The bike industry often sees fads come and go. Innovation doesn't always assure success or even relevance for that matter. But the 29er revolution seems to be one that's here to stay and for good reason.

There's no denying the rock crawling, root crushing power of a larger wheel. Making the largest of obstacles the smallest of matters is a defining trait of these muddy beasts. By offering decreased rolling resistance, increased traction when cornering and improved ground clearance, one ride upon one of these massive behemoths is sure to sway even the staunchest skeptic.

Benefits of a 29 Wheel

• Angle of Attack Larger wheels decrease your angle of attack by allowing you to roll over obstacles easier and faster. Bigger wheel = smaller obstacle.
• Momentum A larger wheel enables one to carry momentum easier though obstacles.
• Surface Contact 29wheels are less prone to sinking in soft material such as sand and mud due to the larger contact patch causing lower ground pressure. The longer contact patch increases cornering and straight line traction
• Stability The relative position of the bottom bracket/cranks to the axles in the wheels also means that your relative center of gravity is lower. This results in a feeling of riding in the bike rather than on top of it.
• Tire Clearance with more tire choices than any platform, the 29wheel easily accommodates off road as well as commuting tires.
• Taller Riders – 29" bikes tend to offer taller riders a more “natural” frame geometry.

The Diamondback Overdrive packs a punch in terms of value and affordability and takes 29ers to a new level. The newly revised 2012 6061-T6 Aluminum Overdrive series frame boasts of newly formed top and down tubes, a machined headtube, and forged drop outs with a replaceable derailleur hanger. The matte or gloss black finished frame with the contrasting highlights on the TT gives the frame a very super car inspired look and feel.

The Geometry is spot on. The ever so sloping top tube provides ample standover clearance. A 71 head tube angle and a 73 seat tube angle create the perfect XC/trail geometry. The 390mm (15.4 inch) chainstays equate to an extremely snappy rig and the ability to easily get the front wheel off the ground something that not all 29ers can be so proud of.

The Overdrive is a fantastic entry level 29er well balanced between value and performance. The SR Suntour XCT MLO gives you 100mm of travel for the perfect amount of cushion up front. Add to that Disc brakes courtesy of Tektro and you have one of the best in class values for an entry level 29er period.

The Sram X-4 shifters and rear derailleur make the going easy while the Shimano TX50 dual pull front derailleur keeps the shifting smooth for the SR Suntour XCT crankset (22/32/42t). Add in Weinmann SL-7 double wall rims with WTB Wolverine Race folding aramid bead and you can ride this bike over pretty much anything. Diamondback signature alloy handlebars, stem post and Race saddle w/tubular cromo rails round out this package.

The 2012 Overdrive is an economical means of getting into a new 29er. Whether it's your first 29er, you're just testing the waters, or whether you want to add a new steed to the stable. The Overdrive is offered in SM (16"), MD (18"), LG (20"), and XL (22") are sure to offer the value and quality that you are looking for in a new 2012 Overdrive 29er.

The bike industry often sees fads come and go. Innovations don't always assure success or even relevance for that matter. But the 29er revolution seems to be one that's here to stay and for good reason. There's no denying the rock crawling, root crushing power of a larger diameter wheel. Making the largest of obstacles the smallest of matters is a defining trait of these muddy beasts. By offering decreased rolling resistance, increased traction when cornering and improved ground clearance, one ride upon one of the massive behemoths is sure to sway even the staunchest skeptic. For the enthusiastic XC, Trail or All Mountain rider, look no further than any one of Diamondback's 29er bicycles.