EWR Bikes 29er Project

[Kenn Bendajo]

As many of you heard, EWR Bikes is about to unveil specs on our 29" frame. Thanks to everyone who has been checking our site, we'll have the drawing up shortly.

Guys like sikocycles, greenchris, and mmcg asking about XL 29" frames so Jay, Don and I had a long conversation about it last night. So here's your chance to speak up and voice your opinion directly to us.

From Jay:
Greetings everyone. EWR Bikes is proud to announce that we are in the process of prototyping a 29er, based off of our popular and proven Original Woods Bike frame platform. We are currently working on a medium- and large-sized prototype mules, and we are courting response for an XXL sized frame.

We will have engineering drawings up on our website within a week or so, and a photo documentation of the prototype process as we develop them.

Please check out www.ewrbikes.com for more information in the coming days. We would love to get some feedback on this project from you all, especially regarding interest in XXL sized frames. Again, look for our drawings and updates within a week both on our website and here. Thanks for reading.

Jay de Jesus/EWR Bikes
www.ewrbikes.com
Email: jay@ewrbikes.com, info@ewrbikes.com

[sikocycles]

I guess being a pain in the a$$ pays off. Yeah

[MMcG]

looks like your emails have been well received. Cool! :thumb:

[MMcG]

One thing though - I'd be more on the line of a small to medium size EWR - don't forget about us folks 5'9 and under! ;)

Cheers,

Mark

[greenchris]

kenn-
if the xxl size has a toptube in the 25" range that is what I consider the xl. I'd def be interested. Both my bikes have a ett of 25.5 and a 21" seat tube. (steel gf ferrous and turner sultan).

[MMcG]

I think demand for these EWR 29ers will be rock solid - just my 2 cents.

[sikocycles]

It will be either an EWR or the TW monkey butt for me.

[Kenn Bendajo]

I am not sure where the XXL came from. But it kind of makes sense since our sizes are a bit longer than the norm and are meant to be run with shorter stems.

I wanted to call the sizes Big, Bigger, Really Big and Biggest for the 29's. I got out voted. Probably a wise choice....

MMcG - didn't forget about you. I am only 5'10" and barely have a 30" inseam, so I am with you. It was this reason it took so long to get the 29" out. We were going back and forth between 29" and 650b. 650b is not dead and is still on the design table though.

[greenchris]

29ers are here to stay... especially with the new reba and all the supposed new rubber coming out soon...
I'm looking forward to the designs y'all have for the 'biggest' ewr 29er.

[jncarpenter]

It will be either an EWR or the TW monkey butt for me.
So, apparently, you "woosed" out of the Wolfhound? :plthumbsdown:

[greenchris]

Personally, the wolfhound would be my dream bike but at least double the cost than the ewr/tw...
JNC- I know your not affiliated w/fred but anychance you know how long his wait time is?

[amish_matt]

Apparently "EWR Bikes" /= Eastern Woods Research. Eastern Woods Research bikes have 26" (or smaller) wheels. :plthumbsdown:

[MMcG]

Apparently "EWR Bikes" /= Eastern Woods Research. Eastern Woods Research bikes have 26" (or smaller) wheels. :plthumbsdown:


Huh??

[jncarpenter]

Personally, the wolfhound would be my dream bike but at least double the cost than the ewr/tw...
JNC- I know your not affiliated w/fred but any chance you know how long his wait time is?Well, I was just ribbing sikocycles ;)

I think Fred's wait is still around 10 mos - a year.

[pinkshirtphotos]

make it in rootbeer and ill buy one

[jncarpenter]

Apparently "EWR Bikes" /= Eastern Woods Research. Eastern Woods Research bikes have 26" (or smaller) wheels. :plthumbsdown:
Reading is FUN-damental :busted: :lighten:

[amish_matt]

Reading is FUN-damental :busted: :lighten:

OK, if I need to clarify, I will.

