Ask Pinkbike: 29er DH Bikes, Crankbrothers Pedals, and Norco Range vs Sight

May 22, 2017 at 10:10
by Pinkbike Staff  
Ask Pinkbike Header

Here at Pinkbike we get inundated with all kinds of questions, ranging from the basic "Can I have stickers" to more in-depth, soul-searching types of queries like if you should pop the question or what to name your first child. Ask Pinkbike is an occasional column where we'll be hand-picking and answering questions that have been keeping readers up at night, although we'll likely steer clear of those last two and keep it more tech oriented.






29er Downhill Bike Hate

Question: Pinkbike user jaha222 asked this question downhill forum: What's with all the hate on 29er downhill bikes? The reasoning behind the shift seems to be that they go quicker than 27.5'' wheels, so why is that a bad thing?

bigquotesThe hate over 29er downhill bikes is partly rooted in the belief that the only reason big wheels are coming to downhill is so the cycling industry has something new to sell. It's true that this has been the case in the past, especially when it comes to the non-existent need for 27.5'' wheels, but that's not what's happening this time around. Downhill bikes are more of a pig in the window than a money-maker for bike companies; they sell relatively few of them, but having a successful downhill program helps to sell other products, especially trail and all-mountain bikes.

No, the move to 29er downhill bikes is simply because they're easier to ride faster, and going fast is what a downhill bike should be all about. Pinkbike tech editor Mike Kazimer recently tested two downhill bikes that were identical aside from their wheels: one having 27.5'' wheels and the other being on 29'' wheels. He used a LITPro to track each of his eight runs that were done at the same effort and taking the same lines. The result? The 29er was nearly five seconds faster than the 27.5'' bike over a 2:20-minute course. I don't need to tell you how huge that delta is.

29er downhill bikes are going to go faster for the same effort and skill level, and that should be the bottom line, but it's not. For some reason, many riders view larger wheels as being uncool, which is ridiculous. A bike is a tool to do a job, and a downhill bike's job is to go as quickly as possible from the start line to the finish line; 29'' wheels will allow racers to cover that distance in a shorter period of time. But much like how we're too worried about what's cool to allow World Cup downhillers to wear Lycra, which is also ridiculous, many of us are busy hating on 29er downhill bikes when the only thing we should be considering is if they're faster or not.
Mike Levy

Greg Minnaar V10 29er
Santa Cruz's new 29er V10




Sticky Mallet Pedals

Question: Wrymn asks in the All Mountain, Enduro & Cross-Country forum: Over the last couple months I've started having some release problems with my Mallet E's. I'm running them with Northwave Enduro Mid shoes. I've noticed that I need to kick my heel out farther and farther to get a release and even then, it's more of a grinding and not very positive. Thinking that it had to be a worn set of cleats, I replaced them, but I'm still having release problems. At a recent race, I washed out in a corner and was stuck under my bike because I was having trouble releasing from the inside pedal. So I've got a fresh set of cleats with the protector plates installed, and while the cages of the pedals are all beat to hell, I don't see any damage to the actual engagement/release mechanism. Has anyone else run into this? I don't see any weird marks on the shoes, so I'm less inclined to believe it's an issue with that. I'm open to suggestions.


bigquotesI am assuming that you have adjusted the pin height to prevent them from hampering your release. Crankbrothers recommends that you try lubricating the engagement springs if the Mallets get sticky, but if you ride in dusty or muddy conditions, the lubricant will disappear in half an hour. Mallets are also sensitive to the depth of the shoe's cleat well, so Crankbrothers offer cleat spacers to alleviate excess friction between the shoe and the pedal to reduce release tension. Finally, Mallet E pedals have a five millimeter shorter axle than the DH version in order to provide a narrower Q-factor. Some riders, however, complained that they had issues rotating their feet enough to disengage in a pinch. The DH axles retrofit to the E models, which is an easy fix. (Crankbrothers now offers both axle widths for Mallet E pedals). One of those solutions should do the trick. RC


Crankbrothers Mallet E review
The Mallet E pedal's axle is five millimeters shorter than the DH model.




