First Look: 650B GT Fury Downhill Bike

Mar 26, 2014 at 14:05
by Mike Levy  
GT Fury 650b

GT's Fury downhill bike had one of the most impressive debut seasons of any bike last year, with Gee Atherton taking a handful of World Cup wins on his way to nearly taking the overall title, while his sister, Rachel Atherton, brought home the overall World Cup title on her bike. You couldn't exactly blame GT if they came out in 2014 with the same machine, but that clearly isn't going to be the case as they are showing off a new 650B wheeled version of the bike that their team will be racing aboard. The bike uses the same frame design and suspension layout, but features revised geometry to compensate for the larger diameter wheels, and it also likely sports slightly less rear wheel travel.


GT Fury 650b suspension

As you might expect, the team bike has a number of interesting components hanging off of it, including the four-way adjustable FOX RAD downhill shock that we've been seeing pop up on a few bikes lately, and an SRM power meter attached to the Shimano Saint crank arms.


www.gtbicycles.com

Photos: geebeebee media

Author Info:
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Member since Oct 18, 2005
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403 Comments
  • 318 56
 650boring.
  • 541 43
 I used to root for my favorite riders to win the UCI. Now I root for 26 inch wheels.
  • 135 21
 One nice lookkng enduro bike.
  • 145 32
 650b is getting lame for DH,26'' for life
  • 56 15
 So the guys that just spent nearly 10k usd on a full build now have a bike out if date, great!! No backwards compatibility
  • 81 20
 650b, guaranteed to make you up to 6 seconds faster! Until everyone gets them, then your still 6 seconds faster but so is the other guy so your still 6 seconds slower than him. But thanks for the money!
  • 73 83
flag One-reason (Mar 26, 2014 at 14:34) (Below Threshold)
 is was inevitable in my opinon dh is gonna go 650b not matter what the fact are as clear as daylight. Even nico says 650b is faster by 1 sec every 3 min. at the end of the day the pros need every advantage they can get. This is brilliant we just need spesh to get 650b demo now!
  • 87 29
 650Blows.
  • 187 16
 pick your favourite wheel size and be a d*ck about it!!
  • 42 69
flag c4mtb (Mar 26, 2014 at 14:47) (Below Threshold)
 no its pick 26 and only 26, and then realize that you have a brain because you picked 26 Big Grin
  • 165 32
 how many of you blokes that say "650B sucks" have actually tried one...?
  • 76 40
 650b is coming whether you want it or not. The numbers show that it's better, and in all honesty, when it's paired with a good frame it is better
  • 57 68
flag solsticebikeworks (Mar 26, 2014 at 14:51) (Below Threshold)
 650b for life!!!!!!
  • 25 33
flag betsie (Mar 26, 2014 at 14:52) (Below Threshold)
 Tdoyle1995, who cares to be honest. Its just a wheel. Its what we call .... banter. If you deal with it take up fishing.
  • 50 10
 So how many UCI DH events have been won on 650B???? I love how everyone keeps saying its faster but hasn't been proven at all in DH. The funny thing is we will never know if it is really faster since every team this year is jumping on the 650B train.
  • 51 10
 You guys are seriously like 2 year olds. How about you wait for the results of the first world cup race before you start hating this bike?
  • 53 19
 Not gonna lie, my day got worse when I read the title Frown
  • 27 6
 @cmkeeland this year I am definitely rooting for Specialized and Santa Cruz ( if they don´t race with a 650B ). If Steve races on a 26er i for sure also root for him. Because Greg Minnaar showed last year, that you can still win on a track like Pietermaritzburg on a 26" bike. If some stick with 26 it might show, that the rider wins the race and not the bike.
  • 67 4
 f*ck the wheel size and just ride your damn bike until you or the bike breaks..
  • 14 7
 @mnorris122 haha wait for results? almost every DH bike this year is 650B of course a 650 bike is going to win.
  • 10 0
 gwin? i thought he was still on 26
  • 44 4
 i was wondering how long it would take for this to devolve into an internet catfight. turns out, the usual amount of time.
  • 12 2
 This article is informing us about an update in wheel size; therefore, it stands to reason that the majority if the comments are going to be about the wheel size.
  • 60 16
 For those having their feelings hurt by the 650b "hate" can I just say, that yes, a lot of us feel like it's being forced upon us and know it's all bullshit as who the f*ck wants to be told to ride bigger wheels? Mountainbiking was so good before companies started the whole wheel size shit.

Here is something they really seem to be unable to get through their thick skulls:
"IT ONLY HAS AN ADVANTAGE UNTIL EVERYONE HAS ONE."
How is that so Hard to understand?

Keep it fun. keep it 26. fudge your 650BS.
  • 15 4
 ^ this guy's hilarious
  • 36 9
 I refuse to buy any 650b DH bike. I don't race...I only ride park. I don't want my wheels size options determined for me just because it gains Gee Atherton 1 second in a 3 minute race run.
  • 25 23
 @Nismo325... UCI DH World Cups? None that I can think of. Two consecutive US Pro Gravity Series National championships though, multiple national DH championships in other countries, several major Enduro series events (especially UK ones last season), the 2013 Crankworx Big Air race (stevie smith no less), etc. The results are there if people bothered to pay attention. But its easier to just bury their heads in the sandboxes I suspect.
  • 27 14
 the-mountainbart-experience, You're totally right we don't need progression in our bikes.. Downhill bikes were much better when they weights 55 lbs +, has 24" rear wheels and had 12" travel monster T's..
  • 5 1
 images.rapgenius.com/a60d66863a9744ffb883f2cf2cc6eec7.500x321x1.jpg
  • 19 15
 @wipz07 you're seriously going to root for a specific rider or team based on the wheel size of the bike? is that not a bit childish?
  • 26 2
 If 650B supporters are brainwashed by marketing, and 26 supporters are stuffy luddites, who's right? hmm...
  • 17 8
 @compacqnc6340... its pinkbike...childish is the norm, not the exception here.
  • 14 4
 tdoyle1995, there's a difference between making it lighter and better but that also made it more fun. I have tried bigger wheels many times and they are less fun. So I wouldn't exactly call it progression.
  • 8 6
 It's another Bike with a Bra size! Same old 650b drivel....Yada yada yada....Yoda....Starwars.....The force....GT Force......now that's a bike!
  • 3 2
 he said it's NOT progression. oh snap
  • 11 2
 650Beat us over the head. i hope gm smokes em in sa on a 26.
  • 28 6
 guys, as someone who has worked at a shop for YEARS, the 650b is a fad that the bike companies didn't want to miss out on. after the big hit 29rs were, they wanted to be the first with 650b bikes. KHS has been making them for years, yet you NEVER see them. its because you can barely notice any difference. its more or less 1.5" of difference. not enough to be worth it. theyre not "coming" theyre not a "revolution," they are a fad.
  • 26 21
 Yea this progression in our sport sucks ass! We perfected the mountain bike in 1995 then they started making disc brakes, long travel and changing the geometry etc for no other reason than marketing. Lets keep our 26 inch wheels for life, elastomer sprung forks and put V brake mounts back on bikes while we're at it
  • 23 4
 after all, v-brakes are better than avid disc brakes, so yeah, i'm down. Wink
  • 5 0
 This is why I'm buying an EVIL UPRISING. Apt!
  • 20 0
 @cuban-b

More importantly... if I love my 650b carbon Troy, but also love my 26" aluminium v10, what does that say about me as a human? Do I even deserve to live?
  • 19 1
 "if you're in marketing, kill yourself now." - bill hicks
  • 6 0
 @bderricks: Your head should have exploded by now, unable to comprehend how one pinkbike user possesses the perspective and more importantly, willingness, to see past wheel size debates.
  • 1 0
 Motoracer31 is wise! you said everything about the whole 650b thing in so few words...
  • 6 0
 F@#k wheel size. I'm more interested in revised geometry.
Longer front center so we can all run 50mm stems and not go a size up in frames.
  • 11 2
 Last year GT completely redesigned the Fury and everyone loved it. A year later, they swap the wheels for some with a 25mm difference in BSD and all of a sudden everyone hates the bike.
  • 1 1
 @One-reason
tell that to Stevie...
  • 21 2
 I don't know... Its plenty childish to go 26 forever ans s**t like that but that changing of standards in all honesty does nothing good to the consumer. I used to buy a new frame every seasons and usually put most off my old components on for starters. When I have money again I buy new parts and upgrade... Not possible any more because i have to buy at least frame and wheels and fork an in all honest i am not willing to spend 6000 or 7 grand at once just to run 25mm bigger wheels.

I think I am a decent rider, heck I know I am, and I also know that i am able to gain more seconds a minute if i have my fork serviced more regularly or would bother to adjust it according to the trail, if i wouldn't run that f**ked up rear tire reassembling a slick but change it more often or if i had a beer less the evening before i go riding...

