24 Bikes of the Enduro World Series

May 18, 2013
by Matt Wragg  
Tobias Woggon and his 29 BMC prototype
  Tobias Woggon and his 29" BMC prototype

Max Schumann and his Carver 27.5 IBC internet forum-designed bike
  Max Schumann and his Carver 27.5" IBC internet forum-designed bike

EWS main man Chris Ball and his Santa Cruz Tallboy LT
  EWS main man, Chris Ball, and his Santa Cruz Tallboy LT

Nico Lau and his Cube Stereo
  Nico Lau and his Cube Stereo

Tracy Moseley and her 29 Trek Remedy prototype
  Tracy Moseley and her 29" Trek Remedy prototype

Dan Atherton and his 27.5 GT prototype
  Dan Atherton and his 27.5" GT prototype

Al Stock and his Kona Process DL
  Al Stock and his Kona Process DL

Adam Craig and his 27.5 Giant prototype
  Adam Craig and his 27.5" Giant prototype

Kellie Emmett and her 27.5 Giant prototype
  Kellie Emmett and her 27.5" Giant prototype

Anneke Beerten and her Specialized Enduro
  Anneke Beerten and her Specialized Enduro

Curtis Keene and his Specialized Stumpjumper 29
  Curtis Keene and his Specialized Stumpjumper 29

Michal Prokop and his Specialized Enduro
  Michal Prokop and his Specialized Enduro

Nico Vouilloz and his prototype Lapierre 27.5 bike with EI and Horst link suspension
  Nico Vouilloz and his prototype Lapierre 27.5" bike with EI and Horst link suspension

Steve Peat and his Santa Cruz Bronson
  Steve Peat and his Santa Cruz Bronson

Greg Minnaar and his Santa Cruz Bronson
  Greg Minnaar and his Santa Cruz Bronson

Nico Quere and his Commencal Meta AM 27.5
  Nico Quere and his Commencal Meta AM 27.5"

Andrea Bruno and his Transition Covert Carbon
  Andrea Bruno and his Transition Covert Carbon

Joe Barnes and his Canyon Strive. His team are all running secret 27.5 prototypes but he is undecided whether he will race on his yet and it s strictly no photos
  Joe Barnes and his Canyon Strive. His team are all running secret 27.5" prototypes, but he is undecided whether he will race on his yet and it's strictly no photos

Cedric Gracia and his Santa Cruz Bronson. While Cedric is on DVO Suspenion he is using Suntour for enduro while DVO develop their range
  Cedric Gracia and his Santa Cruz Bronson. While Cedric is on DVO Suspenion, he is using Suntour for enduro while DVO develop their range

Manuel Ducci and his Ibis Mojo HD
  Manuel Ducci and his Ibis Mojo HD

Brian Lopes and his Ibis Ripley
  Brian Lopes and his Ibis Ripley

Jerome Clementz and his Cannondale Jekyll
  Jerome Clementz and his Cannondale Jekyll

Ben Cruz and his Cannondale Jekyll
  Ben Cruz and his Cannondale Jekyll

Anka Martin and her prototype Santa Cruz Juliana women s enduro race bike
  Anka Martin and her prototype Santa Cruz Juliana women's enduro race bike


Author Info:
mattwragg avatar

Member since Oct 29, 2006
753 articles

267 Comments
  • 352 12
 iv got 99 wheel sizes and 26 aint one
  • 20 45
flag cyberhawk (May 18, 2013 at 4:16) (Below Threshold)
 *word !
  • 15 4
 Everybody was just sandbagging with 26" wheels in the off season.
  • 110 8
 There's just no fighting it by the looks of things - larger wheels are slowly taking over, especially when so much of it is bike porn on pages like this... Bugger...
Good job I still enjoy riding my 26" bike - it'll be a fair few years before I trade that in! 26ers for the win! ;-)
  • 30 0
 Tobias Woggon and his Waggon wheels.
  • 9 1
 I think the variety in frames and wheel sizes is pretty cool. And these bikes are all going to be racing the same tracks! Goes to show that riding style, body size and personal preference goes a long way for wheel choice. Wonder which way Joe Barnes will go, he's the definition of 26er style IMO
  • 44 9
 Why does everyone look at new wheel sizes as a bad thing? If the bike is better and faster, and more comfortable for it, why's it a bad thing? Honestly, it seems to me that 26" is out dated in everything but downhill, freeride, and slopestyle/jump bikes, with 27.5 gradually making a push into downhill. If I had enough money for a new bike (the only one i have is a DJ bike), it'd probably be a 27.5er.
  • 9 20
flag cyberhawk (May 18, 2013 at 6:56) (Below Threshold)
 here you go.. your own answer.. money.. with everyone not making a dollar more or even less.. this shizzle aint the right time.. i got 5 bikes.. and now with 10sp as upcoming standard.. i dont even want to think about costs for a new drive train..
  • 11 11
 More wheels sizes is a bad thing, because 26 inch wheels, tyres and tubes won't be as mass produced as they would be otherwise, so they will be more expensive. On the other hand, since there is less demand for them, if the supply remains the same, will 26 inch stuff get cheaper??
  • 8 0
 If demand drops, supply with drop as well. There will be no point in making a ton of something if hardly anyone is going to buy it.That being said its doubtful that 26" wheels are going away anytime soon.
  • 11 2
 I've heard the same arguments when shimano went from 7-speed to 8-speed, then 8-speed to 9-speed and 9-speed to 10-speed. Don't knock it till you try it. 27.5" here to stay.
  • 4 0
 But what about the 'cheap' bikes, like the Carreras and such like? I have heard nothing about different wheel sizes for these brands. What will the aspiring rider want, or those who just need a bike to get around? I work in Halfords (go on then, laugh) and most of the customers look at a bike as either a piece of transport or something to have fun. 26" is still the biggest market around.
  • 17 8
 Every single serious industry market in the world has standards, be it cars, motorcycles, mining, aero spacial, big machinery, small machinery, every one of them follows strict standards, be it ISO, ASTM, ABNT, ASME, etc. Why do bikes have to be the exception? Many and more bicycle components are out of a standard, for example the seat posts, it is ridiculous how many diameters are out there, or a while ago, when GT tried to push a new steer tube diameter on us! Now the 29ers and 27.5 and bla bla bla. Can't you guys see it is all about making more money? Those riders up there, with their awesome dream bikes (wish I had money to get a new 25k rig every 6 months) don't care about their wheel size, they will rip anything, be it on a 26 or on a 29, and that is great for them, I mean, they have dream bikes, dream jobs, basically the perfect life, but I really can't see a reason for buying a 27.5...
  • 12 3
 So I should be able to use any tires and/or rims on any car that I purchase?
  • 5 1
 26ers will always win on the DJs!
  • 51 1
 I won't complain about wheel sizes but please tell me its still okay to complain about fixies. I just really don't like the peoplewho ride them
  • 30 2
 I can't wait till this is over, the wheel size thing is dividing riders big time from what I see. Just like how Democrats and Republicans can't even converse without reverting to tired new cliches. Someone on a 29er won't acknowledge my presence when I'm on my 26" 7" travel bike but if I ride my Chromoly Hardtail they wave and offer me beer...

