Despite heavy rainfall early Saturday morning, there was a big turnout at the first Demo Series of 2011, which headed to Bedgebury Forest in Kent.

Many enjoyed the opportunity to take their pick from the latest bikes that Specialized, Trek and Giant each brought along to the demo, with the choice ranging from aluminum hardtails to all-carbon full-sussers and plenty of 29ers.

During the day, with many not letting the muddy demo loop, a 30-minute route that encompassed sections of the Red route trail, ruin their enjoyment of testing some new bikes, there was one trend that seemed to stand-out; 29ers were getting a lot of attention.

We spoke to several people who had taken the plunge and taken a 29er for a spin, and everyone universally praised the ride quality and benefits of the bigger wheels, with very few negative comments heard.

Based on the feedback we received, it seems that 2011 is set to be the year that, in the UK at least, 29ers really gain a foothold and more people will find them hard to ignore.

Were you at the Demo Series? If so why not let us know what you rode, and what you thought of it, in the forum below.