The thing that really annoys me thou is the spare part situation in bike shops will be really bad. Was already hard enough to find a OK tire or a rim or whatever when i was on a road trip and something broke and I don't think the shops will cary more stuff than they had before just because now there is 3 different versions of everything. Just the oposit is going to happen. That said everything will get more expensive because companies have to develop more stuff, shops have to stock more stuff... thank you bike-industry! thats exactly what we all needed.

When they mount new spoilers on Formula1 cars we don't have to mount them on our little hatchbacks or pickup trucks, do we? So if Mr. Aterton is a sec faster, good for him, but keep it simple for the rest of us...
  • 9 5
 Looks like everyone is switching to 650b which is good because it means I won't have to see those goofy looking 29ers anymore. But I agree, 26" for life!
  • 1 2
 All of them
  • 3 3
 The new Demo will run both sizes .
  • 1 7
flag fantaman (Mar 26, 2014 at 16:48) (Below Threshold)
 Spesh will always have 650b propaganda,they are 29er and only 26 for DH for life.
  • 12 2
 Yeah, 26" - keep it real - dunno why GT wants to be all competitive and stuff, using 650b, on the WC.

..Some of you does not seem to grip that these are professional teams. Unlike you who shred the park for 4 hours every weekend with your bro's on a bike from 2006 being all 26" for life and stuff - they are in need of results, striving to be the fastest, work hard all year around....
  • 10 6
 @MendelMu - Who should the bike companies be catering to here? Their 4 team riders for 9 races a year, or the thousands who would be better off on a 26er in the bike parks every weekend?
  • 5 0
 @cmkneeland If you don't ride dh tracks my advice would be not to buy a full on DH bike - its not just the 650b wheels, but the long reach, super slack HA and long wheel base - its not made for jump lines. If you do ride dh tracks, you'll be fine with 650b wheels, probably even better, at least according to the best out there Smile
  • 7 9
 for once uci should outlaw something... 650b just level the playing field with 26 inch wheels
  • 5 2
 Not gonna happen, at the end of the day the UCI has to deal with manufacturers and racers... the U stands for Union afterall... banning something EVERY brand is getting behind would be shooting themselves in their nether yayas.
  • 4 6
 i rode i 650b once. did not feel different at all maybe a little easier climbing but thats it. The difference is so slim that a 26 tube works for 650b and 650b works for 26. so you all mite as well stop your bitching and go ride your bikes with 26 inch wheels like bikes are supposed to have.
  • 2 0
 @nismo335 - you took the words right outta my thoughts!!! We they never one a WC, now there's mo comparison they're going to win every WC... pretty lame!
  • 13 5
 Sweet my first neg props! I feel like Waki!

But seriously I hope 27.5 kicks ass this year in DH and Enduro, just to piss people off and make these comments even more funWink
  • 5 1
 Well, You know Fairclough on Scott was obviously dominating world cup last season running their 650B's ...
o well wait... Smith on Devinci and and Atherton on GT where on 26ers, Scott was no where...

Maybe Claudios Video runs where only so fanny be course he had such a hard time getting his 650 around corners... and cats for taht mater ... Ahhhh AHhhh, Black Cat...still hear him sreaming.... *lol*
  • 3 2
 Yeah because the bike is what wins a race. those on 650B wheels last season didn't win because as athletes they were not as good as gee and minnaar etc, these wheels might be slightly faster on some tracks but that means nothing if the rider lacks. You can't compare riders on wheels you need to compare the same rider on wheels and do back to back testing which no doubt the teams have done.
Pros don't move unless they feel better and the clock says its faster. We are talking about the worlds best riders who actually push the bikes to the limit they are the ones who know which size matters and teams are moving to 650B so inevitably they see an advantage.

People will sit in the "26er fo lyf" camp if they like but reality is the new wheel size is going to be the future and It is not all marketing, the small gains are just that small.. but at the top of the game, in a sport that is separated by tenths if not hundredths, those small changes all matter. A 1% gain over 4min is 2.4seconds......
  • 3 0
 Why can't a rider prefer 26 for life just like a rider who thinks a different size besides 26 is gonna make their life better forever?
It's ok to have different varieties of sheeple. Realistically, 2.4secs translates to less than .4 for us regular folk.
  • 7 1
 This is pure comedy. What was the article about again...? Pinkbikers take themselves...and their opinions way too seriously. At the end of the day, who do you think really cares that your "26" for life" or "progressive." You guy's need more hobbies...or girlfriends. Although the entertainment value is through the roof!
  • 1 0
 I know its only a colour but white forks really ? Black is the new Black and would set the bike off even more.
  • 1 0
 full bug, You can ride a 26 if you like forever, go for it, no harm done.
My annoyance is people who choose to ride 26 but are so set on discrediting or disregarding the new size. the new size has advantages, people are choosing to ride them so get over it. ride whatever size you like but don't "choose a wheel size and be a dick about it"

ride whatever you like and let everyone else ride what they like.
  • 4 0
 lol at least 30 replies from butthurt diehards that couldnt tell the difference between 26 and 27.5 anyways.
  • 1 0
 It's less.
  • 1 0
 Dill hole?
  • 2 1
 For the .1% of DH'ers 27.5 wheels 'might' be beneficial. For the rest of us 99.9% they're completely unnecessary on a DH bike. For those of us who freeride, the last thing we asked for was a bigger wheel. Looks like freeride really is dead....but only because of bike companies.
  • 6 0
 Round wheels for life!!!
  • 1 0
 @slidways- don't have anything against any wheel that's rollin on dirt. Just commenting on preference/resistance for any wheel is fairly balanced every time topic comes up. Everyone will find theirs and it'll all be fine on the mountain soon enough. I'm crusty enough to use whatever is available to keep me rollin in my old age. My only real concern is still being able to ride 20s anyway!
  • 4 1
 I was the first to say FOCK 27.5 er 650b until I demoed a Banshee Rune, I will not be going back to 26. The benefits are minor but they are there with no negative effects like the bigger wagon wheels. The DH crowd is a tough one and I respect you for sticking to your guns but give it a chance, or not, just don't post shit like "oh my gawd, I wanted to cry when I read this". Stop bitching, ride the bike you choose "FOR LIFE" "bro", since you are too cool to accept evolution...
  • 4 3
 650B is slower in the corners.
Corners are where the fun is.
Corners are where races should be won. If they are won on the straights then the track is lame.
Where is the progression?
  • 4 2
 Exactly where is the proof 650B is slower in the corners ?
  • 3 1
 On Pinkbike, untested/uninformed personal opinion IS proof
  • 7 2
 96% of all statistics are made up on the spot. fact.
  • 2 0
 studies show that 60% of the time that it works that way all the time
  • 4 2
 @ deeelight: They are slower. The proof is in physics. And yes, physics do apply to bicycles exactly in the same way as they apply to anything else on planet earth which seems not to be understood by marketing guys.


@ slidways: If you are an athlete you have to say what the marketing airheads tells you to say. This is in the end what you get paid for. To sell more product for a brand and if marketing decides the big thing is wheel sizes everyone has to follow may that be athletes or developers.

Which by the way is exactly the reason why I cant stop commenting on these posts (even if i should) because the very same marketing bobleheads drive me nuts every day and I can not tell them they are wrong because than i would not have a job anymore... besides the fact that they would not care about the reality when they thing they can make a buck more or understand anything that can not be explained within the 140 character twitter limit anyway.

Bottom Line: The effect why your new 650 B is better than your old bike is 70% because it is NEW. Its not worn out yet or a 5 year old banger with Fred Flintstone Geo. The other 30% is placebo effect. (these percent numbers are of course estimates not facts)
Real positive effects are very small. Just as the negatives are but in reality the negatives prevail the positive because there is more: Acceleration (inertia), stability, unsprung masses for the suspension and so on which all comes around to weight and weight distribution on a bigger wheel.
All these effects (positive and negative) are within a room of 1-3% difference 650 compared to 650B
The only real effect is that everything gets more expensive because with all the different sizes logistics, warehousing and development and production will cost 3 times the money.
And don't tell investing in warehousing and production molds makes anyone faster in Pietermaritzburg...
  • 3 1
 Well I understand physics...and real world riding experience also...and having ridden 650Bs for FIVE YEARS NOW it didn't take me long to figure out that my cornering speeds improved. A lot of downhill teams are learning that also, hence switching to 650B bikes.
  • 2 0
 they're so close in size i don't see what the big deal is. forced to buy new bikes? the 26 used ones are cheaper now.
  • 4 3
 Sorry but all you understand is marketing.
If you where to understand physics you would know there is no "and" or "but" to be written after the comment "I understand physics".
  • 1 0
 thanks professor
  • 2 2
 @michibretz- i regret i have but just one prop ability for you, sir.
  • 2 0
 Well if I may, prof, one could perhaps say something along the lines of "....but the world is not a frictionless vacuum". Real world testing is going to be a better judge than your made up 1-3% statistic about positive and negative effects. There's no way to quantify and calculate the percentages of gains and losses between wheel sizes on different tracks and terrain in an equation, thus many teams have spent the better part of the fall and winter determining which bike, and it's inherent wheel size, is faster. Chances are that those teams will pick the fastest option to ride, seeing as winning is better than losing, and it wouldn't really help the industry force 650b on us anyways if suddenly Ratboy, Minaar, and Peaty were at the top of every world cup podium because their v10 with 26" wheels is actually faster.