Eastern Woods Research, the original company, made trials bikes and 26" mtb's. These were designed to, in Jay's own words, ride like big bmx bikes.

EWR Bikes, the new company, is making 26" and now 29" mtbs. 29ers are even farther from a bmx bike than 26" bikes, and look like a significant departure from the philosophy of the original Eastern Woods Bikes.

No doubt it's cool to see a company respond to cusomer input, but I'm just personally disapointed to see the shift away from the original design philosophy.

I was excited to see the company back, now I'm not so sure. What's next, an EWR fixie?

[MMcG]

OK, if I need to clarify, I will.

Eastern Woods Research, the original company, made trials bikes and 26" mtb's. These were designed to, in Jay's own words, ride like big bmx bikes.

EWR Bikes, the new company, is making 26" and now 29" mtbs. 29ers are even farther from a bmx bike than 26" bikes, and look like a significant departure from the philosophy of the original Eastern Woods Bikes.

No doubt it's cool to see a company respond to cusomer input, but I'm just personally disapointed to see the shift away from the original design philosophy.

I was excited to see the company back, now I'm not so sure. What's next, an EWR fixie?

I guess I don't understand your gripe? They've already made available and will continue to sell 26" wheeled Original Woods Bikes - what's wrong with them branching out a bit?

I think they are exploring all their options - and rightly so. Good on them for bringing back the OWB with refinements to take advantage of modern fork design and good on them for exploring all different types of wheel sizes and designs. :thumb:

[MMcG]

Kenn- any updates to provide yet? I see that you had final drawings done on the 19th - will info be posted up on the site soon?

[SuspectDevice]

OK, if I need to clarify, I will.

Eastern Woods Research, the original company, made trials bikes and 26" mtb's. These were designed to, in Jay's own words, ride like big bmx bikes.

EWR Bikes, the new company, is making 26" and now 29" mtbs. 29ers are even farther from a bmx bike than 26" bikes, and look like a significant departure from the philosophy of the original Eastern Woods Bikes.

No doubt it's cool to see a company respond to cusomer input, but I'm just personally disapointed to see the shift away from the original design philosophy.

I was excited to see the company back, now I'm not so sure. What's next, an EWR fixie?

It's a sad but true fact that everyone who makes stock bikes today is an idiot if we don't do something with the new wheelsizes. Big wheels (IMO) stink for technical riding compared to smaller ones but;
the EWR space-frame design is the perfect solution to the downtube clearance and chainstay length issues that plague the big wheels. And, from what I've learned from talking to buyers at shops throughout PA, it's pretty damn hard to sell anything except 29er hardtails down there at the moment. People are using the big wheel bikes for technical trail riding, and yeah, the way they ride the bikes, by definition, isn't very BMXy, but lots of people are doing it. The 29er adherent's I talk to about riding "in" the bike rather than on top of it. It's not personally my bag, but then again, I sure like a hell of a lot of things other folks don't too...
When such a simple solution to that problem is right in front of their faces, do you really expect them not to respond?

[jncarpenter]

Big wheels (IMO) stink for technical riding compared to smaller ones...Well THAT opinion is sure in a minority????? Have you even spent a significant amount of time on them?

I mean...I'm no "zealot"...I actually bought a cheap 29er just so I could say "I told you so" to the 29er masses & it converted me. I raced DH for years & ride lots of urban/ FR stuff. I live in central VA where we have a TON of technical trails & the 29er flat out owns the smaller wheels in everything except full on DH runs. Period.

I can't help but think you haven't invested the time (nor open mind) to "see the light" yet. :)

[SuspectDevice]

Well THAT opinion is sure in a minority????? Have you even spent a significant amount of time on them?

I mean...I'm no "zealot"...I actually bought a cheap 29er just so I could say "I told you so" to the 29er masses & it converted me. I raced DH for years & ride lots of urban/ FR stuff. I live in central VA where we have a TON of technical trails & the 29er flat out owns the smaller wheels in everything except full on DH runs. Period.

