peterj213

Men 1. Aaron Gwin 2. Josh Bryceland 3. Loic Bruni Women 1. Rachel Atherton 2. Manon Carpenter 3. Myriam Nicole

Am I the only one that noticed the "Elite-Level" part of the title? The line-up they've announced isn't all of their 2014 bikes. I don't think we'll see the end of the 26" bike for a while yet. I'm hoping that we'll see a more balanced range though. 29er for Hardtails and proper XC bikes. 27.5 for Trail Thrashers and Enduro and 26" for the DH market. I've never ridden anything other than 26" myself but from what I've read about the other sizes the 29er is more suited to a hardtail and the 27.5 is a happy medium. Better rolling ability over smaller obstacles but just as agile and playful as a 26" bike. I've got a 2012 Trance X2 myself which I won't be swapping for a long time. If I did though I would be seriously tempted by a 27.5. If you don't like what Giant are doing dare I suggest buying something else? They're not the only ones doing it though. Anyone seen the new GT line-up? only the Fury is offered in 26". The Force and the Sensor are 27.5. There are still some big names to join the fray too. Trek for one! Next years bikes will be the real clue as to which wheel size is winning the VHS vs. Betamax contest (or Microsoft vs. Sony to those not from the UK).