Marketing is the driving force and shops have to guess what they will sell and order for the year based on what is available from the manufacturers. New wheel sizes make you buy more parts. PERIOD. The big companies are deciding what is best for the consumer, not the other way around. Walk into a shop and pretend to be a beginner and ask for a 26" all-mountain FS bike and see what they push you onto.

I just retired a 2001 Santa Cruz Bullit frame because it finally fatigued and began to crack. I only had to buy chains, tires, tubes and brake pads for that bike for essentially 10 years all the while I ran mostly the same kit as fads came and went. Bike companies, just like all companies, want to sell more than one bike every 10 years. Hence: wheel sizes.
  • 12 1
 ^ totally agree. It's all about sales. Why do you think all the pro's pictured above are riding those bikes with those wheels? Because they demanded that wheel size based on it being faster? I doubt they had any choice. Here you go - ride this and win, then we can sell it to the masses.
  • 8 8
 big wheels look whack!
  • 5 0
 While the debate about wheel size continues to induce stress, there is one thing that definitely doesn't: looking at that Carbon Covert. If seat-posts had feelings, I'd do mine a favor and stick it in that coverts seat-tube all day long.
  • 7 0
 Rode a hardtail 29er Carve for 9 months last season. Wound up selling it for a fs Reign 2 (26er). Being 5'8 165lbs the 29er was too big for me. Had a med frame, but smalls aren't much different. To each their own... I'm loving being on an AM rig with 26" wheels. Maneuverability is better for me , and I feel more confident going over obstacles. Just my take on it... ride what suits you.
  • 13 5
 Amazing how all the worlds woes can be pinned on there being more than one wheel size. Do any of you realize that the 26" wheel size for mountain bikes is an arbitrary thing, which did not result from any master plan, design or testing. It easily could have been 650b, 650a, 700d...why is everyone so attached to it. WTF.
Any yes, bike companies exist to sell bikes. The are not altruistic organizations looking out for you. Evil and tyranical, I know, right.
Did you get your panties all in a bunch when the greedy bike industry tried to convince us that we HAD throw away our narrow bars to buy wider ones, longer stems to get shorter ones, get dropper posts and carbon everything for our bikes???
  • 6 3
 No, guys you have it wrong. After many years working in a shop, I have found that about 1 out of 25-30 people ask for a 26" bike. The consumer's are demanding larger wheels. Our shop still has 26" bikes for sale that are 3 and 4 years old. I even have a friends bike for sale that is a like new 26" Stumpjumper from 2010. Never even ridden on a trail (middle aged guy that rides MTBs on the road), and have not got one offer on it after having it posted here for multiple months. Demand is from consumers, NOT the manufacturer's.
  • 5 0
 Is it just me or does that Kona look stupidly long? Would be like riding a gate!
  • 4 1
 Amen reformed roadie. I always wondered how MTBS came to have 26' wheels. Iknow it wasn't science. But now we are trying to finally work it out properly. I mean how can we find out which is the best wheel size if we don't have them. I am looking forward to the next time I change my bike in a couple of Years when they have all been tested thoroughly and I can then go and test ride a few different ones for myself. So funny readIng all the Complaints. why would yOu not want the best sized wheels? Now is the testing time and I like it. its about time. I want the best.
  • 1 1
 Reformed roadie go read the uci rules on road bike wheel size. Tighter than a ducks exhaust pipe, that is my big problem with big wheels on mtbs.
  • 3 1
 Whether it's demand from consumers, clever marketing from the brands or whatever it may be, I promise you mid/high end 26" is DEAD from a retail point of view. We can't give away 26" AM frames and bikes at the moment. We've got ÂŁ1000 frames going for ÂŁ200, and they're tough to sell even at that price. Any complete bike retailing for ÂŁ800 or above HAS to be 29" or 27.5".

Everyone either wants 27.5, or isn't willing to put any more money into 'yesterdays technology' for fear that they'll have something out-of-date and worthless.

For the record, I only own 26" wheeled bikes, but I can't imagine that my next bike will be 26".
  • 7 0
 What ÂŁ1000 frames have you got for ÂŁ200? If it's any good I might come and have a look.
  • 10 0
 I'm ready for everybody to sell off their slow unfashionable high end 26ers to us used bike bottom feeders. The more undesirable 26ers become the better the deals will be!
  • 1 0
 Deli-hustler: Drop me a line with what sort of thing you're after. I'm expecting another drop of bargain frames in the next few days, I'll find something for you!
  • 1 0
 Kellie Emmett and her 27.5" Giant prototype looks like it has a 29in front wheel or is the photo just distorted?
  • 2 1
 Caiokv,

Why would we need standards just yet ? Bikes are becoming serious and we are just starting to break away form the ''its always been like that...''. I say let them explore, even if it not just for making better bikes (who can blame any company for trying to make more money ? the world spins that way because WE made it so ) , and while I won't go on specific details but a LOT of standard have been a way to push competition aside and make more money by making things either specific to a certain patent or making things go one way only for the sake of making it super simple... take many of the sae norms like the JIC hydraulic connectors they suck, yet they are the norm by what the WHOLE industry abides.... Actually I say f*ck standards for now, the UCI is the best example right now of why we need this process to be chaotic... the industry is so young, let it go its own way.
  • 3 0
 Brakesnotincluded,

I do have to agree that some standards suck, but I really don't think having a standard would keep bikes from evolving, or would even be a bad thing. I am no specialist, far from it, but if every single market has standards I don't see why do bikes have not. I mean, even the measures on a bike are messy, half of it in in, half in mm!
About the money making, the companies can't be blamed for making money, that is the one reason they exist in first place, but making money by selling a lighter bike, or a bike with a well though and tested geometry, or using new materials is one thing, now releasing a new wheel diameter to make more money? Pushing it onto every rider? I know some of the riders actually wanted to try out the 27.5, but I am sure that if they could freely choose their bikes there would be a lot more of 26 up there.

