jaygee17

So let me get this right. The Giant engineers figured out all the merits of 27.5 being better than 29 a year or two after they sold their customers 29ers as being the thing to own? How did that happen? If you read the article too it is VERY carefully worded. 27.5 being almost the same as 29,etc,etc. This is about a few things a) Giant don't want the cost of running two wheel sizes, they only want one which is 27.5. The reason being is that frames and geometries are closer to 26 and saves R&D cost. b) Stealing a march on rivals c) Getting people off of 26 and even 29 and onto 27.5....more sales. The real difference between 26 and 650b in real terms is not 1.5 inches its more like 1 inch. Rim on 26 is 559mm, 650b is 584mm, 25mm difference. '26 inch' wheels running 2.25 are 26.5 in reality, 650b running a 2.25 tyre are 27.5. Whats the point in 1 inch or 3.8% more circumference? The problem is that the bike firms made a rod for their own back. They said 29ers were the thing and they do work but not for DH or some AM but they do for XC and Trail so now they have to support two consumer bases. Giant are trying to make everyone compromise and we ain't having it ! In years to come they will also refine and polish the 29er weight, responsiveness and geo issues out. So I see 26 and 29 will stay and 650b will be a fad.