It doesn't mean you or I need a 650b bike, because personally I could care less about a second or two either way. My all-mtn bike is 650b because it's the bike I wanted, and my dh bike is 26" because it's the bike I wanted. I certainly won't go into any races this year feeling like I'm at a disadvantage, because in amateur racing there's always a massive gap in bike quality throughout the field, but the faster riders still somehow manage to beat the slower riders, no matter who has the better paying job.
  • 7 2
 SHOUT OUT TO THE ONES WHO ONLY HAD THE FOX 32 AND SWEAR ON THEIR 26" WHEELS ITS THE MOST PLUSH AROUND!

SHOUT OUT TO
THE ONES WHO RECOMMEND THEIR 3 YEAR OLD AM BIKE CAUSE IT SO MUCH BETTER THEN THE 2004 HT THEY USED TO RIDE!
THE ONES WHO WILL NEVER RIDE ANYTHING BESIDES PLATFORM PEDALS 'CAUSE SAM HILL WON THE OVERALL IN 2009!
THE ONES WHO NEVER WILL GO CARBON ANYTHING 'CAUSE THEY HAVE A FRIEND WHOS OLDER BROTHER KNOW A GUY WHO DIED WHEN THE FRAME CRACKED!
  • 1 0
 everyone i assume wants to max out just before they hit their genetic ceiling with their performance/skill. some will be able to afford to do so in this case and some will not. at the end of the day whatever gets us to not think about our bikes while we ride is gonna be the right bike for each of us...racers and recs. i see bderricks points as well simply because he has been able to choose both and having choice is key...not for argument's sake but just for the fun of different styles of riding.

as for the article, lookin forward to stevie edging out gee again on his gt & whatever effin whl size.
  • 2 0
 You can't prove that they are faster now because there will not be anything to compare them against. Every World Cup racer will most likely be on a 650b. In order to prove which is faster, put the same guy on the same bike with 650b and one with 26. Let him get up to speed and then track the times.
  • 4 2
 Except that is PRECISELY why the teams are switching...because they already did all that testing and found they were getting faster times, more speed, better control. Racer's aren't just gonna run kit because a sponsor offers it if it screws up their chances of getting on a podium.
  • 3 0
 ... That's what they're doing. Go to Dirt and watch the interview with the CRC/Nukeproof team. They're extensively testing both wheel sizes to see which is faster. Through the whole interview, the Dirt editor dude is trying to shove it down Nigel Paige's throat that 650b is obviously faster. Nigel just keeps responding that they don't know that for sure yet, and that is why they're doing the testing. Who knows which they'll pick. I wouldn't be surprised if preference and performance varied from rider to rider / track to track on the issue. It doesn't matter to the average rider anyways. Two years ago, the people riding 50lb 200X Kona Stinky's didn't throw a riot because people with enough money were able to build up a 36 lb carbon v10, and that it presented an unfair advantage with which they were forced to upgrade in order to keep up. I don't see how wheel size is really any different.
  • 2 4
 deeeight... you are living in a dreamworld... you do and say what you are told or you can go and find another company paying for your crap... there is more riders out there than teams with money right now.

And I am not saying it makes you slow if you run it i am saying it makes no real difference! I am saying it does not mean you will or will not win a race because you have one or the other wheel size because they are so similar. It will still be more important to have prepared right, have no injuries and a good day....

what I am saying is all that s**t cost tons of money that someone hast to pay and that someone is the consumer.
And that this extra cost is not worth the effect for the consumer but only for the marketing airheads so they have something to talk about it and post on pinkbike, facebook or instatweet... and that's frustrating as a reason for "innovation"
  • 1 0
 Hhihohhha - pics of a 27,5 stumpjumper just hit the internet - the rise of a new era is here. A support group for 26" supporters has been formed and will have a their first meeting soon, stay tuned.
  • 2 0
 "Racer's aren't just gonna run kit because a sponsor offers it if it screws up their chances of getting on a podium".... Really? So every sponsored rider out there just happens to be sponsored by the company that makes their favorite bike?
  • 2 1
 FACT. this year's wcdh/enduro or for that matter any dh/enduro event will be fun to watch/participate with all these choices/changes happening! these are damn good times to be a mtnbkr. i know i need to shut my pie hole and just ride and learn for myself.
  • 1 0
 why dont you all guys go with the wheel size you like and we stop this conversation, every person is different and each one of us will pick what we think it is the best and done
  • 2 0
 ^^^^ What fullbug said.

All the debate, argument, controversy, and excitement generated by a slightly larger diameter wheel coming onto the scene has people talking about bikes more than ever, and race season hasn't even started yet. Whether you think change is good or bad, it's brought a lot of added attention to what the world cup teams are doing, and I think overall that's a win for the sport.
  • 1 0
 bderricks- have you ridden a Roam in 26 & 650b modes? that flexibility has had me damn curious.
  • 1 0
 so whos right? is the most important question
  • 1 0
 ^whaddya say we ask who wants beers, first? i already i'm not right...cuz i'm all sorts of wrong to start..
  • 3 0
 Since i got my 29'er wheels in my Dirt Jump Bike, my tailwhips become so easy to do. So easy like fry rice in the microwave, Its so awesome...
  • 4 0
 Money, that is what we are really talking about and not wheel size. Once the bike companies push out all the 650b DH rigs they can the UCI courses will go back to more technical DH tracks where 26" will and should always be faster. Pro riders are all jumping on the 650b's because they are getting "paid". It's their job to advertise the bikes and make the sponsors and themselves "money". And that includes forging test results by testing the two wheel sizes on pedal friendly tracks. Save the 650b for AM where it makes a little sense.
  • 2 1
 Umm Sithbike, the flaw in your conspiracy theory logic is that your average bike rider doesn't race or ride steep gnarly world cup courses, and spends more time on Crank It Up and A-line than Goat's Gully, According to your logic, 650b is faster on flowy, bike park-y tracks like Hajfiel and Leogang, so if some people buy into the hype and go out and get a 650b downhill bike to be like their favorite pro, they're actually getting a bike that's (according to you) better for the type of terrain they likely spend most of their time riding. So regardless if the UCI shocks everyone by re-introducing Champery and Schlamding, forcing all the pros back to 26", it won't have any effect whatsoever on your average Joe. The guys who preferred 26" and stuck with it the whole time will feel vindicated, and the guys that bumped up to 650b will have a bike that's probably better suited to their own interests. I just don't get the evil empire corporate greed hate thing going on. People need to get out more.
  • 3 1
 How the heck did bigger wheels get faster in bike parks suddenly? i thought they roll faster over roots and rock-gardes because of their hugely improved diameter?

On an Autobahn like Bikepark trail that gets regularly shaped and is slick as shit, whats the advantage of running a bigger wheel?
If its nicely shaped as the mid section in Leogang why not run BMX 20". With the right gear ratios there is absolutely no difference on this part of the trail. (not talking about the rougher stuff on the bottom or top)


I am going to start a petition now that "marking airheads" of all companies have to get together and decide on one BS story why this is faster... There is just too much BS around right now.
  • 1 0
 Nobody actually said they were faster in bike parks (although you'd have to think they'd be a little better through brake bumps and chatter). I was just responding in jest to Sith's theory that the bike industry is forcing more pedally tracks(Leogang- a bike park- being one of them) on the WC circuit to make 650b's look fast. Like I said before, it probably varies from rider to rider and track to track. Either way it doesn't mean anything to me because I''l ride what I like/can afford.

I don't know/care what's faster, but people seem more passionate and excited than ever about bikes right now. Whether it's a gimmick or not, 650b has people talking about bikes, and pumping money into the bike industry, either to get big wheels to keep up with the flow, or to show their support for their #26forlife movement, and at the end of the day I don't see how that's a bad thing for anybody.
  • 2 0
 once they come out with 26.75 (650W - 'w' is for 'when will this ever stop') we'll all be happy. so let's save our arguments for that chapter.
  • 2 0
 UCI needs more "Champery", not boring flat tracks with only a few exciting sections. The riders should desire a 26" on courses where we can see their skills and abilities being used in action. And not just have to watch another run like the others and wait for a time to get posted (Steve Smith excluded). They would not be as successful in the 650b conversion if they did not have to "dumb" down the world class DH. But hey, their getting paid more this way than by their viewing audience. And the 650b AM bikes are good enough these days for the flow trails and would suit the interests of a average Joe better than a DH rig. They are catering to the new bike market and X number more bikes will be sold if they start a new fad. It's not a conspiracy theory just good mathematical business.
  • 2 1
 Its good for a season or too because people including the once who only ride casual and have no clue get excited because there is something new. In a Year they all have there new bikes which they will ride for the next ten years like they did with their bike before.

