Normally I don’t get into the 27.5/650b & 29er debate. I have always ridden 29er bikes (after 26, anyway). Just not sure whether as a hardtail AM rig, with aggressive trail riding, there would be any meaningful difference between the two. If I were to buy a full-sussy AM rig, I’d go 650b for sure.

I’d say the more riding along and up that you do to get to the trails, the more a 29er makes sense on a HT.

If it’s all about the downs, likely a smaller wheel is more fun, especially in skilful hands (mine aren’t).

The Stanton Switchback looks great to me. Also the Kona Explosive or similar.

But that’s all from conjecture not experience.

If you’re looking at 650b, I think these look nice, bit I don’t know much about them: http://www.kingdombike.com

Scienceofficer:

I’m currently a Solaris owner, maybe not for long…..

Seriously considering a 2Souls QH.

How does it compare?

Much weight difference?

Any idea how much your build weighs?

Are they 140mm Pikes?

Many thanks in advance.

***Sorry for the slight hijack***