[mtbgreg1 offline]

Came across this interesting nugget of information today:

Note that 650b is not half way between the size of a 26er and 29er but 39% of the way.

Source: http://reviews.mtbr.com/unlocking-650b- ... z-blur-trc

I'm a little confused on this point, so can someone help me out? I know that, in theory, the 29" wheel diameter is actually measured from the axle to the outside of the tire, and the wheel itself is only 28". So does this apply to the 27.5" wheel too (wheel is actually 26.5"?), but NOT the 26" wheel (wheel is ~26" and measured to outside of tire is 27"?)?

Can anyone clarify?

[schwim offline]

You know what this means? It means we absolutely need a new wheel size!

Long live the 590.5 rim!

[jtorlando25 offline]

Very interesting facts. Reminds me of something I saw a few days ago. A new Pacenti 650B tire that is so large, it creates the optical illusion of being halfway between a 26 and 29.



I'm not sure why we need 3 wheel sizes but I haven't ridden a 650 bike yet so I have no opinion on them. I'd really like to ride a 650 one of these days to have my own opinion. I just really wonder how many of the people who swear by 650 are actually feeling the benefits of frame geometry vs wheel size. I bought a 29er because I thought it was more stable...then I rode a 26" bike with a different frame geometry than what I was used to on a 26" bike and it was just as stable as my 29er. Am I beating around the bush in stating the theory that wheel size is fluff and frame geometry is what makes the ride? Maybe, but that's a whole different discussion.

[Jared13 offline]

Very interesting facts. Reminds me of something I saw a few days ago. A new Pacenti 650B tire that is so large, it creates the optical illusion of being halfway between a 26 and 29.



I'm not sure why we need 3 wheel sizes but I haven't ridden a 650 bike yet so I have no opinion on them. I'd really like to ride a 650 one of these days to have my own opinion. I just really wonder how many of the people who swear by 650 are actually feeling the benefits of frame geometry vs wheel size. I bought a 29er because I thought it was more stable...then I rode a 26" bike with a different frame geometry than what I was used to on a 26" bike and it was just as stable as my 29er. Am I beating around the bush in stating the theory that wheel size is fluff and frame geometry is what makes the ride? Maybe, but that's a whole different discussion.

I wrote off 29ers for a while saying I didn't need/want one. Then I rode one for a week. I had ridden a few at a demo day, but didn't really notice a difference and was happy with 26ers. During the week with the 29er, I rode over a lot more stuff and was definitely less tired after the rides.

I now have a FS 29er and I'd love to get a FS 26er also, something like a Transition Double, but that'll have to wait quite some time. I'll have to ride a 650b before I pull the trigger on another bike though. (And pay off my college loans.)

I think there will always be a niche for all three wheel sizes but I'm really excited to see what is discovered by the manufactures/engineers/test riders.

[DavidPeckjr offline]

My first bike had 26" and my second was 29". The first bike corners faster the second was more comfortable. My lap times was very close to the same. I will also mention the 29er does not get unsettled as much (hardtail rider) when I have ridden fast rooty sections. I do not want to buy a bike a year. The wife will kill me! However I will ride one and see. If the 650b is halfway as the "seat of the pants test" vs the actual dimensions, then I will consider it when my bike is wasted, A country boy can survive, but a working man can only pay for so much.