26? 650B? 29er?
so some random thoughts from me on wheel size as it's going to be an intersting 2008 with not two, but three wheelsets in play. the key factor IMHO will not be if the tire companies jump on (which they likely will and already are), but how heavily they bet. so, here goes:
26: the front runner. i think it'll remain the wheel of choice for most people. it's known, it's comfortable and it's dependable. it can also be built bullet proof so it'll likely be the mainstay of the DH/FR/DJ world. i just don't see a need for a bigger tire wheel in those applications but what do i really know. the low rotational weight is favored by many pure XC types as well.
29er: this is a single speeders dream...especially if it's rigid. the ablitly to just 'roll' things that hang up a 26 is great. the cut down on the 'chatter' is also great. from a pure XC perspective, it's my opinion that even with the "sluggish" handling and greater rotational weight it's the right choice. i know these wheels can be built up stronger but as stong as a 26"? i don't know. add a front shock and you've got all the plushy goodness you need.
6-FIVE-OH-BEE: i'm actually really interested in this wheel size. it seems to be a really good blend of all that is good about both the 26 and 29er sizes: the larger rolling wheel, elimination of the twitchiness, lower rotational weight and the "flickability". the application seems to be perfectly suited for an agressive XC type rider who doesn't shy from drops but also isn't hucking 10 footers. the fact that it's easily "retrofitted" on to a 26" frame also works in it's favor. pending how things go with the size next year, i could see myself picking up a hardtail version of one of these for everything around here. especially if it's steel.
so some random thoughts from me on wheel size as it's going to be an intersting 2008 with not two, but three wheelsets in play. the key factor IMHO will not be if the tire companies jump on (which they likely will and already are), but how heavily they bet. so, here goes:
26: the front runner. i think it'll remain the wheel of choice for most people. it's known, it's comfortable and it's dependable. it can also be built bullet proof so it'll likely be the mainstay of the DH/FR/DJ world. i just don't see a need for a bigger tire wheel in those applications but what do i really know. the low rotational weight is favored by many pure XC types as well.
29er: this is a single speeders dream...especially if it's rigid. the ablitly to just 'roll' things that hang up a 26 is great. the cut down on the 'chatter' is also great. from a pure XC perspective, it's my opinion that even with the "sluggish" handling and greater rotational weight it's the right choice. i know these wheels can be built up stronger but as stong as a 26"? i don't know. add a front shock and you've got all the plushy goodness you need.
6-FIVE-OH-BEE: i'm actually really interested in this wheel size. it seems to be a really good blend of all that is good about both the 26 and 29er sizes: the larger rolling wheel, elimination of the twitchiness, lower rotational weight and the "flickability". the application seems to be perfectly suited for an agressive XC type rider who doesn't shy from drops but also isn't hucking 10 footers. the fact that it's easily "retrofitted" on to a 26" frame also works in it's favor. pending how things go with the size next year, i could see myself picking up a hardtail version of one of these for everything around here. especially if it's steel.