The whole point is that if they were that much better it would already have been proven, and the companies wouldn't have to push it on us like they are doing. Not saying it is worse nor better, just saying it might not be that much of a deal. One thing is steeping up from a single crown to a dual crown fork, the difference is overwhelming on a downhill track, I wasn't around when the dual crowns started, but I don't think they found that much resistance, if any at all, but a new wheel size means a new frame at least, if not a whole new bike.

Cheers!
  • 1 0
 iv got 99 wheel sizes and 26 aint one. yep its here the companies made 26" wheels that are still rolling strong from 05 or earlier. my mavic deetraks are still rolling great since around 05 they are hanging on the wall waiting for the new bike. my current bike rolls transition revolution wheels running great they just need a tension. my friend runs azonic outlaws running great and he sucks ass maintaining his bikes his last wheel set he never serviced just went till spokes went loose and he monster trucks everything. they company's figured change the sizes so they have to buy dam these people not buying wheels we will fix that shit. wheels and a fork is probably the only reason i dont buy a niner.
  • 1 0
 This is true. I have yet to try a bigger wheel size than 26inch but I can really see the benefits if both 29er and 650b but I sure hope 26inch hoops don't die. There should always be an option for all of them. Even on Xc hardtails where many people struggle to see the benefit in the smaller sizes.
  • 1 0
 ....and the over-all EWS winner is wait for it....wait for it......wait for it 26' er!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Nothing to do with Clementz's ability, right...Nico and Fabien did ok, no?
  • 1 0
 Right! Nico and Fabien was held back by their wheel choices Wink
  • 109 4
 I just hope to god someone wins on a 26 inch bike and sends the interwebz mad
  • 9 2
 I bet you people will see it like this, If someone wins on a 29er it will be because of his wheel size, but if a rider on a 26er wins it will because he rode well. kinda annoys me :/
  • 3 1
 Clementz is a madman. My money is on him.
  • 1 1
 LAWL. also has anyone noticed...Not one single Trek? Oh wait there's one prototype for Moseley. Is it just me or does anyone think Trek bikes need to stop with that same old design for couple years on and try single pivots some day cus they sure feel to stiff on the back.

I mean even GT and Cannondale bikes are changing the design rapidly in comparsion

I have no love nor comments for other brands.
  • 99 16
 I'm honestly getting so sick of people bitching about wheel sizes. IF YOU DONT LIKE BIGGER WHEELS THEN DONT RIDE THEM. But stop telling me on every single damn article on pinkbike how much you hate them. Its still a f*cking bike at the end of the day.
  • 31 48
flag sssmith (May 18, 2013 at 5:19) (Below Threshold)
 29ers are bad, ok.
  • 14 20
flag snero (May 18, 2013 at 5:52) (Below Threshold)
 Couldn't of said it better myself!
  • 14 22
flag Primoz (May 18, 2013 at 6:32) (Below Threshold)
 The problem is that even if 26" wheels are actually better when all is taken into account, witht he current amrketing, there will be no 26" bikes left by 2015 or 2016. So there will be either a choice of riding 650b (can't see 29" sticking for anything over 120 mm, even more so since 650b came along) or not riding at all, at least as far as AM/Enduro is concerned.
  • 13 9
 ssmith, primoz, YOU ARE DIRECTLY CONTRADICTING WHAT HE SAID. GO BITCH ABOUT SOME 1.5-3" DIFFERENCE SOMEWHERE ELSE. PEOPLE RIDE WHAT THEY WANT. BIKE COMPANIES WILL NOT ABANDON 26 BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY NEED TO SELL BIKES. so just shut the hell up.
  • 11 0
 Now, lets all stop SHOUTING by using capital letters online. OKAY? People can choose what wheel size they want to, it just depends on their personal preferences.
  • 12 21
flag tetonlarry (May 18, 2013 at 10:49) (Below Threshold)
 I'm so sick of people bitching about people bitching about wheel size. 29ers are not "still just a bike". They are a marketing ploy. Expect to see taco's all over this race.
  • 10 15
flag tabletop84 (May 18, 2013 at 11:46) (Below Threshold)
 I'M SO SICK OF THE MEDIA (Pinkbike I'm looking at you) DESPERATELY TRYING TO TELL US HOW MUCH BETTER WE ALLE WOULD RIDE IF WE JUST BOUGHT A 650B-BIKE.
  • 1 1
 Um... mfbeast where did i say it's not a bike in the end of the day? All i'm saying that the amrketing push for 650b is REALLY strong these days. And even if you really don't like bigger wheels (i quite like my 26 inchers for example) you will, as i said, probably have the option of riding a bigger wheeled bike (650b), still ride your old and failing bike with 26" or not ride at all. Guess which you are going to choose with your wallet in a couple of years time.

And i'm not bitching about wheel sizes. I'm just telling you how things stand. If you can't handle the truth... Well... Tough luck?
  • 1 0
 how can you say.. that when your 26"bike is old,.,it will be failing.. ? thats marketing talk... buy new.. its better.. i think with ANY experience.. we know that new products arent Always better !

also what clearly stands out in all the comments.. is that everyone who says something sensible is being neg propped.. ? esp when the word marketing pops up..
(i have a bunch of twats Always neg propping me, so this aint about me Wink )
  • 1 0
 cyberhawk how often have you ridden an old bike, that wasn't failing? Dunno, it might just be me, but my 5 seasons old Meta 5.5 is creaking badly (though it does need a complete new drivetrain, since the chain has been changed only once and it's the only thing that has been changed at all). Though it is a problem of the design, the bike is also REALLY flexy in the rear end. That and a really old design (it's basicly 10 years old now, the design, not my actual bike) mean the bike IS old and it's only a matter of time when it will fail.

