UKC

So...650b this, 29er that...but would anybody now buy a 26" MTB?

Would the performance of a 650b over a 26" change dependant on the size of the rider?

How Would the performance of A small framed bike on 26" wheels differ to that of a large framed bike on 650b? Would it be the same?

In reply to Gra B:
From magazines I gather 26'' wheels are a bit faster to accelerate and nippier feeling, but when timed scientifically, 26'' are consistently slowest, with 650b and 29'' being a near as dammit equal depending on the terrain, with 650b wheels often feeling more 'normal' after 29''.

I still just ride my 26'' Cotic Soul, but there's a 650b Merida full sus I have in mind for next year's sales when the new stock comes in. I'd like to have a test ride first.

In reply to Gra B:
I have bought a 26" Cube attention this year (Doh!)

I don't get on with the bike at all, was drawn in by the cracking full deore groupset and rockshox suspension for £550. I can't ride it for toffee.

In reply to Gra B:

I've recently fixed (/pimped) up my old 26er so I won't hear a bad word against them :-P

http://www.vataxaccountancy.co.uk/bike1s.JPG

Just waiting for some shiny new pedals to turn up, hence the awful flats.

In reply to Gra B:

Yes, on the principal that I've been riding them for the last 20 years and had quite a bit of fun in that time. Larger wheels are great, 29" is here to stay (especially for XC) and I think 650 will eventually take over from 26" for DH and enduro. But 26" is still perfectly fine.


Yes, marginally. A small rider with a small frame will find the smaller wheels easier to manouvre. There isn't *that* much difference between 26" and 650b though.


No, they are at opposing ends of the scale, I'm not sure why you would think they would be the same. A small frame with 26" wheels will be nippier, easier to flick and turn, and marginally faster to accelerate. A large frame with 650 wheels will roll better when up to speed, and potentially be a bit comfier.