GLuvsMtb Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 Made the change already. Loving itFar prefer the steep technical climbing on a 650b. Seem to have to work too hard on the hills on a 29er.29er is definately faster on the flat stuff, but overall I feel better on the 650bThis is the type of feedback that actually helps. Usually the fastest bike is the one that feels the best to ride. What 29er did you have and what did you replace it with?
4barlinkage Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 The general trend for next year in the mtb segment will be the move over of almost all brands to 650B for their dual-sus bike ranges and staying with 29" for hardtails. I've ridden all three sizes quite extensively through testing over the same route which compromises of flat open sections, tight twisty singletrack and lots of short sharp steep up and down trails. The 650B definitely offers the best of all worlds. It's the size they should have made from the beginning. My suggestions as follows: 29er wheel - Competitive racing in marathon style events and smoother less technical XCO events with minimal tight turns and short steep up and down bits. 650B wheel - Competitive XCO racing and Marathon events. In my opinion, it will become the new standard size of wheel as it has the benefits of 29" wheels (rolling effect and great turning grip) and very similar advantages to 26"wheels (quick acceleration and braking, plus great turn in and stiffness). The big thing with 650B is that you can still build a bike with great geometry and longer travel which tends to ruin longer travel 29ers. 26" wheel - Tight twisty XCO racing where light and fast wheels make a big impact. (Good turning speed, great acceleration and braking and stiffness) Would be suited to courses with lots of tight turns, short climbs and descents where acceleration is a big requirement. Will still be around for a long time so don't stress about continuity. Great for strong robust wheels. MrJacques, RockCoach and flymango 3
Mr SingleTrack Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 Made the change already. Loving itFar prefer the steep technical climbing on a 650b. Seem to have to work too hard on the hills on a 29er.29er is definately faster on the flat stuff, but overall I feel better on the 650bIf you struggle with climbs on your 29er you should be looking at your gearing. My 29er climbs better than my previous 26er due to the correct gearing on my 29er. Lots of guys have 2 x 10 on their 29ers but they dont have the power to climb hills with the 2 x 10 gearing ratio...
Guest Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 If you struggle with climbs on your 29er you should be looking at your gearing. My 29er climbs better than my previous 26er due to the correct gearing on my 29er. Lots of guys have 2 x 10 on their 29ers but they dont have the power to climb hills with the 2 x 10 gearing ratio... Like me :-P
TNOSE_E Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 V-Brakes - Disk, Hardtail - FS, 1.9 - 2.4, Barends - no Barends, Lockout - no lockout, twistgrip, Egg beaters - SPD. 26, 27.5, 29...... They are all technology options, use what best suits your ability and riding style. They all have their pro's and cons. Choose what best blows your hair back, relax and enjoy. Don't get caught up in the marketing hype of one is better than another! Just see them as additional choices. flymango, RockCoach, Mads and 2 others 5
mikeMT Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 (edited) I think for the average weekend warrior there really is not much available regarding the testing of a 650B, it sounds good and in theory makes sense, but without any real chance to really get down and test ride it would be difficult. I personally have both a 26 and a 29er, which works for me, perhaps for a first time rider, or someone getting into the sport the 650B would be the perfect fit, but it is very unlikely that i would be getting a 650b anytime soon. Edited August 3, 2012 by mikeMT ichops 1
HandH Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 (edited) But why??? Everybody in the whole entire Universe & the Free State, knows that 29" bikesare the be all & end all of mountain biking nirvana. 26" bikes are old news & 650b is just thereto shut up those that can't decide....now where's that helmet emoticon Edited August 3, 2012 by HandH
King_Crispy Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 If you struggle with climbs on your 29er you should be looking at your gearing. My 29er climbs better than my previous 26er due to the correct gearing on my 29er. Lots of guys have 2 x 10 on their 29ers but they dont have the power to climb hills with the 2 x 10 gearing ratio...I beg to differ.I climb very well on a 29er also, just feels like a lot more work to get the same out of it.I have a carbon Volcan 29er (sub 10kg) which is a killer bike and a Gary Fisher/Trek 650b.I generally outclimb my riding partner, who recently made the change to 29er from 26". He is a big guy, and the 29er has done loads of good to his riding speed and skills. Ask Pieter1 how he feels his skills have improved on his circus bike...
ichops Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 Is it just me or are there more and more 29er riders that's starting to talk 650B? If you are one of them, please share. I'm going over to Canada and the States next year and I may or may not come back with some new toys.Forget it !!! Not me - I'm happy with my 26er and brand new 29erNot a chance !
ichops Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 But why??? Everybody in the whole entire Universe & the Free State, knows that 29" bikesare the be all & end all of mountain biking nirvana. 26" bikes are old news & 650b is just thereto shut up those that can't decide....now where's that helmet emoticon Yeh - wait for the 642,5 & the 647,1 them all the hype starts all over again - another consumer plot ???
Eldron Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 One man's "lighter than 29er and better rolling than 26er" is another man's "heavier than 26er and doesn't roll as well as 29er"... One day people will realise that there is no better or worse wheel size. There is better for YOU and worse for YOU. Look at your riding style, riding/racing length, terrain you frequent, leg power, skill set etc and pick the wheel size that you enjoy most or are fastest on. Same goes for shimano or sram, hard tail or duallie, SS or geared, riser or flat bar, carbon or alu... jannosmit, Mads, Nimby and 8 others 11
Vinnydabutcher Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 Common sense form Eldron. Never underestimate simple explanation !
Pieter1 Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 Â I beg to differ.I climb very well on a 29er also, just feels like a lot more work to get the same out of it.I have a carbon Volcan 29er (sub 10kg) which is a killer bike and a Gary Fisher/Trek 650b.I generally outclimb my riding partner, who recently made the change to 29er from 26". He is a big guy, and the 29er has done loads of good to his riding speed and skills. Ask Pieter1 how he feels his skills have improved on his circus bike... Since I've had my freakbike I have more friends, my acne has gone, my scars have cleared, my sexlife has improved and my car is lighter on petrol. But really I feel more at home on my magirus. HandH 1
Pusher Posted August 3, 2012 Posted August 3, 2012 I have looked at upgrading to a 29er but at 172 I'm worried that my height is border line so yes, 650B is in my sights.
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