Also, it's hard to make an aluminium bike last forever since it's fatigue limit hardly levels out, while it does for steel. So the longer you ride an ALU frame, the more likely it gets that it will crack.
  • 1 0
 I tried like one 29er hardtail in Rays back in 2011. I barely remember how it felt like..I do remember I had maybe placebo minor, and I told myself that it felt like it rolled over those xc rock gardens at ease. But then I ride full sus only. So I can't really compare. To be honest though, if GT and Cannondales with their Force and Jekyll going 650b all the way, there's gotta be something more than just marketing hype.

Are companies really going that far just to make zero difference if not slower results for the riders? Hype? Really? I doubt that it's just marketing hype.

Spend more time on earning some money and upgrade based on experience and trying. It's not like bike shops won't allow you to try the bikes before you buy them.
  • 75 0
 prototypes...prototypes everywhere
  • 6 0
 SPLOOOOOOSH!
  • 24 29
flag royal-dh (May 18, 2013 at 4:22) (Below Threshold)
 laaaaaame 29'ers
  • 52 8
 Trek please melt that Remedy 29 Proto and start over, it's hideous. Thank you.
  • 53 3
 and pass that message onto GT
  • 3 0
 IKR! Did you see the head tube on that guy jobs processor it terrible looking
  • 7 2
 and the lapierre, what have they done to the spicey!
  • 5 0
 not mnay look too pretty
  • 5 2
 The amount of prototypes is ridiculous. If the 27.5 wheel size gives as much advantage as they say it does, all of these prototype 27.5 bikes are a little unfair for the privateers who have to make due with production rigs. If the 27.5 wheel size gives as much advantage as it actually does, then the privateers have nothing to worry about
  • 2 0
 @Darkstar63: you currently have +29 props. just sayin.
  • 2 0
 and tell trek to release the 5 year old proto slope bike -_-
its way too good already, and maybe thats what they are trying to fix?
  • 2 0
 the proto slope bike is a size small aluminum remedy, with a 100mm travel shock on it.
  • 2 0
 Except it isn't. It's actually pretty bespoke.
  • 8 0
 I don't think the Trek looks that bad, especially compared to the blocky BMC and the awkward GT. Wanna see a weird-looking big wheeler, check out a Giant Trance X 29er 0. Even the name is a mouthful of marbles.
  • 2 0
 altitude are the best 27.5 on the market now the 2013 rockys are good and ive heard of rumors for a 4 bar dh carbon bike too
  • 4 0
 that GT proto is fugly as hell! hideous thing.
  • 3 0
 I agree Darkstar, that remedy just looks like the unwanted child of a Superfly and 26er Remedy. Trek, please kill it before you make any small children cry.
  • 2 0
 It's that belly it has......and it's long "neck" toptube/downtube junction. Just looks horrible.
  • 1 0
 yeah, they pretty much all look like shit comparing to 2011 GT Fury. But that's a DH bike. Looks aside, you don't need to look at the side of the frame when you ride and depend on what you ride to ride faster and steadier..Pointless really, just eyecandy
  • 59 3
 I would Murder for one of those S-Works Enduros
Murder
  • 6 1
 I'm with you, they look SICK, want one badly
  • 8 0
 interesting how there not running the new 29er enduro
  • 2 3
 They are??? Anneka B
  • 2 0
 Her bike looks the best to me, but not a fan of 29ers. The Canyon Strive is also a great looking bike. Is it just me or does it look like Lopes suspension will be hitting his water bottle cage???
  • 2 0
 @klowie: i can see why you'd think that, but no it wouldn't, because the whole bottle is within the front triangle mainframe, and the pivots don't move that way.
  • 31 3
 Was i the only one that laughed a little when they saw someone called Quere riding a pink bike. (p.s. I don't care if that's not how his name is pronounced, don't spoil my fun)
  • 2 11
flag shred-pitt (May 18, 2013 at 9:48) (Below Threshold)
 Maybe you are the only 12 year old who likes enduro?!
  • 2 0
 Gotta say, he is a LEGEND on 2 wheels! Love his vids... even tho the latest one is called 'Gay P'ride'... Maybe theres something to that...
  • 1 0
 I thought the same thing when I read Quere!
  • 34 8
 I'd probably never buy myself a 29er or a 27.5" bike..In my opinion they look weird with such big wheels and it looks even weirder if the rider is small and they got a big bike like that...but everyone has their own opinion, oh well everyone rides what they prefer ...btw 26ers ftw!
  • 4 0
 Some look weirder than others. I'm riding a 27.5 this season, and as yet not one person has noticed the bigger wheels on a trail. Guess it depends on the bike and the proportions. 29ers are pretty easy to spot though.
  • 1 0
 Indeed some of these bikes look off to me, even the 26" wheeled Specialized bikes. The perspective seems weird in these pics. Either the riders look enormous or the bikes look too big.
  • 24 6
 Embrace it, 27.5 is here to stay. Downhill may be ruled by 26" wheels forever, but just like XC has become dominated by 29ers, as will the AM market and enduro series be ruled mainly by 27.5. Its the right tool for the job, you guys already know the low down on the advantages. They far outweigh the disadvantages, and if you ask me I dont think there are any disadvantages. Hardly noticeable jumping, corner like a 26 would, roll much faster. This isnt a park bike, this isnt a cross-country bike, its almost a free-ride bike, but its an All Mountain machine.

Deny it all you want, but I appreciate the thinking and creativity of the engineers and designers hard at work trying to produce the best product and the best tool for our own personal enjoyment, and on the other hand to perform the best for the pro's out there making a living doing what they love.

Give it a year or two, DH=26 AM=27.5 XC=29 Thats all there is to it.
  • 13 3
 Dh will have a lot of 27.5 I'm afraid.
  • 22 0
 Give it a year or two, people will ride whatever bike best suits their terrain and riding style and STOP bitchin bout wheel sizes that don't suit their needs. That's all there is to it.
  • 6 7
 I agree with you buddy, one question for you: R U FROM FUTURE, lol, I have AM and probably I will stick to 26" 4ever, I had stumpjumper carbon 29 and sold it after 3 months, the ride was OK but the Look OMG it looked so ugly
  • 4 0
 650B is already in DH this year and works out well compared to the 29ers they tried which failed.
  • 20 1
 its not about the look... its about how it rides... i dont ride for other people I ride for my self!!!
  • 4 1
 I rode a 29er hard tail for 2 days (60+ km) and I noticed the advantages right away, but I had a lot of trouble controlling it at low speeds. I may not be the best rider but I found out its not the bike for me. I would really like to try the 650b before I make up my mind but there are definitely no 29" wheels anywhere in my future.
  • 8 1
 That's why people ride 29". The look crap but they're fast as f....
  • 2 0
 It also will be size specific. Can't cram 29 into long travel size small.
  • 1 0
 @ somismtb :
the NSA agrees with you.. there is no free choice.. you just get offered a few fixed offers..
for the illusion of choice.. thats all there is to it..
sadly no BS

for years i have been hearing the ROTATIONAL weight story...... and suddenly with 29" ... physics dont exist anymore..
  • 19 3
 So if a 26" bike wins then that means the course is more like a DH track, and not Enduro?

