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Does 650b have a future?


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Does 27.5 have a future?   

185 members have voted

  1. 1. Will the industry stick with 27.5?

    • Yes
      101
    • No
      54
    • It's not about the wheels
      21
    • I don't care, I can't wait for 31'rs
      9
  2. 2. What do you think your next bike will be?

    • 27.5
      42
    • 29r
      132
    • 26 ain't dead.
      11


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Posted

I really hope 650B doesnt die out. My Son is pre teens and his on a 26er and already our options are becoming limited when deciding on upgrading components.

 

I want to get him a 650B when he gets to his teens but I dont want the same limitations I am experiencing now with his 26er

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Posted

My previous bike was a 29r trial and was a great bike for trials and everday riding.

I then sold it and bought a 650plus and although both are equally good a must be honest that i enjoy the plus more then the 29r.

I ride within my limits and try to be smooth with good speed in single tracks rather then try to go so fast that i end up with a nasty injury that will affect my income as i have to be mobile to make ends meet. I really do feel that most mtb are so obsessed with speed etc then rather learn good technique and ride with more enjoyment.

Just the other day a guy came past a load of mtbrs on a 26 and left everyone in a cloud of dust just because he had good technique and knew his bike.

So dont get caught up in to much hype unless you are a pro or really are performance and podium driven.

Go and enjoy and have a ball out there doesnt matter what wheel size you ride

Posted

I really hope 650B doesnt die out. My Son is pre teens and his on a 26er and already our options are becoming limited when deciding on upgrading components.

 

I want to get him a 650B when he gets to his teens but I dont want the same limitations I am experiencing now with his 26er

By components do you mean wheels and tires? Those are surely the only 'limits' you would have?

 

I saw an amazing set of carbon 26er hoops on here for a steal the other day and tires are still pretty easy to get on line.

 

For me the biggest struggle these days is getting non boost frames and forks to fit my Chris King hubs! I can't afford to just buy a new set willy nilly and I also can't not want to ride them....

Posted

Interesting how the fashion and trends move ....

 

 

YES, for many riders a 29'' makes sense.  BUT, there are a very real market for 27,5'' bikes as well.  Both from the shorter adult riders, as well as the younger riders not yet tall enough for a 29'' bike.

 

 

To take this point a bit further .... a very real gap in the market for decent specked 26'' bikes for the younger riders.  Starting to look for Maritz's next bike, and really not impressed with the options.

Posted

Ah but there was an excellent market for 26rs. In fact it was the only market but the industry moved on.

 

yes but it took ages and we never knew of better. In the past couple of years we have seen more advancement (that works) on mtbs than in the 20 years before.

There's no telling what they will come up with next but we definitely moving forward.

Posted

yes but it took ages and we never knew of better. In the past couple of years we have seen more advancement (that works) on mtbs than in the 20 years before.

There's no telling what they will come up with next but we definitely moving forward.

29r development is leading the way so does dropping 650b constitute ‘moving forward’ for the industry and look for the next big thing?

Posted

Let me just leave another 5c worth here...

 

The 650B was way faster over the helly stuff - (the stuff you sure you in hell or heading there)

The 29er was faster over the holy stuff - (the stuff you pray you don't bog down into a hole)

The 650B was faster down

The 29er was faster up

The 650B was faster around the twisty stuff

The 29er was faster around the smooth stuff

 

On a local trail here my 29er was just as fast as my 650B overall then but

 

I SOLD THE 29ER

 

Moral of the story - the bike geometry has way more impact than what wheel size it has.

 

And with no good 26ers for smaller or shorter or Jnr riders the industry will be killing the market by killing off 650B - when they killed 26ers they at least presented an alternative - 650B

 

Maybe they will kill 650B just to create a bunch of guys on ill fitting 29ers wanting a better fit and then BOOOOOM the REVOLUTIONARY 650B is back!!!

Posted

Let me just leave another 5c worth here...

 

The 650B was way faster over the helly stuff - (the stuff you sure you in hell or heading there)

The 29er was faster over the holy stuff - (the stuff you pray you don't bog down into a hole)

The 650B was faster down

The 29er was faster up

The 650B was faster around the twisty stuff

The 29er was faster around the smooth stuff

 

On a local trail here my 29er was just as fast as my 650B overall then but

 

I SOLD THE 29ER

 

Moral of the story - the bike geometry has way more impact than what wheel size it has.

 

And with no good 26ers for smaller or shorter or Jnr riders the industry will be killing the market by killing off 650B - when they killed 26ers they at least presented an alternative - 650B

 

Maybe they will kill 650B just to create a bunch of guys on ill fitting 29ers wanting a better fit and then BOOOOOM the REVOLUTIONARY 650B is back!!!

 

Unfortunately you are CORRECT ...

 

it GRINDS met ... as our little one is growing into the 26'' size ... and I cant find anything decent out there for his next bike.

 

 

 

 

:offtopic:

Seriously looking for a decent SMALL 26'' frame ... custom paint job ...x2 drive system ... hydraulic brakes .... okay fork .... and he may well have a brilliant bike .... but all these bits may just add up to scary price tag ..... maybe go big, and buy proper components, and transplant to the next frame as he grows .....

Posted

Unfortunately you are CORRECT ...

 

it GRINDS met ... as our little one is growing into the 26'' size ... and I cant find anything decent out there for his next bike.

 

Banshee Spitfire. Has drop outs for both 26 and 650b. Also I think the Intense Tracers did the same. 

Posted

I really like my girly bike.Think i might get it sprayed pink with some tassels :whistling:  :ph34r:

 

48956004_10156464649484748_5954956895885

 

My Girly bike also sports a saddlebag  :thumbup:  :thumbup:  :thumbup:

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