Why are people fighting over wheel size?

[2bliss]

We all know how many debates there have been about which is the superior wheelsize. Thing is, I don't understand why one has to be better/worse? Each has its advantages and disadvantages/limitations. Personally, I think a choice of three wheel sizes is a fantastic development.

 

I happen to ride 29ers, because 1) they suit the type of riding I do; 2) I'm tall enough; and 3) I can afford decent specs for a lightweight build. That said, I believe that advocates of wagon wheels are particularly guilty of trying to prove their wheels' size superior. Maybe some residual defensive behaviour due to all the resistance/ridicule faced in the early days of 29ers? I dunno why, but it is just what I see.

 

Okay, so bigger wheels run smoother, it is true. Less bumpiness and an overall more stable bike. However 29" wheels are only suitable for hardtails and short travel duallies, i.e. XC and light trail duty. Only ride a 9er if you are tall enough. Yes, some really short people ride them (and claim to enjoy it), but come on be realistic! Entry-level 29ers should be discontinued at once. Any advantages you could possibly gain from big wheels are obliterated by the immense weight of the bike and those enormous wheels. Lightweight cheap wheels are a bad idea too - how many 29er Alex rim tacos have been reported on the Hub?

 

The 650b size category really is a great idea. Some think it merely a compromise offering 29er advantages to a lesser degree, but also having fewer of the disadvantages (or to a lesser extent). This is true, but smaller wheels also mean that more travel is possible, so 650b works for anything from a hardtail to a downhill bike.

 

I'm worried about, what looks like, the imminent demise of 26ers. So many companies have stopped making them. There never was anything wrong with 26" wheels. They are great for kids who've outgrown their 24" bikes. (29er fanatics, will your children graduate from 24" to 29" bikes in one go???). If you are on a tight budget, buying a 26er is still the way to go. Opting for any bigger wheelsize means that you'll have to spend quite a bit more if you want a bike of the same weight and strength as offered by a humble 26er.

 

I apologise for the lengthy post, everyone still awake? My point is just this: mountainbiking as a sport benefits from having all of these wheel sizes to choose from. The mountainbiking community (young, old, short, tall, XC, downhill) is diverse and we NEED diverse options to accommodate all body types and all riding styles.

 

So, why are fighting amongst ourselves?

[TheKaiser]

Because it's human nature to justify and protect what you've bought.... Wheels, cars, tv's etc. etc. etc. The opposite of buyers remorse.

[Skubarra]

So basically you are saying that 26ers are only good for kids who have outgrown 24" bikes and adults who can't afford 29ers?

 

How would that make you feel if you were a 26er fan?

 

Do you still wonder why there were daily wheelsize fights on thehub?

[nickelass]

just come back from a ride on my 26 anthem, yesterday was on my 26 morewood ( with a bit of jumping for fun)

ride what you like . Me I am happy with what I have.

[2bliss]

So basically you are saying that 26ers are only good for kids who have outgrown 24" bikes and adults who can't afford 29ers?

Not at all. I did not rehash all arguments for and against each wheelsize as that has been done to death. I highlighted these two aspects because it illustrates the great need that exists for 26ers to continue on.

 

IMHO 26" is the most versatile wheelsize of all. I apologise if this was not clear from my initial post.

 

EDIT: Reference to price was done to show that 26ers are better value for money at any given pricepoint. No matter if you buy for R5000 or R50 000, 26" vs. 29", the 26er will be lighter and have better specs. (Not that many new R50 000 26ers are made anymore ) The difference is most pronounced at lower price points. A R5000 26er can be pretty good, but a R5000 29er will be a mule.

Edited August 17, 2014 by 2bliss

[gtr1]

It's not about the bike (wheel size). When Nino whips your arse on 650B is that wheel size or talent ??

 

Buy what you like and have fun.

[2bliss]

Buy what you like and have fun.

Agreed 100%

 

It's not about the bike (wheel size). When Nino whips your arse on 650B is that wheel size or talent ??

Agree and disagree. I know what you mean and it definitely applies to XC. But, wheelsize is important in terms of possible travel (type of riding), rider build, weight and value for money.

Edited August 17, 2014 by 2bliss

[porqui]

2bliss I think you just answered your own question.

And just a bit of fuel - half of what you said is twaddle.

Let it go! is my advice.

[2bliss]

half of what you said is twaddle.

I'm always keen to learn, please elaborate.

 

You say I should let it go? Asking that people stop fighting over wheelsize is a bad idea?

[porqui]

I'm always keen to learn, please elaborate.

 

You say I should let it go? Asking that people stop fighting over wheelsize is a bad idea?

 

No not a bad idea - just a dumb idea!

 

Not going to happen.

[Barend de Arend]

So, why are fighting amongst ourselves?

 

This is the Internets. What else are we going to do?

[CAAD4]

There is no room for any kind if logic here on The Hub. Take it elsewhere....

[2bliss]

This is the Internets. What else are we going to do?

LOL!!!

 

It just seems strange that people get so angry about being offered variety and the freedom to choose what they like.

 

Imagine a world without beverage options: no tea, coffee, beer, wine, juice, energy drinks, sodas, etc... Everyone would have to drink milk all the time.

 

In all seriousness: are 26ers doomed? Will mountainbiking as a whole be able to get along without them?

[lechatnoir]

Because it's human nature to justify and protect what you've bought.... Wheels, cars, tv's etc. etc. etc. The opposite of buyers remorse.

 

You forgot cellphones! haha!

['Dale]

Just follow the damn Cycle Lab protocol and there will be no arguing

 

 

*wink wink*

[Stretch]

I ride a 26" because my bike is still just fine and I'm not going to upgrade for the sake of a wheel size. For someone at my level, wheel size is not going to make that much difference for the sake of the unnecessary upgrade.

 

However.... the penny did drop this year when we quite possibly saw the last dh race won on a 26"... all the major teams are now on 27.5

 

Edited August 17, 2014 by Stretch