So if a 29" bike wins then we'll all shout hail mary thrice and claim it is XC, and not Enduro?

So if a 27.5" bike wins then we'll all just be confused and go back to arguing the toss for another 3 weeks till the next round...

Good luck guys, may the best rider win... so long as its one of those sweet 26" Jekyll's LOL
  • 1 0
 Yups
  • 1 0
 I'm already confused......
  • 6 1
 But what about when a 28.25" bike wins?
  • 1 5
flag tetonlarry (May 18, 2013 at 10:53) (Below Threshold)
 29 will not win. No way in hell.
  • 14 0
 Wow, they all have wheels! Some even have different sized wheels!

I'm surprised by the number of Suntour forks, I knew that the high end stuff was good, but didn't know it was pro level good, especially seeing the Epicon which is a ÂŁ170-ÂŁ350 fork depending on spec.
  • 22 3
 i have a 27'5" dick
  • 3 0
 Good luck finding a women to kill with it, I'm sure they would all run in fear as you hopped down the street on it
  • 17 0
 So many short people with MASSIVE bikes. Looks like a bunch of school kids with their new Christmas presents!
  • 9 0
 Is it me or is this the worst time since the suspension 'renaissance' to purchase a bike?? Don't get me wrong - I LOVE the tech and pushing the design boundaries, but I would be hard pressed to go all-in on a new ride with things changing so fast. Moreover, the price-point that used to get me the tech and PERFORMANCE I want out of a bike (approx. 3K) has been exceeded in the new gen steeds by a long shot - and not just due to the economy. Yup, it's my SC Heckler for the foreseeable future until sufficient trickle-down and wheel size peeing contest has brought the industry back to earth. Just my 2-cents.
  • 1 0
 FWIW, if you have a Fox fork on that heckler, you just need rims, spokes and tires to go 650b. Just sayin'. Did it with a BLT and Nickel, and would not consider going back. It's not hype or marketing.
  • 9 0
 Why are there so many cables and levers on some of those bars, looks like a f'king rats nest!

Which switch makes a cappuccino?
  • 11 2
 Don't get me wrong, Brian Lopes rocks and I ride a SC LTc, but that bastard said he'd never be caught dead on a 29er! Money changes everything...
  • 5 3
 Maybe he rode it and liked it? It's wheel size not a religion. Plus 29ers have apparently changed quite a bit in the last couple years.
  • 11 2
 I am very surprised to see him on one. "it's a bike for people who are old and lazy and need something better. If you have an aggressive riding style, you're not riding a 29er." page 15 of Mastering Mountain Bike Skills.

I used to feel the same way, but I love both of mine. Brian is a born racer and he obviously has a choice and he would prefer to eat his words than not go as fast as possible. That says a lot.
  • 1 4
 I doubt it was his choice. More likely ibis asked him to ride 29. Too bad he doesn't have a chance at top 10 now.
  • 1 1
 Look at his picture. He looks like a kid who got caught doing something naughty.
  • 1 0
 In the interview on dirt.tv, Steve Jones asks him about it and he basically admits it is purely due to promoting his sponsor...you get the impression he would rather be on his Mojo HD.
  • 4 0
 Lopes is a jackass. I don't care that he's fast or smooth or kills it for the Crankworx Air DH. He's an insecure SoCal twat that happens to ride well.
  • 2 0
 Dammit, ReformedRoadie is right! In that interview it becomes pretty obvious that Lopes would have preferred the Mojo HD over the Ripley, if it was his free choice.
"why did you choose it?" - "because it's a brand new bike"
and
[stuttering] "my focus changed to promotionial"

dirt.mpora.com/featured/dirttv-enduro-world-series-rd1-punta-ala-bike-tech-video.html

Oh, such a pity that he can't make his free choice! That said, he was 4th with the Ripley at Sea Otter DH though.
  • 1 1
 No rider would have chosen to race on a 29er. Of course they made him ride it. Too bad they stripped his ability to be a contender. He'll either change sponsors or ibis will let him ride what he wants next time. I bet he's fuming right now!
  • 1 0
 I wouldn't go that far. While I'd still prefer my 26", some 29ers are capable for Enduro races as the Specialized Enduro or the SC Tallboy LT. The Ripley though is just not in its natural environment there.

Lopes made it 15th though, amazing.
  • 9 3
 What is this? Big wheel fest? Don't get me wrong, I have a Gary Fischer Hifi Pro 29er and love the bike. But I did just sell it and put the $$ into and Ibis Mojo HD.
Because you can't tell me 9er tech has come far enough to romp through these technical downhills..and keep up with a 26 with an extra 40mm of suspension.I expected the 650b showing....but 9ers?
I will hold my judgments for the finish line
  • 15 2
 I'm pretty sure that's exactly what all the pros on 29ers are telling you.
  • 6 0
 Haha very cool to see, I'm going to give 650 a chance, if you swallow your band-wagon pride for a moment, open your mind, then you realize not long after there are some undeniable truths to it in theory, so time will tell. As for this article, way cool, I've always wanted to just see what exactly is flagshipping the sport. Also very cool to see all the top-dog downhill racers from when I was a younger now settling down in enduro.
  • 8 0
 I will take 1 of EVERYTHING!
  • 6 1
 Ok sponsored riders can choose whatever they want to ride? I don't think so... seems like every major brand is pushing the 27.5 standard to sell more bikes.
  • 5 0
 CG for president!!!
No matter what he rides 26", 27.5" or 29" he's having fun and trying enjoy the ride!!!
... let us all follow that rule...
  • 3 0
 Manufacturers are going to push what sells. If you don't like the bigger wheels, don't buy them; it's that simple. Drawing an analogy to big business and politics, the 99% ultimately have the last say as it's our spending dollars that influence government..... by not supporting corporations that politically lobby for their own agenda, you are seizing power from them. VOTE WITH YOUR MONEY!!! Not concerned in the least about 26" disappearing because it seems many like me are sticking to the 26" guns.
  • 3 0
 Lopes's 2x10 has a tight cluster. MR Gated racer looks to want a tight set of gears fo bangin gears out of corners. I love my 1x11 but it's cool to see what these pro riders from different disciplines are choosing to race on! Suprised to see him on a Ripley! My first reaction is he took the money, but really I think he wants to do well more than get paid. That dude can bunny hop over whole table tops on A Line so why not have a crazy fast bike for Enduro trails? I love my 29er too, but when people see me riding it down full DH trails..i tell them not to look too far into what i choose to ride, what works for me isn't necessarily the correct choice for everyone. (not that i'm 1% as good as Lopes)
  • 6 0
 The Bike of barel is so nice
  • 5 1
 Peat's bronson looks amazing.
  • 2 0
 Awesome to see a number of DH riders in this field! Shows how committed they are to get better on all aspects of their training regime. Wonder if we'll ever get a point where we have a top-ten rider in both circuits in the same season?
  • 5 0
 Guys at GT bikes do really need to try to make their PROtoTYPE looks better cuz now it just looks like some old crap...
  • 4 0
 So top of the leader board for the Prologue

