It is all fanny,
I was reading an old article about choosing wheels (not wheel size as this was before the new standard and surrounding guff but a buyers guide to what to look for when buying new wheels).
And it said the lighter the better,for all the obvious reasons, one being easier steering due to reduced gyroscopic effect blah blah.
And have read newer articles about the 650b saying it is better due to heavier/larger wheels mean more stability in a straight line due to gyroscopic effect blah.
Then lighter was better more acceleration, now a larger/ heavier wheel carries more momentum.
People have previously said that short chainstays are better easier to get the front wheel off the ground, more agile blah blah.
Now 650 are better as bike is longer, stability blah blah.
If you want a larger contact patch buy bigger tyres, or let your tyres down. greater contact patch means more grip,
horah, means more friction, boo.
Correct tyres. And you’re golden, I have never suffered with a lack of grip an thought balls if only my wheels were a little bit bigger. No I though maybe a more appropriate tyre selection was needed.
The whole wheel debate and surrounding arguments are like Nostradamus,
Interpret as best serves your view point.
If you have a new bike, and it’s great, I am happy for you.
But it’s just a wheel that’s a little bit bigger.