Norco Sight vs. Range

Question: Pinkbike user @mtbernz asked this question in the All-Mountain, Cross-Country & Enduro forum: It's new bike time and I am conflicted between the Norco Sight C9.2 and Range C9.2. I own a 2016 A7.1 Range currently that is too small for me. I mainly ride single track, and local trails. 440, Skyline and Redwood forest Rotorua 3-6 times a year. The Range is beefy and heavy and my day to day riding has a lot of ups. I am leaning towards the Sight but don't want to be out gunned on the rougher trails. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

bigquotesI've spent extensive time on both models, and I'd recommend the Sight for the type of riding you're describing. Think about it this way – would you rather have a bike that suits how you ride 90% of the time, or a bike that works best for the 10% of the time that you end up on extra-rowdy trails?

The 130mm Sight is a more versatile all-rounder than the longer travel Range – along with being lighter, it's also livelier, with quicker handling that makes it easier to get through tighter, slower speed sections of trail It'll still handle the rough stuff without any issue – it's only on the steepest, gnarliest trails that you might find yourself wishing for a little more travel, but that doesn't sound like it'll typically be the case where you live. The Range is a lot of bike, and unless you have the terrain to warrant it, the Sight is the way to go. 
Mike Kazimer

Norco Sight Norco Range 2017
The Norco Sight and the Range may look similar, but they have distinctly different personalities out on the trail




Have some unresolved tech questions? Jump in the Pinkbike Forum and we'll look to answer it for next time.

Author Info:
pinkbikeaudience avatar

Member since Jul 22, 2013
3,460 articles

280 Comments
  • 127 40
 How about we keep it real about the reason the 29er dh bike is getting so much flak...theyre just not as fun in the air or on berms. Yes I know what a 'modern geometry' 29er feels like. It mows, but no its not as fun in the park.

Granted this is not what DH racing is about, but as any person with deductive reasoning will point out "look what they did to the 26".
  • 71 4
 Thats exactly it.. A large portion of consumers who buy DH bikes use them for free riding and bike park riding, not as a dedicated race bike.
  • 50 3
 29er bikes are so good or so gay, etc, whatever.. this is for riders to decide. I just can't accept the hypocrisy of bike companies which claimed 26" is too small and incapable, while 29" is too big and clunky so they HAD TO come up with 650b.
  • 100 13
 "the only reason big wheels are coming to downhill is so the cycling industry has something new to sell. It's true that this has been the case in the past, especially when it comes to the non-existent need for 27.5'' wheels"

What The Actual f*ck?
  • 27 52
flag nvranka (May 23, 2017 at 11:24) (Below Threshold)
 This. And saying that Mike Kazimer has been testing 29er vs 650b...who cares. We don't know what track he's testing them on...so the results are meaningless.
  • 45 0
 @sino428 So, to sum up, 27.5 should disappear because it's neither the funnest nor the fastest ? Freeride bikes in 26" and race bikes in 29"?
  • 201 41
 @me2menow, have you ridden a 29" DH bike yet? I'd disagree with your point about them not being as fun in the air or smashing berms. I'm still a little confused by how the smaller the wheels, the more "fun" a bike supposedly is. By that logic, we should all be rolling on full suspension BMX bikes. Different wheel sizes all have their strengths and weaknesses, but as far as one being inherently more fun than another, I don't buy it.
  • 46 8
 I have a hard time believing that a 29er DH is 5 seconds faster on a 2 minute track. If that was so, then why in the EWS, on tracks where 29ers have more of an advantage than they would on a full on DH track, do we see them competitive, but not dominant?