I can't help but think you haven't invested the time (nor open mind) to "see the light" yet. :)

I think you may have missed my point entirely...

I don't argue that they work well (IE faster and/or more efficient) in some circumstances and for some people, but it is a legitimate and appropriate claim that you can't ride a bike with big wheels in the same way you can ride a bike with smaller wheels.. They just don't have the ride or fit qualities I am personally looking for, and at 5'10" and a 32" inseam I am on the small side for one to work for me effectively. I have spent time on multiple big wheeled bikes, and I'm pretty settled on the fact that I prefer the lighter weight of smaller wheels from a sheer responsiveness and accleraton/climbing standpoint. If you don't need the added traction benefits of the large contact patch, you are carrying more weight than you need climbing. The large wheels get more traction, and when I am either racing or XC or just riding XC for fun, I tend to do everything I can to be on the edge of traction, as it's more fun. I ride semislicks front and rear to save weight, reduce rolling resistance and decrease the amount of time I have traction... Because that's whats the most fun to me.

We have multiple 29er projects going on in the shop right now, of both the XC race and "trail" ilk that are in various states of being finished. If I were going to design a 29er out of steel for technical trail riding, it would no doubt look like a WoodsBike...

Some people like bikes that are smaller and more unstable. And that's ok:poster_oops: The previous posters assertion that somehow an EWR 29er isn't a legitimate product is what I am taking issue with. I'm sure you can agree with me on that, right?
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1269/616147818_b0843ccc3a.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2293/2230651845_5f3b97666a.jpg?v=0

[jncarpenter]

Well, I'm no giant at 6' w/ a 30" pants inseam. I'm also no lightweight @ 215lbs...but my 28lb Sultan just feels like it flat out rips to me. I've never really had a trail bike that weighed less than 28lbs because at my weight & riding style, I tend to prefer the stiffness/ durability a little extra "smart" weight offers. I sold my last Turner RFX because I just felt slow everytime I jumped on it after riding the sultan for a bit. Frankly....it didn't seem to really have any more capability than the bigger wheeled brother. Now DH, that's another story. I still prefer (at this point) the security of the stronger wheels.

FWIW....my SS weighs in at 22 lbs even (steel), has a 16.3" chainstay & absolutley kills the local tech :D

PS. Your stuff is looking very nice (reminds me of my Evil Sovereign)....I will likely have to try your "sauce" at some point ;)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c223/jncarpenter/Wolfhound/b3c4382d.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c223/jncarpenter/Turner/SS_Sultan.jpg

OK...I bought another one...just becuz! ;)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c223/jncarpenter/Turner/RFX_07.jpg

[SuspectDevice]

The 29er's are for my partner Niall and his dad. Those dudes love the things. I'm to whiny to ever change my ways...

[greenchris]

^^^
That spooky 29er looks awesome...I'd love to see a full frame shot... Need another test rider?

[greenchris]

JNC- My wallet and wife say stop posting pictures of your wolfhound...

[SuspectDevice]

Greenchris,
E-mail EWR. It's their thread!

[jbogner]

EWR Bikes, the new company, is making 26" and now 29" mtbs. 29ers are even farther from a bmx bike than 26" bikes, and look like a significant departure from the philosophy of the original Eastern Woods Bikes.

Departure from? Aren't they still making 26'ers in the original design? I think you could say they're "expanding" their design parameters to address additional demands from potential customers, but you can't say they're leaving their past behind if they're still making 26ers in their original design.

Besides, who's to say they can't take the great traits of their 26er woods bikes and make great 29ers relevant to east coast riders? Is the philosophy "big bmx bikes" or "great woods bikes for east coast riding?" I'm fairly certain their philosophy at founding was driven in part by market demand, and not a revelation written on stone tablets delivered by a higher power. Why slavishly adhere to a narrow philosophy when you can have fun, grow the business and make more riders happy by expanding it a bit?

