The Krampus has been out for nearly three years, it’s hardly the new and latest thing (it is great though 😀 ). A small number of other manufacturers have brought out their own 29+ bikes that’s all, and many of us have been experimenting in our sheds and garages to see how big 3″ tyres will work with our various weekend rides. Have we as an MTB community seriously become that cynical that any new design feature that might create a new standard is seen as marketing bullish!t ??!?!
As usual, I expect the fat bike haters will be out to hate the semi-fatty’s too though.
In my experience it’s not the extra half inch tyre width that makes the difference with 29+ / 3″ tyres, it’s the huge volume they have compared with their 2.4″ brethren. The extra air volume gives a completely different ride feel over big 2.4″ tyres. They are also a simple swap for many 29er hardtail owners and can be tried and tested for a relatively small outlay.
As always, if you don’t like it don’t buy it, and just ride your bike.