I only rid 29ers now, and I'm personally faster on them, but I don't buy that they will save you seconds every minute on a DH track.
  • 46 42
 @mikekazimer: Really you cant see how smaller wheels can be more fun? what BS are you trying to feed us? even pro DH riders like neko said in pinkbike articles that 29 on dh bikes stands you up more in the corners.
  • 56 19
 @mikekazimer: Come on, with that logic why aren't we getting 35" wheels instead of 29"?
  • 14 8
 @mikekazimer: i was gonna say the same thing . how is it my canfield epo is as fast as my nomad on the same downhill track consistently . and the epo is more fun at times .

geometry is what makes a bike fun . you can rind a bike with any wheel size . if the chainstays are long and head angle steep you wont like it . /
  • 26 6
 @hamncheez: I wonder the same thing. If 29ers are so fast, then why are the EWS competitors not all on 29ers? Why do guys like Rude still use a 27.5? The 29 inch wheel is nothing new to Enduro racing.
  • 49 17
 @nismo325: All I can say is don't knock it 'till you try it.
  • 95 6
 #26wasrobbed
  • 26 41
flag nismo325 (May 23, 2017 at 11:40) (Below Threshold)
 @mikekazimer: If you said they rail berms and hit jumps better than you would think I would be ok with your comment. The fact you can't see how greater Centrifugal force would change how a bikes feels makes me question you. by your reasoning we should be on the biggest wheels we can fit since they apparently have no draw backs.
  • 12 5
 @mikekazimer: Well I'm not Greg Minnar, so no.

Thats cool, we can agree to disagree. I love my 160mm 29er; I'd take it for 80% of the trails I ride. But I can pump the shit out of everything with my 26 whereas for some of those features (definitely not all) the 29er "just does it". (650Bs feel close enough to the 26 imo, for the record. I am a fan of the industry move.)

And by that logic we could all be shredding on 16" pixie bikes too.
  • 19 4
 @nismo325: and yeah, centrifugal forces n stuff
  • 18 7
 @sino428: A large portion of the people who do park riding barely clear jumps, gaps or do significant drops due to fear of injury. Doesn't matter what size wheel they're on.

I would venture to say that stability and speed will be more fun for those people and the people complaining about 29'ers not being fun will still be able to style the shit out of them.
  • 17 0
 @zede: I'd be down for that. Since I'm still riding my 26" DH bike I'd love for the return of more 26" options.
  • 1 0
 @nojzilla: yeah , I did wonder
  • 6 0
 @abtcup: because it's not that cut and dry, and 5 second gaps on 2 minute courses wasn't the result for everyones testing. Trail, rider, bike, etc will all have affect on time. It's going to be faster in rougher areas more than likely however, but as we see with enduro, both sizes win. Thing is, DH is generally faster more wide open courses, so the advantage will be there.

