Just seen this topic 8 months on from the last comment. It’s easy to be smart in hind sight, I can see where the majority are coming from when looking back. Just wondering where attitudes stand now when it is obvious that 650b (whether through clever marketing by the manufacturers or because we the buyers did find them to be to our liking) is now 9 months on from this debate kicking off, very much the “here and now” wheelsize.
Being completely honest 2 years ago I had a 26″ and bought a 29er, ran the two, loved the scenario and thought 650b fell between the two stools so not for me. Two years on I have sold the 26″ (no surprise there I can here a few of you say) but I have also sold the 29er, a Santa Cruz Tallboy LTc, very much the dogs do-dahs 2 years ago and now run just the one bike. After attending a demo day I was instantly taken with 650b and still love the wheel size. Will I go back to 26″? never! Will I go back to 29? maybe but only as a short travel hardtail I suspect.