1. 26"
2. 27.5"
3. 27.5"
4. 27.5"
5. 27.5"
6. 27.5"
7. 27.5"
8. 26"

No indication at all... but hey just sayin'
  • 1 1
 It's about the rider - not the bike. Just sayan...
  • 2 0
 most people really dont like change, possibly because we feel threatened. i know they look weird now but soon the eye will adjust and you will start to like the look of them. im tempted to give it a go at last. there, i said it!!
  • 2 0
 Give it a go chris you won't regret it! Just get the right one. You can have a spin on mine one day over Cannock if you want.
  • 1 0
 thanks boss! got a covert 29 to try out soon, cant wait!
  • 2 0
 I fought and argued like hell against anything other than 26ers. I thought the bigger wheel pragade was just a joke and an excuse for bad riding. As much as I love my 4x bike I needed a xc/all round bike too. I took a flyer and bought a Whyte T129 29er and have been blown away with it. They're not perfect as they lack a bit of front end grip on the tight slow twisty stuff but other than that 29ers absolutely fly!! I will stand by what I have always said though....it is like cheating!
  • 2 0
 We have a field of 500 plus and PB picks 24 bikes to show us - mostly from big name sponsored riders on bikes from big manufacturers. The industry is going for big wheels or at least slightly bigger wheels, but rest assured nobody is winning or losing because of the wheel size they rode... Look down the field and most people are probably still on sixers for now, but showing them wouldn't be showing us where the industry is going. Bring on the special stages Yeeehaaaaa.
  • 3 0
 "My wheels bigger than your wheels" 29's are horrible and the Kona hasn't been hit by the ugly branch it's been gang banged by the whole forest!
  • 3 0
 Best thing I learned from this article? That DVO is developing their range, and they might be revealed this season by the sound of it
  • 3 0
 Cedric Gracia runs suntour for enduro while dvo crops up something ..... then why is the rear shock a fox rp23 without stickers? Smile )
  • 3 2
 Why does Jerome always look like he knows something that others surely don't?

Interesting that Juliana will be a modification of a Nomad, used to be a mod of Blur XC - Not sure if Santa Cruz isn't only trolling with stickers here.
  • 2 1
 Cause Jerome has a Jekyll, 2 bikes in 1, and Enduro racing is 2 races in 1 - XC + DH.. Wink
  • 5 0
 damn those jekylls are sweet!!!
  • 2 1
 Nice look at diferent set up. Lopes double ring with road cassete and many xx1without guide. Crazy angles... nice to see old guys riping their pedals uphill with the much younger riders, thats very nice. What a tuff race will be. 26, 27.5 or 29 doesnt matter thats mountain bike man! What a wonderfull sport we do... nice to see a new mtb world cup rising.
  • 1 0
 26 may have style still, but the fact remains that 29" wheels is a race winning setup... frankly im not suprised at this. whether it was on a 29er or a long travel 26" trail bike riding some place like sauze d'oulx would be mind blowing nonetheless.
  • 1 0
 These companies want their bikes and riders on the podium. WIN = better recognition = bike sales. They wouldn't be riding bigger wheels if the teams/riders didn't think it increased their chances of winning. A top selection of these riders have a whole collection of different bikes/wheel sizes they can ride and pick the one best suited for the course. There's a reason racers are picking bigger wheels for some disciplines and it's not just a marketing gimmick. "IF" some company could always put their current 26" bike on the podium than THAT would be a marketing dream and we'd be hearing about it constantly...
  • 7 4
 I don't think Kona did very well on the design side of things compared to the rest of the herd..
  • 3 0
 does Al stock's bike look like that because its an XL or is it just really weird?
  • 1 0
 It does look like a really long front-center. I thought that when the Process DL was revealed. Funny how the proportions on so many of the bikes in this gallery are so different from one another.
  • 4 0
 It's not the wheel size, it's how you use it.
  • 8 4
 stop killing 26 wheels damn marketing people
  • 5 1
 SWORKS ENDURO The Nicest bike out there no doubt. Well done Spec!
  • 2 2
 Session603 - You mad bro?
I think someone missed their nap time.
26 still works just fine or better than the Franken-wheels in most conditions in New England.
People should just ride what bikes they have and not care what PROS are riding.
  • 2 1
 anybody else bit disapointed with the enduro coverage on pb this weekend, always thought pb was the best for it but now it comes to the first world series event and it seems that vital and dirt have upped thier game
  • 4 0
 Let's put bigger wheels on bmx bike's as well.
  • 2 0
 They already have. 24 and 26. Some people use them others don't. Often big guys like a little more wheel for stability.
  • 1 0
 At 6'3" tall, I tried 24 and 26" wheels in the cruiser class. I preferred the 26" wheels.
  • 1 0
 any thoughts on the cannondale jekyll any one ride one of those cannondale bikes. i use to own a cannondale chase a friend of mine use to work in a bike shop said they called cannondales canwillfails
  • 3 0
 Time will tell. Who will rule the mouton. And by who I mean, what bike.....
  • 3 0
 I bet the winner will be telling everyone how it was their wheel size choice that got them the win....
  • 2 0
 I guess I can take a hint... You want us to buy bigger wheels. No way I'm ever riding a 29, but I did like the Banshee at Sea Otter that can run 26 or 27.5.
  • 3 0
 Covert best looking bike there, but hey that's my bike so what am I gunna say lol
  • 1 0
 Same bro
  • 1 0
 ditto, that bright green looks cool but man the yellow 'zochi, eeww
  • 1 0
 That's the custom Seahawks team issued covert.
  • 1 0
 caw-caw!
  • 1 0
 Giant puke!
Gt, ill wait to see what th carbons look like. New models out in june w/new linkage, albeit not dans proto.
Bronson n Jekylls looknreal nice.
Love canyons tube shapes.
  • 2 1
 My god, looks like THE BIG WHEELS RACE!! The industry is really commited in making us throw our bikes in the bin.
After all these years they finally realized the 26 size has been a huge mistake!! :-)
  • 1 0
 I am surprised it took them this long. After my first ride on a 650b a few years ago, I thought "Why isn't this used more?"
  • 2 0
 I see cedric holding his hand, LONG LIVE THE 26'er :-)))