Should be an interesting DH season.
  • 16 4
 I believe the market is just saturated,we consumers are experiencing "in marketing terms" dissonance! It´s hard for us to be willing to keep up with the pace stuff changes. Now 29ers are only for xc, now for trail also, now for enduro, now what the heck downhill too... It seems as though the industry makes such an effort to sell their new products(maybe not with donwhill 29ers) that they forget that most people don´t like their 1 year old 6 k bike cost 2,5 or 3 second hand... and that they are in for the fun. Milking the cow more than its needed...probably yes, are they faster, probably yes... do you need it? or need to complain about it?...probably not. I feel it´s great there are so many options, I just don´t kow sometimes what bike I´d rather ride or have... but at the end of the day a mini kids bike with 20 inch wheels and no brakes on a super muddy slope got me smiling more than my last 20 rides! Bikes are bikes, and I love all of them!
  • 13 7
 @zede: On the contrary, 27.5 is good because they're faster than 26" while not being as boring in the air as 29"
  • 20 8
 Since when is going faster not fun?
When did that happen?
  • 20 8
 @scary1: In that case why don't we take all the jumps, turns and rocks out of trails....would be faster...so more fun right?
  • 7 0
 @abtcup: Rude changes between 29 and 650b.
  • 2 1
 29 props. Coincidence? I don't think so.
  • 8 8
 @mikekazimer: When was the last time you were at a rhythm DJ spot? Although I do see people riding BMX (without full suspension) or DJ bikes, the general consensus is it's a lot of work on anything else. I see people riding without brakes, with rigid forks, but I've never seen anyone with a full suspension anything styling a rhythm set and having fun (though I have seen them try). Maybe it can be done, but it would be in the same category as Yoann Barelli riding dirt merchant with his cross bike (a 29er). Geez, next thing someone will market a 29" BMX. This with respect to wheel size and fun factor.
  • 20 3
 @nismo325: I dont know... my Wreckoning was getting very sideways on Crabapple Hits just fine yesterday. Burped a ton of air too because I was getting too rowdy in the turns too! Don't knock it until you tried it. Of the bikes I have ridden for longer than a year(Giant Reign Advanced 0, Rocky Altitude 790 MSL, Devinci Wilson, Kona Operator..) my 29er Wreckoning is the funnest/most playful bike ever, more playful than my 26" Operator was!
  • 4 0
 @nismo325: Do you mean gyroscopic forces?
  • 4 0
 @dave-f: 29" bmx, been done, SE racing
  • 7 5
 @mikekazimer: what wheel size do they use for slope style. done!
  • 3 0
 @sino428: If a large portion of consumers continues to buy them for free riding/park riding then both segments will live on.
  • 14 0
 @mikekazimer: great point - I have some friends that are all about smashing their Strava times for CLIMBS, wtf ! They love that shit, where I rather just use as little energy as possible to make it to the top so I got some left for getting bonkers on the descent. Fun is subjective, we all have our own idea what 'fun' is. you know there are some crazies out there that prefer vanilla over chocolate too...
  • 6 0
 @magiko9: That's @mikekazimer 's point. Wheel size doesn't dictate "fun" since fun is subjective. Wheel size can, however, dictate speed. I personally find my 29er to be more fun than my 26' on berms and jumps so that's what I ride in the park. My brother is the opposite, though. Different strokes, ya'll.
  • 3 0
 @mikekazimer: Amen brother.
  • 12 0
 @mikekazimer: 29er DH bike are a Pinkbike conspiracy to get more comments. You can get a lot of comments for a few boxes of biltong.
  • 16 0
 I'd have no problem with 29er DH bikes if they didn't replace the smaller wheel sizes. But that's not the case. Look what 27.5 did to 26. Don't pretend we have options.
  • 6 0
 @mikekazimer: I ride my BMX at least once a week, because it is hella fun.So much easier to toss around than my 26" mountain bike. But it sucks in the mountains. Going from a 20" to 26" is quite an adjustment, I don't ever see going to a 29, but I don't race downhill.
  • 5 2
 @endlessblockades: Boring in the air? What's up with this claim...my slash 29 is more playful than my old nomad?
  • 5 4
 @Loamhuck: You don't hit anything bigger than 18 inches do you?
  • 3 4
 29er bikes ARE cool. You just need a proportional width rim and tyre - Minnar's 32mm rim with 2.6 tyres look awesome. I'm always getting comments about my 29 x 30mm rim with 2.5 tyres, they look badass.
  • 2 7
flag MX298 (May 23, 2017 at 13:51) (Below Threshold)
 @hamncheez: I think wheel strength is a big factor in EWS. Any of these guys can destroy a 27.5 wheel so to make a 29er wheel last a whole day of smashing and not weigh a ton is nearly impossible. One DH run on a 29er wheel is doable! ! !
  • 11 2
 @bstrainor: Not convinced, but maybe when i'm in whistler next week ill see you throwing that evil sideways on crab-apple hits and my mind will change.....tho i'm yet to see someone riding a 29 thats made me go "wow looks so playful" luke strobel included.
  • 1 0
 @cmkneeland: 27.5 is different to 29 in so many ways, especially it was very little real difference in size and practically an all new wheel size
  • 9 1
 @bstrainor: post a video of you throwing moto whips on crabs on your wreckoning...heh. The Internet is such a joke...

