I’ve just bought a frame that’s designed for 650b. I think a lot of the appeal at the minute is that a lot of 26″ frames can accept 650b wheels though. I think they fit in all Fox forks that are for 26″ wheels too, these are better as it doesn’t affect the head angle much (as trying to user a 29er fork). In a couple of months the main fork manufacturers will be fetching out specific models. White Brothers and X-Fusion are already doing compatible ones.
One of the problems was the limited choice of tyres available, more and more are appearing though.
I wasn’t sure what fork to use but think I’m going for a Lefty…they work with 26″, 650b and 29″ wheels (the latter needing a travel reducer). I’m still not sure on rims but the Pacenti’s are looking good as I need something a bit sturdier than a Stan’s Crest. ‘Just Riding Along’ is the main place to get 650b related stuff in the UK. If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have bought my frame, which should be here next week! 😀

I’m waiting for the 28.25er…

I remember when 24″ bikes were the next big thing in DH. Didn’t last

I’m looking forward to all the cheap 29er stuff that’ll be available secondhand when all the “bigger wheels are inherently better” muppets dump their 29ers for 32er then 36ers.

as to the op, not enough difference to be worthwhile IMO.

it’ll always have a niche future.

so is 650b the same as 27.5, or is there some sort of differentiator a la 700c/29?

MTBR has a 650b forum, so it’s got to have a future….

Oh, I thought 700 referred to the outside diameter of the tire.

Which ? 29″