Thnx cedric for standing loyal to 26'er!

Shit i think it 650b Goddamit!
  • 4 0
 26, 27.5, 29... I don't care. I like bikes.
  • 6 3
 I'll make a prediction: No 29'ers in the top ten (mens)
  • 4 2
 Want to bet on that?
  • 2 1
 Ok maybe Lopes will creep into the top ten, but that is it IMO.
  • 1 0
 Yup, I do.
  • 1 0
 Uh, Keene?
  • 1 0
 Nope.
  • 5 2
 By the way that Ibis Mojo HD is sick
  • 1 0
 No Pivot bikes here? Firebird or Mach ? Considering they've got a very good review it's a shame no big name use it in EWS (or at least no shown here)
  • 3 0
 Dudes some bikes are really getting ugly don't you think ?
  • 1 0
 I've always run 26" wheels but if I had the money I'd buy a SC Bronson with no regrets about it having 27.5" wheels. Peaty and Minnaar's bikes look VERY nice indeed.
  • 2 0
 Dans just holding his hand out thinking what is this piece of sh*t they've given me.
  • 3 0
 Looks like Enduro racing is where the innovations are now....
  • 1 0
 Great article. Screw the wheel size, those are some pretty rigs, and some talented riders. Can't wait for the results to be posted.
  • 1 0
 Thank You PB for giving us what I and a bunch of peole asked for after the "Bikes of the Rampage" article... Total bike porn!!!!
  • 3 1
 probably just me.. but does Dans gt look heavy?
  • 2 0
 It looks ugly same as there prototype dh bikes. looks like one of them old club roosts dh bikes.
  • 1 0
 hopefully In carbon with no welds and nice decals it will look better
  • 2 1
 Nico Quere and his Commencal Meta AM 27.5"

Isn't it written meta SX on the frame................
  • 1 0
 For sure, Nico Quere is showing his Meta SX bike on the picture. His Meta AM 650b is yellow.
  • 2 0
 Andrea Bruno makes his bike look like a 20"
  • 2 0
 btw, so much talent on 1 page
  • 7 9
 Who gives a shit about what bikes pro riders are getting for FREE and pedaling downhill in an insignificant racing platform?
Sooo tired of bike checks! Just ride your bike whatever the appropriate size.
By the way 26" is the correct size.
  • 6 2
 You must be pretty bored to be looking at what pro riders are getting for FREE and pedaling downhill in an insignificant racing platform.... Sooo tired of internet people bitching about reading things they don't want to read! Just read whatever articles you deem appropriate. By the way Easy2Bitch is the correct name.
  • 2 0
 "Session603 - You mad bro?
I think someone missed their nap time.
26 still works just fine or better than the Franken-wheels in most conditions in New England.
People should just ride what bikes they have and not care what PROS are riding."

Am I mad? I'm not the one reading and commenting on articles I claim to not "give a shit" about. If you hadn't noticed my comment was strikingly similar to yours. So if I'm mad... What does that make you? Also, when you want to reply to a comment you should click on the "reply" link. Just sayin' bro. Back to nap time for me.
  • 2 0
 Tracey Mosely looks like she has an XTR bashguard
  • 1 0
 Interesting how Ben Cruz runs his Reverb hose. Maybe I should try it that way
  • 1 0
 Do the DH guys have a shot on this course? Nico & Craig have to be the favs.
  • 1 0
 There is a time and place for everything, and 29 or 27.5 dominate in this kind of race.
  • 2 0
 that kona process is a beast want!
  • 2 1
 The canyon is easily the best looking bikes there. i would also say one of the best overall aswell. I LOVE CANYON BIKES....
  • 1 1
 Canyon make great bikes, especially for the value, but i can't agree with them being the best looking - the Bronson's and Jekyll's look far more balanced.
  • 1 0
 yeah I can see what your on about balance wise, but I still think the canyon looks amazing.. I have been inspired to get one.. and for saying it won the endure world series, its has to be a great bike..
  • 2 0
 Brian Lopes is wearing corrective shoes
  • 2 0
 ooow prototype Mavic on Cedric's bike? anyone spot that?
  • 1 0
 The Covert is awesome. If they come out with a 650b version it's going to be the fastest bike available.
  • 1 0
 Interesting Cedric went with SR Suntour. He obviously has his choice of whatever suspension he wants.
  • 1 1
 Suntour is maybe some thing to do with DVO also ? dunno if so but it would make sense since suntour make stuff for lots of companys
  • 1 0
 isn't the DVO workshop housed in a Suntour factory?
  • 1 0
 DVO suspension is made at the SR Suntour factory. They have a working relationship.
  • 3 1
 that ibis thing that lopes is riding looks like a carwreck Big Grin
  • 1 0
 If that BMC rides half as well as it looks I'd buy it, really reminds me of my old IH 6Point.
  • 2 0
 Peat's Bronson looks very slick. Love the orange on black
  • 2 0
 OMG those Cannondale and Canyon bikes are sexy!
  • 1 0
 Does anyone seriously give a flying f*ck as to what size wheels someone else is riding????? f*cking cock heads.
  • 2 0
 Two thumbs up Zziplex,I totally agree with you....why are 90% of these people so ANGRY....and the stupid comments are unbelievable....if I were any of these people I would sell whatever bike I have,26,650b,29er and use that money for anger management.
  • 9 7
 R.I.P 26 inches..
  • 7 2
 Tis a sad day indeed...
  • 5 1
 the riders all look way to small for 27,5" / 29" Bikes...
  • 15 4
 Look at it this way: Enduro 29 has a chainstay as shorter than this 26" Juliana. Just put a 26" to it and off you go! you drop BB height by 33mm and EVERYBODY wants low BBs!