Id wager than less than 1% of PB commenters can even hit crabs let alone style them.
  • 1 0
 @snowwcold55: He edited his comment, but still, yeah I did not say 29ers are not fun etc. Read my first comment Wink I am saying 29ers were here all along.
  • 13 4
 "29ers are not as fun to ride" - please post me some pics of you sending it sideways or upside down. I want to see you utilize those small wheels to their full potential. I bet you like to ride playful bikes on technical trails.

@ThomDawson - Aside of being super fast, a 29"DH bike is to a bike journalist what Trump is to a stand up comedian. It is a self picking fruit.
  • 2 2
 @Loamhuck: I was just being a dick. Disregard. My next bike will probably be a 29er. Sigh.
  • 14 0
 Pinkbike (and bike media in general) just pisses me off lately. I've finally become aware of it, have been spending less time on here, and am happier for it. But every once in a while some bullshit like this draws me back in. I must resist!!!
  • 13 3
 @mikekazimer: Re. "The 29er was nearly five seconds faster than the 27.5'' bike over a 2:20-minute course." I don't get how you can supposedly put such a time margin between each bike wheelsize? Given that Danny Hart beat Loic Bruni (29vs27 respectively) by a mere 1.6 secs at Fort William BDS (over a 4min30 track), a time margin that would have been likely if they were both on 27, given Danny knows the track so. I just don't buy there's as much time margin as so many are making out, and the same was true of 27.5 vs 26, when every DH racer was on 27 and Bryceland won on a 26.

To me, this stinks of marketing, cynically I understand bike sales were down quite a bit in 2016 compared to 2015, when the big push to 27.5 took place, it only makes sense that to increase sales bike marketers heavily promote the 29er.
  • 19 0
 The thing that pisses me off about this whole 29er thing is that only 3 years ago all the manufacturers and all the magazine's and websites claimed that 27.5 was better than 26vand 29 inch wheels. 29er downhill bikes would just be to slow in the corners and that's why 27.5 was the better option. What changed in that short period of time that changed all this.. And I don't want to hear any bul/$hit about new technology.
  • 6 0
 @bstrainor: pics or you were landing on the tables...... Razz
  • 20 2
 @skelldify: You have to take Pinkbike for what it is. Its not real "media" in the sense that a news program or newspaper, or other independent source would be. I'm not saying they (and all the other bike sites) are completely biased but lets be real, they are all more of an outlet for the bike industry itself as opposed to a real media source.

Real independent media would give more honest reviews. Notice that even when you can tell a bike was shit in a Pinkbike review there is always a positive spin at the end. There always some sort of "but if your into a bike that can do A,B,&C this might work well for you", kind of thing. They will never completely say a product is garbage.

Real media would also break news. It would give the details and post rumors about new products in development once they find out about it. Not wait until the agreed upon press release date with the manufacturers. You think the people at Pinkbike didn't know months ago that Santa Cruz was planning on showing up with 29er DH bike in France? Or that they only find out about new products the day they are launched like everyone else? When it comes to that sort of thing sites like Pinkbike are simply an outlet controlled by the industry.
  • 3 6
 @sino428: Its like you have no idea of anything in the world ever.
God bless @Pinkbike, may they continue to give our daily bread.
  • 6 0
 @diego-b: I love Pinkbike. I just understand what I am reading and the potential biases that come with it.
  • 9 11
 @zzRider - where do you take your sales numbers from?

