Other notes: As much as I really like this bike, I do occasionally still notice that it’s a 29er. Usually that comes on funky corners where the big wheels just don’t like to come around as quickly, or where I need to accelerate hard out of a corner. I’d have to say, however, that (compared to other 29ers I’ve ridden) the effect is extremely minimal. What I notice more is that the wheels flex when pushed hard. I anticipate that the 29’r hoops are not going to hold up very well to the beating they’re going to take on this frame. The frame says, “Go bigger, wuss!” The wheels say, “You’re mean.”
Pros:
Slays trails
Pedals like a hardtail
Doesn’t usually feel like a 29er, but still rolls over stuff nicely.
Cons:
Still occasionally feels like a 29er
Has 29er wheels on it that don’t feel as stout as their 26″ brethren
Not the lightest frame out there
Things I’d change if I were building the frame:
I have to run a fair amount of seatpost to get pedal-friendly leg extension. The frame has three sets of waterbottle mounts (seat tube, top and bottom of downtube). The seat tube mounts keep me from slamming the seatpost down as far as I’d like to for the descents. I’d rather have only two WB mounts and be able to drop my seat all the way.
The chainline is a bit finicky. My 32 tooth ring barely fits (I had to monkey around with BB spacers). If I spaced it any farther out, my chainline would suck. This could be a problem for people who want to run 2×9/10 + bashguard; there’s not enough clearance for a bigger ring in the “middle” mounting position on the cranks.
So far, while I have a fairly limited amount of time aboard the Yelli Screamy, it’s exactly what I was hoping for: it’s a 29er that rides like a 26er. There are plenty of desirable traits that the 29″ wheels bring to the table, like making an aluminum hardtail a much more forgiving ride.
The downsides, however, have still always outweighed those qualities. The Yelli Screamy seems to be changing that, resulting in a major, MAJOR exception to my otherwise categorical dislike of 29ers.
NEXT: UPDATE
If you like this bike, try the Kona Honzo. Basically same geo with steel construction for a more forgiving ride. Also a better size range than the Yelli, and slightly shorter stays.
Leaving a comment for those doing a search when considering whether to buy a used Yelli Screamy 29. I bought a used 2013 model which was just built up as a boulevard cruiser. After riding it on singletrack and then more technical, rooty, rocky uphill and downhill trails I was hooked. Despite the shock my knees have to take (as it is a hardtail after all) I finish every ride with an ear to ear grin – it is so fun. It is my go to trail bike out of a stable that consists of a sub-20 pound Niner Air9 RDO hardtail and a 30-pound Knolly Warden. The frame is solid and inspires confidence to go down steep rocky stuff or very fast over rolling rocky and rooty singletrack and flow trails. The short chainstays make for instant acceleration with each pedal stroke. TL;DR Buy one, you won’t regret it. Like the Knolly, the bulletproof aluminum frame feels like it will last a lifetime.