I really wonder if Santa Cruz engineers can sleep because of the CS at that Enduro. Joe Graney was sitting in his office, it was late afternoon. He was sipping his coffee, looking at a Tallboy LTc bike hanging on the wall. As his eyes wandered along the lines of a yellow glow bike, he was thinking: what a fkng dialed bike we created... probably the most advanced bike ever... that wouldn't be pretentions to say it hmmm... sip of coffeee... then the door to the room opened and Mike Ferentino came in. Joe didn't even looked at him, he noticed him but didn't allow him to disturb that delight. Mike looked very nervous and after a moment of paus finaly said: Joe!... - psssst! - Joe hissed and took a sip of coffe putting the mug very slowly to his lips - No Joe, really! Have you seen? - seen what?! - he got upset immediately - Specialized released Enduro 29! The chainstay is a full inch shorter, it jumps almost like a 26er, turns really tight, they frkn dialed it...

Some plastic bags were rolling in the subtle wind on the sun burnt asphalt of the Bronson street, some car passed by and thrown them into the air... Mike Ferentino approached his SUV parked along the pavement, got into it in a hurry and drove away, while a far cry was breaking the silence of the afternoon "Fuuuuuuuck, fuuuuuuuuuuuck!"
  • 1 0
 Good writing waki. You really create he scene well there.
  • 4 2
 27.5 in still looks Ok...but 29ers is so damn ugly, maybe they said it faster or whatever, but for me how it looks is important, those 29ers looks not proportional compared to frame & rider sizes.
  • 2 1
 mhm... kwicksono - I am also a lot into looks, as a rule of the thumb, usualy if it looks good it works well. With good looks I mean the form, because you can add a nice paintjob and stickers to almost any quasimodo (like a Big hit). I love looks of most 29ers, especially Small frames. They helped me understand how disproportional certain bikes are, there's a character to them. I was actualy thinking of putting 140mm rotors and 2.4" tyres into the niner to exaggerate the effect. I like that unbalance in the same way I love trial bikes with 20" wheels, super long stems and bars. An XL 29er looks just like Medium 26er, you wouldn't probably even tell which one's which if not the dropped BB. An XL 26er looks like disproportional shit, especially a hardtail. For the sole purpose of looks and the character I also dislike 24" BMX. Looks weird, it has to have 20" or 22" wheels to look like a BMX to me.

At this moment as "the trend" is new and I haven't seen many bikes, but the 650B looks like a normal 26er
  • 1 1
 Yeah that Enduro 29" is so good that Curtis is on the 29" Stumpy Evo.... Short chainstays is the last thing a 29" needs.
  • 1 0
 yes jclnv - you are right... until the new Stumpy 29 comes out with 425 stays and that it is soon. So enjoy your ground hugging long stays while you can Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Seems like Schwalbe is a popular choice. I might have to try some out.
  • 1 0
 My buddy rides them, says they have awesome customer service and his tires ride well in everything from mud to loose rock.
  • 2 1
 SO MANY 29ERS AND 650B'S!
  • 3 3
 Why do some people put their seat up so high for a picture? It looks really funny.
  • 1 0
 Any idea what wheels Tobias Woggon and Jerome Clementz are on?
  • 1 0
 Jerome rides stock Mavic Crossmax and now rides their new wheel/tire combo.....that guy is amazing talent.....they all are though.
  • 1 0
 Oh the things I would do for that Commencal...
  • 1 0
 #eatourwords ;-( mpora.com/videos/3fZEgozYD
  • 1 0
 Cedric Gracia's bike looks sooooooo tiny!
  • 1 0
 some dam fine bikes there
  • 1 0
 Ben Cruz, rides a chain guide on the XX1, like a boss B)
  • 1 0
 How do you stop a Fox fork from creaking?
  • 1 0
 you don't, it creaks forever!
  • 2 0
 Get it ben
  • 1 0
 Hoo i live the specialized bike
  • 1 0
 I would happily have any of those bikes if they were given to me.
  • 1 0
 What shoes is Brian Lopes wearing? Please could someone clarify?
  • 1 0
 That Julianna looks a lot like a nomad... Said Capt. Obvious
  • 1 0
 Specialized is look'n interesting!
  • 1 0
 I love the pink Commencal.
  • 1 0
 26" for fun everyday rides, 27.5" for race, 29" can f*ck off...
  • 1 0
 Where is Jared Graves and his Yeti?
  • 12 11
 I'm only interested in the 26-ers. Die 27.5 !
  • 1 1
 I'm so happy to see that none of the Cannondale guys are using those dumb leftys!
  • 1 0
 well...those are exclusively for xc.
  • 1 0
 how tall is Al Stock? that top tube looks like it goes on FOREVER
  • 1 0
 The Giant fenders make the bike look like a VESPA!! :-)
  • 1 0
 That Canyon screams gravity, love it!
  • 1 0
 maybe giant trance 140mm 27,5"?? or reign 27,5"?? or new model??
  • 1 0
 That Kona Process look huge, it must be a XXL size. How tall is Al Stock?
  • 1 0
 Five 29ers, seven 27.5's and twelve 26ers. Interesting lineup!
  • 1 0
 Yeah,thats also true
  • 1 1
 surprised to not see Orange
  • 2 2
 At least 1 dude on a 29" is going to snap his wheel mid race!
  • 1 1
 Cedric Gracia looks so intimidating!
  • 1 0
 You spam fanny.
  • 1 0
 If I win the lotto .
  • 1 0
 WHERE ARE THE 26ers???
  • 1 4
 Looks like a Trek Session, and Norbs got robbed....just sayin!
  • 3 0
 Nah man, just Nah.... Both of those TOGETHER! really? nah man...







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.066294
Mobile Version of Website