@sino428 - please give me an example of a "Real independent media", especially a "Real independent MTB media". I am not saying it's all sht, so let's just roll with it, but you have some utopian view of the world mate. "Outlet controlled by the industry", oh Jesus... don't you think that if 50 companies advertise themselves on Pinkbike, then it levels out the field? I know a small site or two, where admins have direct affiliations to companies they promote, like... they are distributors of a particular brand. How's that?! Open your eyes buddy, use your brain. It is rather logical that Pinkbike is by average more independent than small sites who have to suck up to companies in order for them to send them stuff for tests. Pinkbike gets sht sent to them without asking. I can imagine that NSMB is more independent but well, as much as I love their reviews and articles, I think they are the best (although I find Mike Levy to be fkng awesome and I read pretty much only his stuff) they do not provide me with insanely good coverage of races around the world. They end up on a positive note? Have you read Bike Radar reviews? Their video reviews and tests are super cool, but the written reviews of bikes from main companies go more or less like: this bike has two wheels, handlebars it is a bit expensive, a bit heavy but it climbs rather well for a trail bike and descends very well, as expected.
  • 13 0
 @BeerGuzlinFool: I agree man. Santa Cruz used the same front end. They added a longer rear triangle...Fox made a DC fork that fits a 29 in wheel. Is that not possible three years ago?

I'm not a wheel size hater as I have bikes with 26, 27.5, and 29 in the garage...but this looks like a lot of hype.
  • 2 1
 You're right - all Santa Cruz and Northstar hits have a 18" max. Don't be a dumbass @cmkneeland:
  • 5 5
 @nvranka @nismo325 @atrokz sorry was on the GF's account: Come for a lap(or two) this weekend! DM me, I'm home for the summer and will be lapping the park on a regular basis. I grew up in Whistler so hitting jumps(with style) is as natural as breathing, we're super lucky in the sense that we learn to whip before we walk here hahaSmile
  • 3 1
 @mdhorner: I only got to hit the old set year before it was rebuilt. Havent been back since so Im long overdue! But I dont doubt it. Your gfs account made it fishy, different bikes than mentioned. If youre a local you prob ride w some friends out there and one was on an old highball or whatever that first SC 29 fs bike was and was ripping down aline. You locals rip that place.
  • 8 1
 I'm not saying they don't have them, I'm saying, if you think an enduro 29er is as playful as a 26 inch DH bike in the air, you don't hit them.
  • 2 1
 Maybe with 29 everyone goes faster, but taller riders get a relatively bigger speed boost. It's not like genetics don't already play a big role in this (and every other) sport. But I can see how shorter competitors and their fans might be upset and I can't blame them.
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades bang on bro!
  • 6 1
 @WAKIdesigns: I never claimed there was a real independent mountain bike media. I even said Pinkbike "and all the other bike sites". The entire point of my post was that there is in fact not a real independent mountain bike media.

Don't get me wrong here. I love this site. I love the tech articles, the race coverage, and even the reviews. My only point is that sites like this, and others are always going to be somewhat biased toward the industry. And I understand that it has to be that way. The only way for a site like this to make money is with advertising and the only companies who are going to advertise on a MTB website are MTB companies. I was simply pointing out this out in response to a guy who said he was frustrated with the MTB media.
  • 3 0
 @sino428: Also, the attached 'poll' "What brand of shoes will you purchase next?" doesn't include Crocs.
  • 2 0
 @magiko9: because you'll have to buy the 27.5, the 29, and the 32" wheeled bikes before we get there, think of the money companies would miss out on if we just rode the 35" now after the 26"ers did soo well for 20 yrs
  • 6 2
 @nismo325: faster = faster over jumps, faster through turns and faster through rocks. More fun for some of us. If it's less fun for you, ride something else.
  • 5 0
 @scary1: agreed! Speed is always in style
  • 3 1
 These people that say 29 isn't fun. To many of people, going slow isn't as fun as going fast
  • 7 0
 It is so simple to give a f*ck to the bike industry - buy a decent bike and ride, ride, ride it, till it breaks. When it breaks, buy the new sh*t and repeat. Most probably 99% of us can have the same level of fun on any wheel size. Maybe the fun will be little different, but it will be there.
But somehow most of us believe that a bike with 2cm more reach and 5mm shorter chainstay will make their life much, much better. If you decide that it is worth to sell your bike for a fraction of its price and buy the new stuff than you either have a lot of money (in which case you should not really moan on the internet) or you are, well, not that bright.
  • 10 0
 Well at least we've cleared up the fact that 27.5 was a big con. No one is denying it any more. I seem to recall reading this website every day and believing I needed a 27.5. In the article where the author acknowledges it was a con, yes it was, and it was you who helped to con us!
  • 1 4
 Calling BS on this, most people just don't have the skill level to get the most out of 29ers which is why they go on about them being less fun, or worse round corners or jumping. Man the fk up and learn to ride the things.
  • 2 0
 @graeme187: reminds me of RS's worst marketing ever "97% of riders aren't PRO enough to feel the difference in this new shock"
well, maybe I'll buy a different shock then............
  • 3 0
 @hamncheez: fitness and riding skill is still a bigger factor than wheel size. See Nino Schurter winning world cups on a 27.5" wheeled spark.
  • 2 4
 @graeme187: totally, remember the chainstay wars and twats who were saying that long stays suck because it is harder to manual? How about you first learn to manual baby... because if you can and you get a granny city bike, the first thing you'll think of: can I bunny hop and manual this thing as well? can I throw sparks with the rear fender touching the asphalt?

