@johnnyboy666 I really like the look of the 456 but now all this talk of 29ers and obsolete steerer tubes has put the cat among the pigeons.

Honest question given a 29ers increased wheelbase, do they not corner like an oil tanker? There’s 10mm difference between my summer and winter bikes and I can tell the difference on the road despite the near identical geometry. Also why is there nothing more than 100mm travel on a 29er fork?

I’m also assuming that 650b is the same as 27.5, which means shorter wheelbase, shorter chain stays and a tighter turning circle. Giant have gone full 650b have they not? Boardman have eschewed the 26 for 29 and 650 and Chris has always been known for analysing his equipment to the far end of a fart. There could be something in this.

What are your thoughts on the On One 45650b?

@honourablegeorge when you say

but it won’t take a tapered fork, which will severely limit fork choices down the line.

What do you mean can you not buy straight forks? (Sorry thick roadie here)

@turq – the piglet looks quite good, hadn’t considered building anything up until now.

@brassneck – the cooker looks OK but they all seem to be 29ers

@stimpy – Have been looking at the inbred or the 456 evo.

@joolsburger – the cotic frame would blow half my budget, it’s probably too much bike for how often I’ll be using it.

@Speshpaul – There are some good deals to be had, I forgot all about Merlin, for £30 more I can get XT! (I’m assuming that XT is still the number 2 groupset)

Without wanting to step into the 26 v 29 thing the 29ers aren’t my cup of tea, I couldn’t ride a bike I didn’t like the look of.

I didn’t want to build a bike however seing the bargains that are flaoting round it’s an option I’d be daft to overlook