So when they all have their new bikes the market will shrink back to roughly the same size it was before the hype but people that ride a lot and have to buy their gear (not sponsored) are left with 3 versions of everything.
It is a fact that developing, producing, handling and warehousing as well as retailing (stocking) 3 versions of a product, or maybe just 2 versions if 26 should really die out completely cost more than just one version.
So in the end loyal customers that buy new gear all the time (not talking about guys that buy a used rig every 6 years or so) are the stupid because at the end of the hype they will pay more for the same s**t just so some marketing bobleheads could post a cool story in sprin 2014 somewhere and sell 3 bikes more for one season.

So business will not stay like it is and paying more for no obvious reason is bad!

whatever...it has happen already anyway and hopefully I get a raise so I can still afford my new bike next season, whatever size...
  • 2 1
 And by the way Leogang Is really not boring. I actually find Schladming to be the less demanding when it comes to equipment. Works well on an single crown 6" all mountain bike.

Don't get me wrong I love both tracks, they used to be my local trails before i moved to Socal (at least if you think in US dimensions) and i wish there was anything half as exciting as the pedal-section in Leogang somewhere close to L.A.!
  • 3 0
 @Sith I agree on wanting more Champery. I want to see tracks with sections that I couldn't ride, not stuff that I watch and think "man that track looks like fun". I guess that I just can't be bothered to worry or stress about something that I have no control over and would rather look for the positive.
  • 1 0
 Summer is right around the corner in the northern hemisphere and we all ride bikes. Cheers to the good life!
  • 2 0
 fuck u all and ur opinions just ignore the commercials the best wheelsizes will survive!!!
  • 2 0
 I agree, the difference in size is almost negligible. Altering any other component would have more impact on the bikes ride.
My bro and I have the same bike. His corners like shite, mines much better, only differences are slight stem length, different bars, my forks (both same) are tuned better.
I also have two 26" bikes, one tyre/ rim combo is ~12mm bigger than the other. That's half the difference of 26" - 650b. I can't tell the different when riding. Would I notice if I added a 650b to the line up with 12mm increments? I doubt it.
- I have no ridden 650b but I do think its unnecessary bollox.
  • 2 0
 jesus christ how much longer are people gonna bury their heads in the sand and play dumb on this topic. Small wheels = more nimble. Its bloody simple physics.

Big wheels roll better over obstacles. Again simple bloody physics. Neither is intrinsically better.

In my opinion nimble is better than fast in a straight line. If I wanted to go fast in a straight line I'd buy a bloody track bike. Track bikes have big wheels. Wonder why?
  • 3 1
 jesus christ how much longer are people gonna bury their heads in the sand and play dumb on this topic: 650b and 26 are so similar in size that it really doesn't matter.
  • 1 0
 @cuban-b I think you're missing the main point, and that is that 650b is THE END OF THE WORLD. This is based on 87% fact with a standard deviation of +/-3.4%.
  • 2 0
 My favourite highlight of the year so far is KHS unveiling their 29inch dh bike at bootleg canyon. he missed a corner and took out a camera man. lol'ed my ass off.
  • 6 1
 650b seems like a case of forced redundancy, if its all a bike shop has to sell, its all people will buy, and naturally people with new bikes always gloat about their bike and make others jealous and want a 650b also. Most of these pros have not had a choice about going 650b, there haven't been timed comparison runs between the two - if there had been and 650b had won these companies would be gloating about it all over the internet. Instead 650b, proven or unproven, has just been forcefully emplaced in order to generate new bike sales in a dying economy.
  • 2 0
 Am I the only one who wants to see michibretz break down his physics here. Even if you use a smoother corner with predicable constant terrain grip and no suspension, there are ridiculous amounts of variables to take into account. If you can do it I for one would like to see it. Also for the whole cornering is slower BS a small rider on a small frame and a large rider on a large frame would have a bigger difference in its turning ability due to the large increase in wheelbase than going from 26 to 650b would. Serious this is all blown way out of proportion.
  • 1 0
 it all seriously blows at this point.
  • 1 0
 its been 7 days since i check this article and it looks like you guys are still debating..have guys ridden you bike(26/27.5/29) in the past 7 days?how many times?have you broken it yet?if not just keep riding and when you break it then debate on what wheel size you'll go for..you cant stop the industries from the so called "innovations" because its what keeps the companies alive..they need to sell or else the industry will die..so stop yapping and as i said before..ride you bike till it breaks or you break..
  • 1 0
 Erm yes, got one thanks and rides great. My beef was that they only just released this with 26 wheels instead of making the original bike compatible. That's not yapping it's fact !!
  • 106 1
 didn't even look at the bike, came straight to the comments. i am not disappointed.
  • 5 1
 LMAO samzies. title already has everything you need to know. i got a few good laughs already!
  • 3 1
 That is always more entertaining than all of the geometry and spec stuff anyway. The E peen is hilarious when it comes to wheel size debates.
  • 2 0
 samzies? ive heard all I need to know...
  • 2 0
 @tim- LMAO 'e-peen'.. couldnt agree more.

@crl- glad i could add another word to your dictionary Smile
  • 1 0
 if you pronounce it like sam-zees it sounds like a sandwich invention subway would come out with like next month for $5 april.
  • 72 8
 650b, is definitely a thing for those who use powermeter on their bikes. For the rest, 26 inch will do fine so don't worry.
  • 12 1
 Am I stupid because i dont know what a power meter is?
  • 14 0
 in some circles, yes. but for pinkbike, not at all!
  • 7 0
 @kurt- no if anything i would say you are smarter.. you dont seem to worry about pointless crap for the rest of us Smile
  • 5 0
 I feel less self conscious now thanks
@jumpman
  • 4 1
 so what is it?
  • 12 6
 there's this new thing called google - don't know if you've heard of it - but it looks stuff up for you.
  • 24 3
 Theres a new thing called "no need to be a dick about it" @cuban-b
  • 6 1
 lmgtfy.com/?q=Power+Meter
  • 9 4
 mtn bikers are a sensitive bunch. and c'mon if one is already on the internet posting a question to a board wouldnd it be quicker just to type those same letters into a new tab?

it measures your wattage for training purposes.
  • 2 1
 You know what's more effective than being a dick and still getting the point across? Posting a link to a google search for 'power meter'.

PS: mountain bikers aren't sensitive. Pinkbikers are. There's a difference.
  • 2 1
 ^ true. i see this two ways:
1. i was a dick, but the solution was obvious, as much as i was a dick. but fyi there are bigger jackasses in the world Wink
2. enable people to never do simple things for themselves.
  • 2 0
 dont trip too much about it.. i have no idea how people STILL dont use google to this day. i use it every single day Smile