[jncarpenter]

Departure from? Aren't they still making 26'ers in the original design? I think you could say they're "expanding" their design parameters to address additional demands from potential customers, but you can't say they're leaving their past behind if they're still making 26ers in their original design.

Besides, who's to say they can't take the great traits of their 26er woods bikes and make great 29ers relevant to east coast riders? Is the philosophy "big bmx bikes" or "great woods bikes for east coast riding?" I'm fairly certain their philosophy at founding was driven in part by market demand, and not a revelation written on stone tablets delivered by a higher power. Why slavishly adhere to a narrow philosophy when you can have fun, grow the business and make more riders happy by expanding it a bit?

:lighten::clapping::rockout:

Now be careful....too much common sense may cause the intraweb to implode ;)

[ByStickel]

I think I've written this before, somewhere, but...

Back in the day we had a different definition of technical riding. Suspension was non-existant to primitive, so speeds were slower. With speeds slower, there was less focus on downhill. Even rock gardens on flat ground (ever been to central PA or north Jersey?) can be extremely difficult, especially when rigid. People took more pride in riding through and up onto things. Those slower speeds meant that steep angles were desirable and managable. Now that the bikes are 'better', people are going faster, the bikes are less pleasant to pedal against gravity, and it seems to be all about the 'payoff' that comes while descending. High speeds require slacker head angles.

I think the EWR boys are being smart by updating the numbers on the frames. They'll still climb well with the short stays and they'll be a lot more fun while descending. And if you want a truly old-school woods bike, ask them if they'll do one, or check with other builders.

Here, enjoy this pic:

Hey JN, Are your stays 16.3 all the way forward?

[jncarpenter]

Hey JN, Are your stays 16.3 all the way forward?Yes. They approach 17" all the way back :happydance:

Edit...also, that's axle center to bb center measured, not effective measurement (along the plane).

[sikocycles]

Any news. I keep checking the web site

[ottoreni]

THey posted an update on their site on 3/10.....something to the effect that they are working out the details on the frame. I really hope one of those details is chainstays in the 17" realm.

This is one of the frames, of three I am looking at, that is a serious contender for my next build. The deal breaker could be the chainstay length.

[Kenn Bendajo]

We are getting close. The OWB 29er Protos will be here in about 2 weeks for us to build up and test ride. We'll get you more information as it becomes available. But don't forget to check www.ewrbikes.com for updates as well.

[MMcG]

Thanks for the update Kenn - we look forward to the next one as well! :thumb:

[rsdmag]

Ive already got a note in to Jay for a demo on one of these!

[pinkshirtphotos]

oh man 29ers as well. I will be riding a 26inch shortly :D

[Drevil]

We are getting close. The OWB 29er Protos will be here in about 2 weeks for us to build up and test ride. We'll get you more information as it becomes available. But don't forget to check www.ewrbikes.com for updates as well.

Kenn,

Can you give the ETT length for the medium 29er? I'm looking seriously at one of 'em. Any chance y'all will be at 24 Hours of Big Bear (WV) this weekend? Cheers,

rickyd

[Kenn Bendajo]

We put up a photo of one of the protos in the jig getting ready to be welded today. As usual, www.ewrbikes.com.

No big bear for us, sorry. This is the weekend the Pros on skinny tires come to Philly. It's a huge event for us in the Philadelphia cycling scene. Most of the roads in and around Manayunk are closed to traffic and we get to ride around on bikes all weekend long. Plus the open container rule is unofficially cancelled. If you are in the area, I'll be pedaling around an orange OWB with a baby trailer doubling as a rolling beer cooler. Stop me and say hello. This has all the makings of a great day!

[Kenn Bendajo]

The last post says go to our website, but I decided to not make you do the extra clicking. :banana:

Here's a pic.

[greenchris]

whats the tt length for the larger sized frame?

[Guitar Ted]

Awesome Kenn! Thanks for that thumbnail. I have always thought this design would be super cool rendered in a 29"er format.

