Now 26" is really dead

jdog

jdog

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650b is going to happen. I wasn't so sure, but considering what I have seen in the last 2 weeks I am now certain that 650b is indeed coming in a big way.

Consider 650b to be a better 26".

I think that the dh and jumper crowd can embrace it too.

In this photo we a see a production ready SRAM wheelset and Schwalbe tire. These guys are ready to rock w/ 650b.

26" is really going to be dead now.
 

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I was thinking of burying a couple of 26 wheel bikes in my back yard, so when they become illegal I will still be able to ride them at night.:getsome:
 
I think it's interesting that 650B has suddenly started to gain momentum in the last year after being around for so long before that. It's like some tipping point was hit or something. Hell, Nino Schurter was even riding them at the World Cup in Houffalize (by contrast it took until last year when Kulhavy won on the 29er for wagon wheels to get any attention on the World Cup and 29ers have been hot now for years.)

I wonder why this is. Is it a response on the part of the 26 inch adherents to the relative dominance of 29ers in XC now? Or is it just that people are starting to believe that compromises like the middling 650B are more generally applicable than either 26 or 29? Personally, I will never buy anything other than a 29er from now on (although I still own two 26ers.) But for me it's all a personal preference -- I understand some people like 26, some like 650 and some like 29 and that's fine. I don't care what other people ride. 29ers feel better for me. But it is curious how the 650B's seem to be finally getting some recognition now. (I think for a while the only brands you could find actually building 650 bikes specifically was Haro and Jamis, and I think both even stopped a few years ago.)
 
Not to mention the FOX/ROCKSHOX 650b forks rolling out soon! But then again, 650b wheels always fit in the fox forks :rolleyes: Another gimmick

So far I like my bikes to be 650b hardtail and 26" all mountain/downhill. I don't think I'll get a high end 29er. They are dead to me. Maybe for a few hundred $ I might.

I need that 650b trail bike though but the El Bastardo is done :(

It's a damn shame Jamis gets no street cred for pushing 650b
 
I'll be the noob that asks this question... Is 650b slightly bigger then a 26 inch wheel? I feel like I know this, but is it kind of in between 26 and 29? If so, I like this idea. Since 29 is freaking massive for little people
 
mandi said:
I'll be the noob that asks this question... Is 650b slightly bigger then a 26 inch wheel? I feel like I know this, but is it kind of in between 26 and 29? If so, I like this idea. Since 29 is freaking massive for little people
Click to expand...

Indeed it is, my dear...
 
650b's appeal is that it takes some of the gains that people rave about w/ 29er and maintains the "flickability" of 26".

It also makes great sense for the 5'-2" or shorter crowd.

It is coming for sure. The major bike brands watch the trends like hawks. They all see 26" dying a fast death and they want off that sinking ship.

650b has legs. It makes a lot more sense once 26" dies off completely.

3 sizes is too much.. 2 maybe.
 
Been giving the Jamis Dragon 650 a lot of consideration. Could see it being my go to bike for places like Allaire, 6M, Clayton, and Rays Town. I dont however see it replacing my 6" 26 full for CR, Ringwood, VT, and Pisgah.

Wonder why all anger and desire to "Kill Off" the 26 by the 29er crowd. Kinda reminds me of the whole Shortboard vs. Longboard, Snowboard vs. Skis, Harley vs. Ninja, type thing.

Have Fun!
 
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