btw, a 'power meter' is pretty self explanatory when talking bike jargon.
  • 1 0
 didn't offend me, he has a point lol @cuban-b
  • 3 0
 ^ very cool of you, and my apologies that you were the target of my jackassery - just trying to be stupid. it's the internet after all.
  • 29 1
 This season is all fast pedally tracks so 650b will be useful.
I really hope next year is all tight tracks like Champéry, Shladming, Maribor and Vallnord (for worlds), that will be a huge cockslap to all the manufacturers.
  • 4 2
 Hm, I think UCI is in on it. I don't think they would want to do something like that to hurt the huge money making idea of bigger wheels.
  • 5 1
 Yeah the paranoiac "#Illuminati" part of me sometimes wonders if that is not the case..
  • 26 4
 Fascinating. Def didn't see this coming.
  • 9 14
flag mddigger (Mar 26, 2014 at 14:42) (Below Threshold)
 your surprised? there are big names like Trek already doin it. personally I like all the wheel sizes, but I don't want any of them to just die out. I think 26 is best for DH btw.
  • 16 1
 Sarcasm. I'd be more surprised if it wasn't 650b this year.
  • 3 4
 cool story MD!
  • 4 11
flag mddigger (Mar 26, 2014 at 15:47) (Below Threshold)
 Didn't sound like sarcasm to me, sarcasm is manifested chiefly by vocal inflections, how am I supposed to know you were being sarcastic?
  • 11 1
 i remember my first day on pinkbike.
  • 3 2
 Dude, for realsies?!?!
  • 6 5
 haha sorry I am not a pinkbike nerd, I am usually on my bike.
  • 8 1
 hey you're right, consider that a good thing. i'm jealous i cant be riding more often, so being a jackass online will have to suffice in the meantime.
  • 26 6
 What a prototype!!! So much innovation right there!! Do they plan an enduro specific version??
  • 2 5
 If I could up vote this more than once, I would LOL
  • 4 8
flag jahspliff (Mar 26, 2014 at 17:31) (Below Threshold)
 Cool story
  • 2 2
 Lol, pretty much sums up pinkbike right now, all these prototype threads with bikes that look exactly the damn same!
  • 3 6
 They already have an enduro specific version, the Force. you know, their enduro bike?
  • 3 3
 Sarcasm, you know ?
  • 20 2
 not GT as well.... now i'm furyous Big Grin
  • 14 0
 I'm doing my masters dissertation on a comment progression and content scope creep algorithm that measures trends in PB responses to 650 bikes. So far this sample has proven non-atypical - just waiting for the 'I'm an engineer' to face off with the 'we'll I've been riding for 23years' occurrence. One thing's fore sure, the whogivesafuc meter is off the charts on this one...
  • 16 0
 You can do it, Gee!
  • 9 3
 I see your Gee and raise you our chainsaw massacre moustache.
  • 2 1
 chainsaw is out for first round(s), isn't he?
  • 1 0
 Yep.
  • 13 0
 The price of EVERY DH frame for sale on Pinkbike, Craigslist, Ebay just dropped another 20%
  • 8 0
 Haha and that's fine by me Smile
  • 7 0
 I guess its good for buyers. Sucks for people selling them. Ha!
  • 2 5
 who will buy a frame for 26''?
  • 6 0
 ^^^ see? Ha! I am just a crusty 40 year old. What do I know. :-)
  • 5 1
 I just bought a 26 4 days ago.......couldn't be happier!!!
  • 11 1
 At 6'6" I approve of this message. Also, by the numbers the Fury is an absolutely enormous bike. For those of you who don't know, if you're tall there are very few properly-sized DH bikes. Bigger wheels for bigger riders. This is a move in the right direction for some of us.
  • 5 1
 that logic loses for smaller riders who may not have a choice of a perfectly well fitting 26 down the road. not a right move in any direction if a choice is removed for the same reasoning you've just mentioned. 26s...love it leave it just don't lose it.
  • 5 1
 Concur, and if you're not tall or average, there are similarly few bikes that fit properly. Happy to troll PB for hobbit-sized 26er DH bikes at clearance deals.
  • 3 1
 Alexsin. This would stand true if they made the frames larger. The problem is the wheels will be larger but the reach and top tube dimensions will still be the same. So you will still be riding a bike that is too small for you, only it will have larger wheels. Not really much of an improvement for taller riders.
  • 13 0
 cough "wheels dont make the rider" cough
Smile
  • 4 0
 Thank you!!
  • 12 1
 And the riders don't make the wheels - if they did we wouldn't have dumb new sizes.
  • 1 0
 Wouldn't be much of a rider without wheels...
  • 10 1
 All these dumb new fads will only take hold because of the markets newer riders who don't know any different buy into all this stuff. $$$$ talks in the bike industry. Don't support the stuff you don't want to come into the market. Am I old school yes.....and I love beating the younger guys with all the new gear down the mountain Smile and then listening to all their "new gear" talk all the way up the chair lift.
  • 6 2
 All you yungsters talkin this crazy "Ew gonna go see a moving picture show" well back in my day we rode 26" wooden wheels up hill to school both directions in the snow barefooted while catching a whoopin behind the woodshed from pappy....Nothing like bragging about beating joeyes at your local mountain bike park to insure your argument has not validity at all...Way to Go....down here in America we gots real electric lights and flush toilets...Seem like a bad idea to you too Codger???
  • 4 0
 Real old skooler rides his 4130 and laughs as he goes past these young'uns on race bikes sitting down on his love seat...
  • 2 1
 The only young'un you're going past Rob is your son!
  • 1 0
 no I'm not allowed to pass them Frown
  • 10 0
 I don't think I could scare the shit out of myself any more on 27.5's than I do on 26er's...Just sayin..
  • 10 0
 I don't give a crap if it's 5 seconds faster down a world cup course, I don't ride a WC course.
  • 7 0
 Everyone keeps saying that 650B is better, but when it comes time for the proof its always in terms of speed and times. That's cool for racers, but what about for the average rider? The reality is that alot of 'downhill' bikes are purchased by people who don't race and use them just for recreational DH and park riding. Are there any benefits in the 650B to these riders? I just don't think these type of riders will see the same benefits of the big wheels. I can see the 26" DH bike evolving into sort of, longer travel park/freeride line of gravity bikes that fits somewhere in between the long travel enduro bikes and the 650B race bikes.
  • 6 12
flag deeeight (Mar 26, 2014 at 18:23) (Below Threshold)
 If the average rider doesn't want to go faster... they need to switch to backgammon or something more to their pace.
  • 7 0
 No, the average recreational DH/freeride/park rider just doesn't give a shit about 1 second/per 3 minute run or whatever it is the claims are about about the 650Bs. Many riders who aren't concerned about 10ths of a second might prefer the ride characteristics of the 26" bikes over the 650B.
  • 4 0
 @deeeight, if going fast is the point of your riding might I suggest a motorbike? You'll save a lot of money over a GT Fury and go way faster. Most of us ride a downhill bike because it's fun, with a few others riding it just in order to compete. Only kids who are not allowed on anything faster ride a bicycle just to go fast.
  • 3 6
 So fast isn't fun then? Ok well you go on in your make believe world then. I'm good here in the real world.
  • 8 1
 Deeeight you epitomise the idiots on pink bike! Downhill Is fun because its fast, if you've ever ridden a dirt bike you'd find they're more fun because you go faster more... the point is though, the average Joe simply won't notice and therefore won't care if they are going that extra 0.5mph faster through a rock garden, which is about all 650b has to offer, but they will notice how much harder to throw around and control the big wheels are, fact is, for a novice, smaller wheels are more fun for them!
  • 3 1
 Sorry deeeight, I'm gathering from your tone you are a kid and can't get a license for anything faster than a push bike. When you grow up you'll discover you can get motorbikes and cars and all kinds of things that go faster than a bike, yet we still choose to ride downhill bikes because even though they are so much slower they are still more fun.
  • 3 0
 Faster is funner.

Ever gone riding with your buddies and you're having a bad time 'cause you're the slowest in the bunch? Me neither!
  • 5 10
flag deeeight (Mar 26, 2014 at 20:54) (Below Threshold)
 And I'm gathering I'm dealing with a bunch of wankers who haven't ridden 650Bs and wasting my time discussing facts with them.
  • 6 0
 Fact is there's a lot more to it than is marketed to us, take for example old race cars - why did they have such big wheels? Because at the time engineers used the same argument about grip people use for 29ers, then they realised later on that a smaller but wider tyre offered as much grip but benefited from a lighter and much less flexier wheel resulting in better handling and acceleration... likewise a 26" mtb wheel has many benefits everyone has been made to forget: less flex, stronger, lighter, faster accelerating, quicker handling, more manuvurable, lower Cog and less unsprung weight, grip can be equated to equal just by using a wider tyre which will still be lighter... so the only benefit to a 650b is its marginally improved rollover potential albeit somewhat negated by poorer suspension response from increased unsprung weight and a bike thats a bit harder to hop/manual over obstacles.
Everything else about 650b... a potential downside! Those are your facts sir, and the reason many still find 26" 'more fun'.
  • 4 7
 The wheels on race cars also had to do with suspension limitations, gearing and speeds involved. When they started moving to inboard mounted springs and shocks with elaborate linkages, they gained the ability to shrink the wheels. Also aerodynamics began to play a big importance. But that's just for open-wheel racing. Touring car / Rallyes its a different thing.

As to the "benefits" of 26" wheels... break it down...

less flex : well the wheels might from marginally shorter spokes but we're talking less than 1% here. A 1psi of difference in tire pressure can have a bigger impact in terms of flex than 1% stiffer spokes.

stronger : by who's math exactly? Certainly not any real wheelbuilders. Purely anecdotal evidence of course here but Logan Binggeli pulled multiple backflips on his 650B KHS DH bike at the 2012 Redbull Rampage and his most serious mechanical issue the whole week was a punctured tube.

lighter : Again by who's math? Comparing what tires. To get a 559 rim/tire close to the same diameter as doing it with a 650B setup requires more weight (tires are the heaviest bit of the wheel equation) in point of fact, and that's the furthest point out on the wheel too which is the worst place to have more weight.

faster accelerating : see lighter

quicker handling / more maneuverable : see stronger, pro riders can whip/backflip them just fine, perhaps you need more practice or skill.

lower cog : ???

less unsprung weight : see lighter

grip with wider tire : wider tires weigh more, a LOT more. Rubber is the worst for density in bicycle wheels. Three more inches of aluminium rim weighs less than the dozen inches of rubber added by widening the tire.

