never

Stuff and nonsense.

I ride both, it’s all good 😀

I rather like my 29’er HT and wouldn’t mind trying a 29’er trail type FS to be honest, but I do really like my 26’er FS

😉

650b is where its at

i read it on pinkbike

When 650b marched into the spotlight, 29ers were facing resistance from mainstream bike-makers and a mid-sized wheel format seemed to be a reasonable compromise that offered the benefits of the 29er’s larger wheels while retaining the familiar handling qualities and component spec of a comparable 26er. The Momma-Bear wheel solution captured the imagination of riders, the press, and a number of tire and wheel makers, but the cycling industry was already having a tough time translating the benefits of 29ers. Explaining the benefits of 650b was more difficult because the mid-sized format appeared similar to its smaller 26-inch brother. With its clearly different profile and widespread support, the winds of change filled the sails of the 29er and 650b disappeared from the lineups of all but a few of bike brands. The re-emergence of 650b is already gathering speed, however, and insiders report that suspension makers are gearing up to produce 650b forks on the order of the biggest names in the bike biz. This indicates that 650b bikes are slated for future production.

Why? It’s no secret that Specialized and Trek are locked in a heated battle to own the 29er business worldwide. Both brands have sharp design teams who are struggling to adapt the 29er to the longer travel AM/trail market which is the fastest-growing segment. After 120 millimeters of rear-wheel travel, squeezing additional suspension from a 29er becomes a bit of designer’s nightmare as standard components crowd each other for space. On top of that, reinforcing the frame to counter the additional forces generated by big wheels and more aggressive riders heaps on weight – an issue that 29ers already suffer from. Those who have continued to develop 650b know that the harder those designers try to cram 29er wheels into a 160 to 180 millimeter chassis, the better 650b will begin to look. Plus, riders who are feeling pressured to jump over to big wheels might choose a mid-sized format if it makes sense, simply because it isn’t a 29er. The reasons for 650b may still be the same, but the circumstances are far more compelling. – RC

jeebus, don’t do that 29er’s look awful, they make my eyeballs vomit

maybe down south but at Llandegla today i never seen a single one and it’s been the same every where we ride , even at the Dyfi enduro and the C-y-B enduro were they are said to be an advantage i only noticed a few . i just see them as a industry led thing to generate sales which in the UK isn’t working , plus if they are so good why has it taken almost 20 years to catch on

I’m a weightweenie and therefore will remain with 26″ for the foreseeable future.
However, I was plesently surprised by the two 69ers I’ve had a go on, not the wierd mish-mash of handling I was expecting. Still prefer the lighter wheels for climbing.

Sounds like you were near the back of the field. 😉

There were plenty of them at the sharp end. 🙂

i have only coached maybe 5-6 riders on 29er’s in 2yrs

that’s ‘cos they’re already riding gods, they don’t need puny ikkle wheel skills 😉

yeh but ton, you had each one for about 48hrs 😆

Horses for courses, 1 of each is best imo.