Well done for replying to the thread to waive some concerns. Although the info on your boards is complete nonsense, I (and I'm sure most of the guys and girls on here) can see the angle which you are trying to get to. Some advice: 1. Rather than saying that "26 - are unsure of MTB or are on a tight budget" "27.5 - keen on Cross country, technical trail or Enduro" "29 - keen on marathon and worried about your times" .... maybe pitch it like this .... "26 - Previous standard wheelsize - better for steep technical terrain, fast acceleration - Prevalent mainly in DH, no longer industry norm in SA. "27.5 - Emerging intermediate wheelsize - utilized in all disciplines (XC, Enduro and DH) - gives benefits of larger wheel without deminishing sharp feel of smaller wheel. " 29 - Most sought after wheelsize in SA - better for marathon riding, well equipped for SA trails, better for beginner technical trail experience. As much as I hate to say it - 29er is the norm here in SA and as you mentioned most of the LOCAL distributors have dropped the 26 inch wheelsize completely (I think this is silly but thats just me). So as you rightly say - the only 26inch XC bike around (other than a custom build) is a cheapie from Sportsmans ... I think that although you do need to make it easier for the customer - you must try and not continue to portray the mindset that 26 is crap and 29er is the way as this is not the case as they can be adapted for diferent riders and different trails. Here in SA - I agree - 29er for 99% of our races is the best - however with a growing Enduro/All Mountain population we need to give the 27.5 wheelsize its credit - as well as then 26er for its roll in DH bikes (although a number of maufacturers are now testing 27.5 rigs) ... as well as jump bikes that frequent your pump track in the evenings. So in short - dont try pass the small ones off as crap - but rather give a better understanding in your signs ... its easy to do! Cheers Nige