Admit it, you took your facts from the back of a cereal box didn't you ?
  • 6 1
 What? You're on crack dude! Most of your refutes are competely irrelevant
  • 3 6
 Logic and reality are irrelevant only to morons.
  • 1 0
 A 2.25" 650b ss/tr nobby nic weighs 625g, a 26" one weighs 645g... both would offer similar grip but the spokes, rim and tube on the 26" will weigh less... as for the f1 cars I'm assuming you got that info off wikipedea or something as you are basically wrong on every count... so you were just about right about the tyre weight, I was thinking of 29ers for a moment there, otherwise you proved nothing, talking about punctures when arguing about Wheel strength was especially 'interesting' lol
  • 2 0
 Lol I hope you dont take this seriously as i can keep this up all week - good laugh! Didnt think you canadians stooped as low as insults!?
  • 2 5
 The punctures with wheel strength had to do with the obvious...if you can land multiple back flips from thirty or so feet in the air and all you do is puncture a tube...the wheels are strong enough. As to the F1 cars. I've actually wrenched on an F1 car, one from the 70s mind you but still... if you think you know better good for you. I really couldn't care less.
  • 1 1
 @deeeight the better acceleration you get is mostly because of the bigger diameter, not the weight.
Go read a few books about circular motion.
  • 1 0
 **** I meant the worse acceleration :-)
  • 1 0
 Some facts...
www.bansheebikes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/wheel-size-facts-part-1-dimensions.html?m=1
  • 1 0
 @ctd07, when children call you names like wanker and moron all the parenting books say you are supposed to ignore them and not give them the attention they are looking for! Aaaaaand, now for a less trolling comment, @fabdemaere, are you referring to the leverage through the larger wheel reducing accelleration? Which is always offset by running a smaller chainring on bigger wheeled bikes? Or are you referring to rotational inertia, which has everything to do with weight? I've read many books about classical mechanics, and I don't get what you are on about.
  • 9 3
 One day someone's going to realize that 650b is a lot closer in size to a 26 inch wheel, than to a 29 inch wheel. And then no one's going to give a shit. As much as the industry pushes all of their shit on to potential consumers, it also reinforces the wheel size arguing idiots that use this website.
  • 3 19
flag logcabm77 (Mar 26, 2014 at 15:01) (Below Threshold)
 650b is actually exactly in between 26" and 29"... 650b = 27.5"
  • 5 1
 Have you ever actually measured the difference between all three wheels? The diameter and size of the wheel of a 650b does not equal 27.5, actually, it's not until you throw a tire onto a 650b rim that it equals 27.5 inches. Do your measurements, kiddo.
  • 4 3
 well actually... forget it, i dont have the time or energy to explain.
  • 4 4
 Actually that day has passed but the someones just used it as ammo to whine about the new size. As far as comparisons, that comes down to tire widths really. The smallest off-road tires in 650B are 2 inches wide, the largest are 2.5" wide. The inflated diameters however for that four tenths of an inch in width swing from 27.2" for the 2.0 (Pacenti Quasi-Moto which has a very minimal tread) to over 28" (Maxxis High Roller 2s or Schwable Hans Damf, Vee Rubber Trail Taker which have very large treads).
  • 7 1
 650 also called 26" = 559mm diameter rim = 22.007874 inch rim diameter
650B also called 27.5" = 584mm diameter = 22.992126 inch rim diameter
700C also called 29" = 622 mm diameter = 24.488189 inch rim diameter

And yes, 29 is actually the same standard as used for road bike rims forever where as 650B is standard that until recently was mostly used on Tandems! so much for the innovation!
  • 3 1
 Less than an inch difference in diameter.. I can't justify spending thousands of dollars on a new bike for that.
  • 2 1
 but it's fastAr!
  • 7 9
 650B as a rim size (584) is over a century old standard. The 26er 559 size is actually the young one, created for KIDS bikes 60 or so years ago. Why adults today still insist on riding a kid's bike wheel size is beyond me.
  • 2 0
 Fun fact - 27 inch wheels common on old road bikes have larger rim diameters than the 29 inch/700c standard!
  • 2 0
 funny that someone neg propd d8's comment. SRS BIZ!
  • 2 3
 Seriously Deeelight? They did the B version of a standard before the un-indexed or A version?

You are not Correct 650 before 650B and 700C is the newest one out of the three currently used. the number implies that.

650 is the correct name for the standard for 26, just to make that clear...
  • 4 2
 Do you get your info from the back of boxes of cereal Michi? The number was the nominal tire diameter, the letter was a code for the width of tire casing needed to achieve that diameter on a particular rim standard.

650A, 650B and 650C were all the same outside diameter of tire but the rim diameters and tire widths changed. As the rim gets smaller the tire got wider (and as the width grows so does the casing height).
  • 7 1
 Unless you've ridden 650 you can't really judge. I run 650 on my AM and it's the best decision I've ever made. But not sure if I'd run the same on a DH. Would like to ride one to test it out!
  • 9 2
 The anti 650b comments every time there is a new bike featured are as predictable as the sunrise.
  • 6 1
 it wouldn't be pinkbike without the daily heated wheelsize/pedal debate. it's pretty much the only reason i click on this site. oh and to hate on avid brakes too, i almost forgot.
  • 5 1
 Like 99% of Pinkbike followers, I have a day job that does not involve racing for a living. We don't have $10K carbon fibre frames and could care less about wheel size. We ride for fun and to challenge ourselves on different runs and hills which is why I'll take my Heckler down B Line instead of my STD.
Let's face it, a bike is 2 triangles, 2 wheels and a few of pivots. The quality of the bikes has really improved over the last 5 years and they are lasting longer.
This is just a marketing approach to increase sales.
  • 4 0
 I have to agree with you whocaresride. I think suspension design had gone about as far as possible so the industry needed something new to sell us. I think if I were to buy a complete new bike in the next couple of years I would definitely consider trying a 650b. But like most of the people I know I will probably keep my wheels and components and just get a slightly used or a left over 26" frame for a decent price... And I can guarantee I will have as much fun riding my outdated 26" bike as the guys riding their new 650b equipped bike.
  • 5 2
 99% of actual pinkbike members don't post on reviews/forums. Its only the 1% without anything better to do at the time that bother. The actual ones who couldn't care less about wheel size more to the point couldn't care less to COMPLAIN about wheelsize. Or conspiracies, or suspension fads. They'd rather just buy their bikes and ride them. Whenever their wives let them.
  • 2 1
 That puts you very firmly in the 1% - someone with nothing better to do. Go ride your 650B and find a few 26ers to trounce on STRAVA. You're wasting your time here, the proof is on the trail.
  • 1 1
 Yes...and where I ride...29ers outnumber 26ers already. What do you think is going to happen with 650Bs replacing 26ers so extensively ?
  • 1 0
 Ummm, your 650b will also always be outnumbered by 29ers because the same people will carry on buying 29ers and the sixer riders will eventually migrate to 650b?

Back to my original point - get of PB go and find some 29ers and show them who is funner and faster if there aren't enough 26ers left.
  • 1 1
 Actually no... a lot of 29er riders are likely to switch to 650B also, this is already being seen amongst local dealers. Hell had my girlfriend not given me a Salsa Spearfish frameset for christmas three years ago, I would not have built another 29er for myself.
  • 3 0
 "Its only the 1% without anything better to do at the time that bother."
deeeight, I have Mr. Kettle on line 1 for you.
  • 2 0
 Lol this wheel size thing sounds like a swingers club Soon you'll be swingin back to the fun wheel size ;-)
  • 4 1
 okay, just let's survive this season of dumbness and marketology, that brings us crap like 27.5 DH bikes or 29 enduro or even 27,5F/26R mutants. they will play with wheels, but in the end everything returns to god blessed 26"
  • 3 0
 Wait till the tracks that develop due to bigger wheels, going to be a roadie fest, Sam Hill I feel for you flats have all but been outlawed due to flat tracks and big wheels, nice bike and all but I'm concerned where DH is heading regardless of fricken wheel size!
  • 1 0
 They've already developed. Pietermaritzburg is a pedal fest, Cairns is easy enough that it could be ridden on a trail bike, MSA has had most of its technical sections taken out over the past 10 years and replaced with open high speed expressways, and Val di Sol & Vallnord are gone from the schedule this year. Hafjell is about the only course left on the circuit that scares the crap out of me, and it's likely to be gone next year.
  • 1 0
 the watering down of DH courses has been happening on and off for years - well before the mtb industry threw its weight behind 650b. Although we did have Vallnord last year

we just need chris akrigg to get some UCI points then he can race down PMZ on his CX bike and embarrass the UCI Smile

I think the high point of DH tech was sam hills golden age i.e 2007 with Vigo, champery, MSA and schladming.

we're reverting to the days of Myles Rockwell flying down a hard pack trail with some flat corners thrown in
  • 2 0
 Gotta love all this hate but I have to ask you what constitutes "fun" or "enjoyment" on you bike? Do you not get a massive rush when you smash along a piece of trail as fast as you can, perhaps this new wheel sise will actually make this easyer? Maybe it has it's down sides in extremely tight situations but why does that mean it was any less "enjoyable" to ride you bike? I only pose this question as the majority of these comments refer to this wheel sise making riding less fun, all I ask is why, I mean seriously. I understand the frustration of compatability issues but that Is not a new thing especially in a sport that is evolving as quickly as mountain biking. For once I would love to see someone comment, oh hey someone made a new bike cool, ooh and it's meant to go faster, awesome, and perform better in the rough, siick! Instead of the usual crummy banter everyone one was over years ago when the 29er was introduced!
  • 1 0
 Have to agree with you Kazman. An enjoyable ride is what you perceive to be the perfect run. Flying 40' through the air, doing tricks, fast and flowy or technical.
For me technical runs are a new challenge every few feet. I tried a 29 last year on a non run like on the video and it was painful.
Check out a video on Pinkbike that Brad Walton did. "2012 Cove STD on the North Shore"
I watched this, went out an bought the bike, no regrets and tons of fun
  • 2 0
 The industry is really pushing 650b hard at the moment & on the WC DH circuit it's not really proven to make any rider faster.

