically designed around the short Hummingbird rigid fork). Steering / handling / comfort are all good.

69ers…
they just look wrong.

I agree, some look nasty. I think mine looks “acceptable”

They’re not lookers though 😆

The Hummingbbird frame comes with the humminbird 29er fork in the frame kit. IIRC the fork is a standard 29er fork with a bit more ofset to acomodate a 29″ wheel – so your toes dont touch the rear of the wheel. The hummingbird frame also has a slightly longer top tube than a standard 26″ wheel hardtail frame.

I sure Sam will be on here soon to clarify….

yours looks nice, will – think the full black effect camouflages the difference, at least from that angle.

One once won most ugly bike at the Single track weekender…

69ers are ace. Sadly my knee isn’t, so having to sell my Trek original ss 🙁

hummingbird fork, 29er wheel

Wanga 69er by rOcKeTdOgUk, on Flickr

hummingbird will work fine with a 26″ fork and 26″ wheel
this one is for sale in the classifieds

IMG_0348 by maffmtb, on Flickr

Rocketdog…did I sell you that fork ?

Alec, what size is it? Was it the 17.5″?

Simon I think your bike may distort time/space in some unholy way.
[Aye Mr C, mailed you about t’other stuff]

Simonm, no

Use the supplied rigid forks for the Hummingbird – very worthwhile.

Genesis Io 69er conversion by bent udder, on Flickr

Hummingbird as a Penny Farthing by bent udder, on Flickr