Yup, that’s a 29-inch front wheel paired with a traditional 26-inch back wheel. It might look weird, but, as advertised, this four-inch-travel bike really does roll over small obstacles with ease while still accelerating quickly. The titanium Gristle floated up rock steps effortlessly and was easier to get up to speed than a full 29-inch bike. As with standard 29ers, it had slightly delayed handling (bigger wheels are slower to steer) and shined best on fast-rolling, desert terrain, which is why one Tucson-based tester didn’t want to give it up. “It makes small rocks disappear,” he said. $3,350 (frame only), $6,355 as tested; 25.8 lbs (19″);
