As I’m sure you can tell from all of the coverage on Singletracks and other websites, 650b is all the rage… or is it? Some people claim that 650b/27.5 wheels are the perfect blend of 29in and 26in, and others claim that it’s all marketing hype generated by a bike industry that’s trying to stave off declining bike sales.
Instead of giving into the marketing hype or our own personal opinions on the topic, we’ve decided to collect some hard data from the most important source: you, the mountain bikers at large. We want to hear your thoughts on the wheel size topic. Love the new tweener size, hate it, or even think 29ers should never have existed in the first place, take our wheel size survey and give us your feedback: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uWVPLLf-nS6o-PMTqcbGTsCxSYi95NgD12ASy-7nrlE/viewform
19 Comments
Nov 6, 2013
To date, I have only ridden one mid-wheeled bike and was somewhat underwhelmed--that despite the bike having an excellent suspension, the right amount of travel to please me, and being from a manufacturer who has always otherwise hit me in the sweet spot whether it be hardtail, fully, 26" or 29". But I don't want to let that one sample form the basis of my opinion.
I'd love to throw a leg over the new Pivot Mach 6, a Turner Flux, and the two new Yetis (SB-75 and the new 26.5" 575)
Nov 6, 2013
Nov 7, 2013
As I build my bikes from used parts, wheel size doesn't matter to me as long as there's a good supply for what I'm building.
Plus I'm not sure I am good enough to tell the difference a 27.5" setup would make. I'm still keen to try a 27.5/26, that could work.
Cheers
Barry
Nov 8, 2013
I nearly decided to pick up a bike in the used market, but it still seems like I can keep milking my 2009 until the smoke clears a bit more.The tough part is that, given my age (nearly 47), waiting may mean that I won't buy another high end bike, ever.
Survey not submitted, because it requires me to choose exactly one answer, where zero or two answers would better represent my indecision. For instance, "Which type of MTB will you purchase next?".
Nov 7, 2013
My confidence on the 275 and ability to attack the trail has won me over in regards to the 275/650b. I have raced 275/650b XC on fat Schwable Hans Dumpf and beat guys on 26 and 29 bikes. I am a short guy and love the format. That said I love my SS 29 Salsa El Mariachi. However I am hoping Santa brings me a Giant XTC 27.5 with the 2X10 Shimano XT build.
Nov 8, 2013
The bike industry is currently in a down market and I don't think its because people have been waiting around for a third wheel size to buy. People are more likely to spend their money on something better rather than something different. 29, 650B...neither one is better, just different.
Nov 8, 2013
Nov 6, 2013
Nov 7, 2013
Great ol' bikes--I was sad to see them go--damn Trek!
Nov 7, 2013
Nov 6, 2013
As for 27.5 I have rode a Santa Cruz Bronson and a Scott Genious I believe it was. I toyed around with a Kona Hardtail in a parking lot and I will say what I have said before there simply is just not that much difference between the 26 and 27.5. There is no WOW factor like you guys feel when you get on a 29 er. I was looking at a Yeti ASR-5 to get this year but they discontinued it. They discontinued most 26 inch F.S. Trail bikes that I would have bought. So I am simply not going to buy this year because as I indicated on the survey I am afraid they will not take off in the market and prices for parts will eventually go sky high. If I am wrong and the 27.5's take off I will buy one when the time comes because as I said they felt just like the 26 but I will not dump money into one for the sake of something new.
Let me ask this question to you people that ride 29 ers for trail/enduro/AM. Would you give up your 29 er for essentially the feel of the 26 inch wheel again? My guess would be no. You guys/gals are sold on that product. That would be the equivelant someone trying to convince me to give up my 26 to go up to a 29. It is not going to happen. That means potentionally a large segment of the market is already lost. Again I may be wrong but being 43 years old I have seen lots of marketing flops so far in my life. I think this is another.
Nov 6, 2013
Nov 6, 2013
And don't let the title of this post bias you on the first survey question. :)
Nov 7, 2013
If I just bought a 26er or there's still life left in my old 26er then I wouldn't get a 650b just for the sake of upgrading. However, if my 26er was dying then I'd absolutely get a 650b to replace it. The entire bike world, except for Specialized, has jumped on board so access to forks, wheels and tires/tubes won't be an issue going forward.
Outside of cross country racing (29er seems ideal) and downhill (26er seems best for the amount of wheel travel), I don't agree with qualifying a certain wheel size as best for a certain category of riding (For example: stating that 650b is better than 29er for all mtn riding). I feel the lines are more blurred and it is more about the rider and their style of riding that dictates what wheel size is best.
Seeing comments from most manufacturers though, I feel its clear that 26ers will be phased out of most mid to high level spec'd bikes (aside from DH) in the next 5 years. Look at Trek's 2014 lineup for a perfect example. Or checkout Giant who is putting all their eggs in the 650b basket.
Nov 7, 2013
Nov 8, 2013
So... if you're a woman and haven't filled out the survey, we'd love to hear from you! If you're a man, you can skip it--(statistically) we already know what you'll say. :)
Nov 6, 2013
Nov 6, 2013
Nov 6, 2013