Anyway, a new wheel size does nothing to make this bike any more appealing to the eyes, the geo looks good but the bike is so ugly.
  • 2 0
 All this 650b bashing cracks me up! I had to buy into it since my favourite model turned 650b and I had no choice (other than buying a used frame from last year). I love riding my bike and it's not going to matter if my wheel size increased by 1.5 inches. Get over it and move on.
  • 1 0
 Corners are where you win races, not in the straits. Look at any two wheel sport this is the case. I say bring back the 24". But folks will vote with there dollars, if ppl dont like the 650b or 29er they wont buy them. Then w/e company, will see that. Now if 650b sells then well you need to follow the market. I must say I havent tried a 650b, i did a 29er, didnt like the sluggish turning. It'll be stupid to kill off the 26er, idk why companies wont build a bike( there is only one I know of that does b/c the 650b wasnt out yet for dh) that uses both. If say the track is more technical, then pop on the 26er, if its straight and you need to roll over thins pop on the 650b. 2 bikes in one almost. How hard would that honestly be?
  • 4 1
 I knew this was going to happen... I ordered my 2014 GT Fury two months ago, don't get it until July, and by the time it comes I will have paid for old technology.
  • 8 0
 hahah - well one good thing - the used bike market thrives on people like you. make sure to sell low and quickly so someone can use your outdated technology
  • 9 0
 I promised my wife I wouldn't buy another bike for 2 years so I will be stuck with my vintage 2014 gt fury.
  • 2 0
 I bet you the 26" and 650B version feel identical to ride. Don't stress, you made a good purchase. Your wheels will always be stronger and lighter than 650B due to basic physics.
  • 2 0
 Definitely not stressing...honestly, Id buy the 26 way before the 27.5
  • 2 0
 I am rooting for all these manufacturers to go 650b so I can pick up a nice 1 year old 26" bike next year from someone who buys into the hype. And I am expecting big sales on 26" bike parts next year.. Can't wait.
  • 3 0
 Please quit trying to push 650b soooooo much. Really?? Every article is Enduro 650b DH 650b XC 650B DJ 650B. Read the comments PB.
  • 2 0
 Blah blah wheel size debate. Its a beautiful bike, and if i got to wake up every morning to see that in my garage im not sure id be thinking ugh its got 650b wheels. Id be stoked to get out and ride it.
  • 4 0
 The only thing I disagree with is the garage and not the bedroom which is where you keep your most cherished things
  • 1 0
 Touche!
  • 2 1
 Do not understand why so many people bitch and moan about 650B. Just because it's not dominating world cups doesn't mean it's any worse. The pro's feel more comfortable riding it and enjoy their riding a lot more, but hey - you probably know more than them? Bitches....
  • 1 0
 I'm sorry but you all "26 for life folks" WILL have to change, cause you won't be able to find wheels or rubber after a few years. Try and find a new 24" x 3.0 Gazz that were all the rage a few year back. Or a 24" trail pimp wheel. I owned both on a Banshee Scream, with Profile cranks. Killer bike, but all things change.
  • 2 1
 Used to race jetskies a few years back and when they started to change models like Kawasaki 550 to 650 to 750 they had to make different classes for the models.Different wheel size different classes.They also added stock,limited,super stock classes
  • 1 0
 good thing I'm still stuck in 2007 before all the head tube shifts and wheel size switches. very interesting to see so much standards no so standard but for 2014 it looks like its starting to settle. I hope they have decided to give it break, tho it would suck to buy a new 2015 bike and for 2016 they start again mix matching it all over again. Im keeping my roots planted for now maybe till about 2018. lol
  • 1 0
 I have a 650B and a 26inch bike and I can understand how 650b is a god send for riders whos main goal is long climbs with flowy downhills that are fast and not very technical, because yes it does climb better and roll over obstacles better however, being a DH racer and trying my 650b and 26inch wheels on very tight technical downhill terrain i feel like the 26 still very obviously reigns supreme. when you get into super tight switchbacks the 27.5 inch wheels feel extremely large and become a burden to maneuver. I hate that we are being force fed larger wheels because i dont actually want it to be easier to climb and get over obstacles but i can see how there would be people who would want to have this. it all depends on how you ride and the trails you have.
  • 1 0
 Someone needs to come out with some HEXAGON shaped wheels to add more versatility to the biking industry.. that way when the bike rolls...it save's and spare's rubber from ground contact being that there is more spacing for the wheel's to properly roll over rocks of different shapes and sizes!!! Diversity People!!!! keep an Open mind to my new Anti-Round Wheel Innovation by remedy of HEXAGON ENDURO TECHNOLOGY because ROCKS AREN'T ALL ROUND!!!!
  • 1 0
 So I'm new to mountain biking. Do I understand this correctly? People are arguing about a 5% difference in wheel diameter? Wouldn't a different sized wheel just affect traction and handling to suit different rider's styles? Are the wheel police actually coming to people's houses and forcing them to ride certain wheel sizes? I went to the local bike shop - they had a pile of 26" wheel bikes in the corner they said they couldn't give away and said people were only buying 29er and 650b bikes. Is that what people mean when they say companies are forcing the new wheel sizes onto the market?
  • 10 6
 650b are slowly taking over 26"
  • 10 0
 Slowly???
How many bike companies have introduced new 26" models in 2014? Or should I ask, who still has a 26" model in 2014?
  • 12 0
 me..
  • 10 1
 They're not slowly taking over. They're slightly faster. Or something.
  • 11 0
 2014 Canfield Jedi 26" and SICK!!!
  • 4 2
 Pretty much every dh bike is still 26 bar a few
  • 3 5
 Yes but every DH bike sold worldwide combined don't equal the number of $200 bikes sold at the walmarts in Texas alone.
  • 3 0
 2014 Specialized Enduro 26.
  • 1 1
 JoeyBratten - how many teams are riding 650b wheels for their WC team?
The limiting factor was real DH tires and forks. By 2015, it will be down to dirt jumpers. Even SpecialEd is releasing one…so snatch up that 2014 Enduro 26 while you can.
  • 2 0
 Canfield is also releasing a 650B 6 inch travel balance this summer. They have the industry figured out so well. 650B for all mountain, but keep the Jedi at 26". Another bonus is that you can run the Balance with 26 wheels and a 170mm fork, effectively slackening the head angle without raising the bottom bracket. Genius. No forced 650B, just an option. The big players like Trek and Specialized should just watch what the Canfields are doing and take notes.

Also, I noticed Specialized 650B tires for sale at the bike shop the other day, so I would guess a 650B wheel Specialized is not to far off.
  • 1 0
 @ReformedRoadie, you must be freaking retarded if you think dirt jumpers will go 650b
  • 3 1
 Moment somebody wins crankworx or something on one, every wannabee will be switching.
  • 1 0
 No, I am saying only dirt jumpers will be on 26" wheels in two years.

