My thinking is that Cy only offered a “27.5” version of the Soul because, to some degree, he was going to lose business if he didn’t.
I’d guess the first-time Cotic customer is typically transferring parts across from an OEM build. Like it or not, a growing part of that marketing is / is going to be riding the new-size wheels.
I’ve been thoroughly confused about what to do when I need to replace my 26er Soul frame and other wheel-size-specific components. There’s a reason I’m a Cotic customer (internet buyer): I don’t have enough time to do loads of test rides!
But, over time, I’m becoming more confident that there’s plenty of life left in the 26er format. I might even get a brand new Soul 26 frame. 🙂