Have fun with that road race scene! Those guys are animals. And the Manayunk Wall, gotta see that someday. I have heard horror stories about it. Sounds like a pretty tough climb.

[Drevil]

The last post says go to our website, but I decided to not make you do the extra clicking. :banana:

Here's a pic.:cheers: Let us know when you start letting test rides and I'll drive my arse up there from D.C.

[MMcG]

Lookin good Kenn! And thanks for keeping us posted and for the sneak peek right here on the Monkey.

[Kenn Bendajo]

:monkeydance:

Here's the latest update, my friends. The frames are in the paint booth as I type this. If you happen to see an EWR 'esque frame with a unique green paint job, stop and take a look. It might, just mighttttt say PROTO on it somewhere. Then ask for a ride!

We should have them built in the middle of next week and we will be announcing demo ride days. Those events will be listed on our website and held in the Lehigh Valley and Southeastern PA. So keep your eye on www.ewrbikes.com. Demo rides will be priced at one micro brew to go to Kenn or Don (or a bottle of organically grown fruit juice for Jay(ewwww)).

NOTE: The first batch of OWB29er frames is almost sold out. So think about putting down a refundable deposit to ensure you get one.

Kenn
kenn@ewrbikes.com

[MMcG]

Thanks for the update again Kenn - hrmmmmm......unique green paint eh? I'm assuming this bike would be prowling the woods of Pennsylvania yes?

[steelridesonly]

The prototype large EWR OWB 29er was picked up from the painter and built up last night! Check out the the photograph on our home page - www.ewrbikes.com

I'm still stranded in Macon, GA, so I have yet to throw a leg over it, but Jay has taken i to the trails and loved it. Contact Kenn or Jay to give it a test ride and let us know your opinion of it.

[Guitar Ted]

Wow! that green is sweet and the bike looks killer. I sure wish I was in your neck of the woods! I'd throw a leg over that in a heart beat. Nicely done.

Somebody ride this and get some feedback posted up here already!

[Kenn Bendajo]

Looks like Jay and I are doing two demo rides this weekend for the OWB and the OWB29ers bikes. We are doing one on the Salisbury trails near Bethlehem and one at Wissahickon. Days/times to be determined.

For more info contact Kenn through the website - www.ewrbikes.com

[MMcG]

I betcha the request for test ride list is going to be a long one for this bike!

[Kenn Bendajo]

Thought you would appreciate this - - - - - -

www.dirtrag.com and http://dirtrag.com/blogarific/sneak-peek-ewr-proto-owb29er

Here's a couple pics from the OWB29er debut at the Neshaminy Classic 6.22.08.

[SuspectDevice]

Are those SPD compatible Clogs ?

[sikocycles]

Please make a bigger size!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

[greenchris]

what colors are the initial run gonna be?

Sikocycles- I agree with ya but I'm going to go ahead and order a large and hope I like the ride. I'm on an xl(25.5/21) sultan now and think with a 110mm stem instead of a 90mm this bike will rip...

very excited. now I have to wait on a couple new rebas but I know it won't be too long and a new set of hoops.

[greenchris]

fyi- i'm six foot twoish

[Guitar Ted]

Dirt Rag and EWR go together like peanut butter and jelly! :biggrin:

[sikocycles]

fyi- i'm six foot twoish

I am 6'5". I need something bigger. The large will not do it.

[MMcG]

I am 6'5". I need something bigger. The large will not do it.

Get a Ted!

[sikocycles]

Get a Ted!

Always wanted a EWR.
I have a Engin on order but really want an EWR.

[Kenn Bendajo]

Why as a matter of fact they are! I also have a pair of SPuD compatible flip flops but thought they would be a bit gauche for my red carpet appearance. :)

[MMcG]

Always wanted a EWR.
I have a Engin on order but really want an EWR.

Perhaps they will add a few XLs into the batch if they get enough interest. Can't hurt to ask.

[pinkshirtphotos]

kenn I am going to call you!!! i promise :P i need a bike :)