Also, SpecialEd will have a 650b soon…look for the ads.
  • 5 1
 Gee must really want to beat stevie! HA
  • 4 1
 I'm not buying a new full-suspension until they have 28 inch wheels. I prefer to round up.
  • 1 0
 Im pretty pissed as ive waited 7 months for my 26" Fury to come out to own it for a couple of months to see its now become an obsolete item as now everyone is jumping onto this 27.5 bangwagon....
  • 2 0
 What's more important? Riding what the pros ride because its what the pros ride, or riding the bike you've got because its dam good fun?
  • 2 0
 Mountain biking started on beach cruiser with 26" wheels........maybe jumping up a size isnt going to hurt? The internet assumptions here are hilarious.
  • 2 0
 If you ride steeper, rockier open sweeping trails get the 650, if you prefer super tight twisty technical tracks get the 26, but whatever size you ride be a dick about it.
  • 1 0
 Wasn´t it Gee who said in an interview a while ago, that absolutely nothing would Change if more and more riders at the DH World Cup are switching on bigger wheels, exept of that it just looks stupid?
  • 1 0
 years ago the UCI added wheel size and bike dimension restrictions in Road/Track, so they could (potentially) do the same for DH. Depends if they want to encourage development/progression or not.
  • 4 1
 so British cycling ban headcams instead of 650b
  • 1 0
 I'd really love to know how well an SRM holds up on a DH sled.. Also, the data must look crazy bouncing around tech sections between pedaling sections.
  • 1 0
 I love bikes...26, 27.5, 29, fat/skinny tired whatevers. Ride what you want and shut the front door. Stop crying about wheel size and go ride your bike already!
  • 1 0
 Chainstay length and overall GEOMETRY have a bigger impace than .09 inches or 24mm taller wheels. It's a ploy to sell you a new bike!!!
  • 6 3
 Time to replace the old DH rig I guess. Smile
  • 4 0
 You forgot the carbon...
  • 6 0
 new design last year, 650b this year, carbon front triangle 2015 and full carbon 2016.. keeps people buying the same bike over and over again
  • 3 4
 I really like this bike and 650b for me on a DH bike is not a problem... as I do not own a dh bike yet. Once this is available, I will seriously consider obtaining one. I like the colour scheme and tyre choice... and Gee did very well on the chassis in 2013. win win.
  • 3 0
 Looks like 26 inch wheels just got % 10 cheaper
  • 1 0
 They've been testing 650b since last year on the fury, well more so getting used to it. It was on a DIRT interview with Gee I think.
  • 3 0
 Anyone noticed that it's just a 08 Commencal supreme
  • 2 0
 i was gonna say trek session but we all knew that!
  • 2 0
 Well the bike looks sick no matter what wheel size. Exept for the white fork.
  • 5 4
 f*ck YOU VERY MUCH GT. I'm getting a V10 after this. At least I hope they won't go full retard just like you guys. Dead Horse
  • 5 1
 Lol.. Full retard.. Love it.
  • 3 0
 I officially don't give a damn about the debate, but that 'full retard' comment made me laugh so hard i nearly spat out my lunch! Round wheels 4Eva!
  • 3 0
 It's 5% less fugly than last year.
  • 1 0
 The who cant tell the diff beyween 26 and 27.5 are the same guys who cant tell the difference between head angle, tires, stem length or bar width. I can
  • 2 0
 Biggest mistake I've ever made was throwing a leg over a 650B… What a waste of time. 26er for life!
  • 1 0
 16" Pixies for life dude!!!!!!!!! LMFAO!!!!! Size arguments that your smaller one is better bores both me and your girlfriend!!!!
  • 3 1
 The season of the 650b is upon us.
  • 3 5
 who really gives a fat f*ck about wheels size we all know 26" is the best and its not the bike that makes you faster its the rider and how hard your willing to push yourself on the bike your riding to go faster go hard or go home anyone remember that phrase as far as wheel size go 26 is big enough the bigger the easier its going to be to taco and fold rims up so their's my statement said and done..
  • 3 1
 That's a long sentence
  • 1 0
 26=epic! when freeriding! 29=epic when 29ering!

why did someone make up the in ba tweener
  • 3 5
 I think 26 hold outs are hilarious!
If u had a jeep 4x4 would it be cooler with 31" tires or 33s ?
I think 33s
When riding over the braking bumps this summer and peeling ur hands off the bars
Maybe youll reconsider your position

Just lookin at a 26 wheel bike looks dumb
The front wheel is like under the rider

Go ride a 27.5 before neg ranting every new 650 b
Its evolution !
The rider is still the most imoprtant aspect and anything with 2 wheels is fun..but wheel size has been the best improvement since rear suspension
  • 1 0
 @steepy

Wheel size hasn't been an improvement since suspension. That crown is worn by the dropper post!
  • 1 0
 Bollocks to the wheel size id be more interested to get a gander at that shock ;P
  • 4 1
 THAT SHOCK???
  • 2 1
 The New Fox RAD
  • 1 0
 I know it's a wideangle lens but the wheelbase on that thing looks huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge
  • 1 0
 Oh it's not the wide angle, this thing is massive
  • 1 0
 Hah it is its one of the longest dh sled out there
  • 3 1
 Big wheels is the shit ___o^o_____O^O______
  • 1 0
 well gee has just dominated again this year , fuck sake let ratboy an brendog get a taste of the glory
  • 2 0
 Wheel size is really twistin my shit now
  • 2 0
 I don't think Gee will have a hard time being a dick about this...
  • 2 1
 graphic designers with creativity and talent - apply to GT Bikes - NOW HIRING
  • 2 1
 Only good thing about 650b is frame clearance to stick a 26 inch wheel with a 3 inch tire.
  • 1 0
 Ya'll Crackers are angry. Angry at a wheel size... Cmon it's GT. G to the mf T.
  • 1 0
 How many of you have ridden a 650b bike? You will be suprised how f*cking good they are
  • 2 0
 Where can you even buy a Fury frame?
  • 1 0
 I'd buy one... There is a reason companies are going 650B and i'm guessing it's not because it's a new buzz word...
  • 6 5
 hope it wont snap like lorenzos did
  • 1 0
 At the end of the day why does wheel size matter if it's fun ride it!
  • 1 0
 one of my friends，he just love GT
  • 1 0
 Looks like the new T500...
  • 3 3
 Haha I knew the first comment would be about the wheels. Just look at the bike overall . I'm sure it's awesome to ride.
  • 4 0
 there is nothing else to comment on, its the same bike with slightly bigger wheels
  • 1 0
 @blae- thanks captain obvious.
  • 1 0
 ^ i wanted to reply with that for so many of these posts. like "650b will take over 26 one day" lol
  • 2 2
 This is an excellent technological advancement. I can't wait to support GT's edgy new product direction.
  • 1 0
 Daaaaammnnnnnn, I like the 2013 one better tho in terms of paint job
  • 1 1
 Interesting combo with the power meter and the flat pedals.... kind redundant.
  • 1 0
 I can't wait for the PINK one to be raffeled on FACEBOOK!
  • 2 1
 not sure whats uglier, the frame or the graphics.
  • 1 1
 Beware the comment deleating fairy for she doesn't agree with what you have to say !!! ....
  • 2 0
 It looks Shit!
  • 2 1
 I predict that somebody is going to win a race this year on a 650b...
  • 1 0
 There's a 650boring But this is a 650beast
  • 2 3
 Thank god I love my 29er. It gives me no reason to act like a defensive childish that was just told "No" and had his toy taken away by his parents. Get a life.
  • 1 0
 Ah...the politics of wheel size. Makes me laugh every time.
  • 1 0
 Just bought a 2014 Transition Covert 26, just sayin
  • 1 0
 Ok ok 26 vs 650b aside... what's up with that weird seat tube weld?!
  • 1 0
 The only cool thing about this is the rad rc4 shock
  • 1 0
 Your guys are STILL arguing about wheels size? Getting really boring.
  • 1 0
 It's the rider that wins Not the bike
  • 1 0
 I'm still waiting for the 27.5"/650b Lobo
  • 1 2
 Wheels wheels wheels, for fukksake… cummon fellas, focus on the important shite: Rachel Atherton is smokin freakin hot.
I mean, for someone my daughter's age that is.
  • 1 0
 Looks like... the 26 inch version... weird...
  • 1 0
 You can get a 29er one next year
  • 1 0
 SIXFIFTYBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Now, we just need to wait 29" DH rig.
  • 1 0
 What's that chain ring
  • 1 0
 suck a butt
  • 2 1
 Purple
  • 6 6
 ANNOUNCEMENT: 650b has officially taken over downhill
  • 1 0
 #whogivesafook
  • 1 0
 Looks like a DEMO
  • 1 0
 Only joking.
  • 1 0
 But seriously.
  • 1 1
 This i how i see it. 26' fun bike 27.5' commercial bike 29' xc bike
  • 1 0
 650
  • 1 0
 650 B marketing $$$$$$
  • 1 0
 How many inches is it
  • 1 2
 I always hated the Athertons.
  • 9 11
 gee needs this to beat stevie, but still wont
  • 3 3
 true !
  • 5 3
 Except Stevie will be out for the first 2 world cups....
  • 5 2
 ... and still come back to beat Gee !!
  • 5 7
 SORRY I DON T WANT TO DIE : www.pinkbike.com/video/332120
  • 5 0
 to be fair i think alot of dh frames on the market would snap if you case s jump like that!!
  • 3 0
 Pretty sure the frame can take some abuse. www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Dpg4GyX50
  • 6 0
 That frame had been damaged in shipping, Lorenzo said afterwards he knew it wasn't safe to ride, but he did anyways. Moral of the story: If your frame has a huge dent in it, don't ride it
  • 1 0
 That's why you wear a full face...even on 27.5 inch enduro downhill bikes.
  • 5 7
 650b dh rig what next 650b dj and street bikes!!! 26 forever!!!
  • 11 0
 remember when we could just say "bike wheel" without quoting numbers....
  • 9 0
 pepperidge farm remembers...
  • 1 0
 Milanos!
  • 1 0
 i like cookies.
  • 2 1
 Slash9....I don't remember such a time ever existing.
  • 1 0
 Haha so true!
  • 1 0
 Yeah - I think I might be wrong there.
  • 2 4
 Dream bike
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