29er or 27.5 for stage race

[GoLefty!!]

if its a hardtail,then 29 is more comfortable

 

if FS then get the one you like. Wheel size makes no difference when you have a well set up suspension under you.

 

29ers are not any faster. If you think they are then just get a bigger chain ring for the 26 or 27.5

[Stevief]

Seriously get a 26er they the shizzle. They accelerate faster, they lighter, more manouverable, and way cheaper. SO in the end they better

[Gringo]

Where is it slower? If on straight sections then yes, the larger wheel carries more momentum and therefore less energy to maintain speed. If on tighter sections, then the smaller wheel will accelerate faster, so you shouldn't lose there. If you are then it's your fitness or skill compared to the others.

 

My technical ability is good as I come from an Enduro (Motorbike) background. The straights is where I feel my 650b falls short of general speed.

[deonkretch]

Buy the expensive one!

[Skubarra]

My technical ability is good as I come from an Enduro (Motorbike) background. The straights is where I feel my 650b falls short of general speed.

 

In my experience there is not nearly enough technical bits in marathon stage races to justify buying a bike specifically for technical stuff.

 

I encounter way more technical stuff in my daily rides in the local trails than in most races I do

[SwissVan]

Wait a few more years for the 29H to come out

[RockCoach]

 

 

My technical ability is good as I come from an Enduro (Motorbike) background. The straights is where I feel my 650b falls short of general speed.

 

Cool. Then test ride a few 29ers and see which one you like.

 

What 650B have you got? You should join us on the MTB #Enduros.

[Gringo]

Cool. Then test ride a few 29ers and see which one you like.

 

What 650B have you got? You should join us on the MTB #Enduros.

 

I have the Merida TFS 500 Big 7.

 

Sold my KTM 300 xc-w bike (Due to a new addition to the family - baby). So I am getting into mountain biking again...

 

Where do you normally ride?

[nonky]

Buy the prettiest bike...

[Warren_G]

29er

[xnadu]

Ive read a few of these wheel size debates and in the end its alot to do with what you think is the best  - well thats what ive got out of all the videos and debates

[Onegear]

I recently got a new bike. Well going to fetch it next week. I was in the same boat as you. I decided to go for the 29er Trail bike. 130mm upfront and 120mm back. Very excited to go pick her up. Just need a dropper post so i can go shred the trails.

[MarcBurger]

The true answer to this eternal dilemma is...

"banana" 

 

Ride a bike, like a bike, buy a bike.

 

If you're asking these questions, rather worry about tyre choice and perhaps comfort.

[raptor-22]

My technical ability is good as I come from an Enduro (Motorbike) background. The straights is where I feel my 650b falls short of general speed.

 

 

How is your 650B geared?

 

What chainrings set up in front

what cassette at the back?

[xnadu]

I recently got a new bike. Well going to fetch it next week. I was in the same boat as you. I decided to go for the 29er Trail bike. 130mm upfront and 120mm back. Very excited to go pick her up. Just need a dropper post so i can go shred the trails.

Sorry for my ignorance but what is a dropper post and why is it important ?

[raptor-22]

It's the latest fad.

It allows the seat to drop by up to 125mm so it doesn't foul your bum or testicles.

If you don't have one you can't claim to be an enduro rider. You'd still be classified as an XC Jay boy if you use a rigid post.

 

Remember accepted practice is baggies, loose fitting fox t shirt, trail type lid, flat pedals, takkies with black socks, and knee pads with a lumo or camp camel back.

 

Widest bars you can safely manoeuvre through your house at 5am without breaking any crockery and the shortest stem.

 

A 29er just tops the look