So, this 27.5er thing.

[SantaBoy]

What's the consensus on 27.5? Giant seems convinced... at least they are convinced that the will sell a lot.

 

I can see that the 27.5er / 650b has it's place on dual suspensions. I mean for a trail bike a 27.5 would make sense, as the 27.5 makes the bike more responsive and more like a 26".

 

But a 27.5 Hardtail race bike just doesn't make any sense at all. The 29er hardtail race bike would always be better than the 27.5 equivalent.

 

Personally, I think the manufacturers experienced a surge in sales with the 29er, and now that the 29er sales are slowing down they are thinking : "remember how many bikes we sold when we bought out 29ers? Let's do the 650b thing and get rich for the next decade. Then when that's done let's go back to 29er again."

 

I'm not convinced yet. I think the 27.5 is too much in the middle. With 26ers being phased out, the 29er and 650b will just be too close to each other IMO. It's way better to have a 29er racing bike and a 26er trail bike as a combo than a 29er and 27.5 combo?

[(Deon)]

You're kidding, right?

 

No way that mid size wheel will take off, not ever.

[shaper]

Hi and welcome to the hub...

 

Do a search of 27.5 or 650b... Been discussed to death!

 

Here with regard to Giant https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/132516-dear-giant-wtactualf/?hl=27.5

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Wait, it IS November 2014, right? Could have sworn I stepped back into 2012 for a brief...

 

No, I'm definitely not seeing things...

[pista]

It will do a full circle and 26ers will be back in a while.

 

Ride what you like and is happy on.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Do you really just always want yo be in the middle??

Depends who is either side of me...

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

I think 650b just gives everyone more options pros and cons aside. Ride what feels lekker.

 

I thought 650b would explode and be the next big thing, it didn't take off as I expected and I am sure I am not alone with those thoughts.

[Johny Bravo]

I think 650b just gives everyone more options pros and cons aside. Ride what feels lekker.

 

I thought 650b would explode and be the next big thing, it didn't take off as I expected and I am sure I am not alone with those thoughts.

Def did not explode like 29ers. Not much different to a 29er, and yet not that big a difference to a 26er. Why bother? 

[GoLefty!!]

I think 650b just gives everyone more options pros and cons aside. Ride what feels lekker.

 

I thought 650b would explode and be the next big thing, it didn't take off as I expected and I am sure I am not alone with those thoughts.

 

 

didn't take off in SA but its big in Europe

[EmptyB]

27.5.....just doesn't cut it. A bit like kissing your sister!

[Daniel J Méssem]

didn't take off in SA but its big in Europe

haha, good one

[Pusher]

What's the consensus on 27.5? Giant seems convinced... at least they are convinced that the will sell a lot.

 

I can see that the 27.5er / 650b has it's place on dual suspensions. I mean for a trail bike a 27.5 would make sense, as the 27.5 makes the bike more responsive and more like a 26".

 

But a 27.5 Hardtail race bike just doesn't make any sense at all. The 29er hardtail race bike would always be better than the 27.5 equivalent.

 

Personally, I think the manufacturers experienced a surge in sales with the 29er, and now that the 29er sales are slowing down they are thinking : "remember how many bikes we sold when we bought out 29ers? Let's do the 650b thing and get rich for the next decade. Then when that's done let's go back to 29er again."

 

I'm not convinced yet. I think the 27.5 is too much in the middle. With 26ers being phased out, the 29er and 650b will just be too close to each other IMO. It's way better to have a 29er racing bike and a 26er trail bike as a combo than a 29er and 27.5 combo?

Like the 29er...not much interest in them either!

[Odinson]

I think Giant are going to be left with a 27.5" egg on their face in the near future.

 

Anyway, 26" for the small boys and 29" for the big men. 'Nuff said.

[Johny Bravo]

I think Giant are going to be left with a 27.5" egg on their face in the near future.

 

Anyway, 26" for the small boys and 29" for the big men. 'Nuff said.

Yep, people like options, dont take them away. 

[popcorn_skollie]

It will do a full circle and 26ers will be back in a while.

 

Ride what you like and is happy on.

 

I agree.

26 is pretty much dead.

But in a few short years when they are simply nowhere to be found.

Some major bike company will make a bike with 26 inch wheels.

It'll be the greatest thing since sliced cheese

['Dale]

Groundhog Day...........