Fkng arguing about the legitimate definition of "fun"... and getting sht from people who ride machine dug trails on DH bikes...
  • 2 1
 @nismo325: if i can now hit all those things faster...that would be fun.
My personal experience is i can take harder,rockier lines,faster than i ever could before,with less risk of personal injury.I enjoy that immensely.
  • 1 0
 @skelldify: no doubt
  • 2 0
 @beast-from-the-east: At least someone gets it.
  • 3 5
 @scary1: a thing with a well setup forgiving bike is that you stand on a steady platform and you look where you want to go, instead of ramming into things with eye balls falling out and feeling like choking on a dick everytime you ride over bigger rocks. That is the exact reason why I sold 125 bike and got back to 160 bike. And vision/terrain scanning is one of the most important bike skills one can have. If you ain't looking far ahead and allow your body anticipate what's coming, then how can you execute any move right? Big bike, like nothing else, allows you to get that skill. And that skill will translate to riding any other bike. Still, I doubt there will be any bigger difference between a 29" DH bike and 275 DH bike. It will just be a bike with bigger wheels.
  • 2 1
 People can be between 3-7 feet tall, so what is the best overall wheel size? ... I think it depends on the rider.
  • 4 0
 @burnadette: wheel sizes have changed but the frame sizes are about the same. I am 6' 3 and I was always able to find a 26" bike that fit me. The wheel size has nothing to do with it.
  • 3 0
 @BeerGuzlinFool: This. 6'3 here as well...never had any issues with 26"
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: To be fair, only a handful of elite pro level racers are running wagon wheels on their race chariots. Do you honestly expect very many readers to have actual side-by-side comparisons in order to make their decisions? So I must ask.... Have you actually ridden a full-suspension BMX bike? (spoiler : fun level 1000)
  • 2 0
 why anyone even cares what Mike Kazimer thinks is beyond me
  • 1 0
 @dave-f:
SE RACING HAS 29" BMX
  • 1 1
 @pinkdog321: Now imagine if bike companies stopped making 20" BMX bikes the way they stopped making 26" DH/FR bikes.
  • 2 1
 @cmkneeland: or if Whistler explodes, or Sam Hill races road in Sky, Peaty races Ebikes, or Fest series gets sponsored by ´Wallmart, or DH World Cup in Val DI sole being run on one of fire roads going to the top, or if you could shag like James Dean, or any other hypothetical situation that supposedly supports an argument against 29ers...
  • 1 0
 @dave-f: SE made a 29 bmx years ago. I'd love a full suspension bmx. Make it a cruiser on 24s.
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Only bike companies no longer making 26 inch DH/Freeride bikes is a real thing. Which is as ludicrous as everything you listed. Kind of my point.
  • 1 2
 @cmkneeland: I am quite sure that 26" will come back in the offer of smaller companies as soon as the bigger is better fever goes down, as it has happened with 29ers in XC/trail segment due to plus size and... Nino on 275 - no matter how uninformed is the thought: if it works for him, it will work for me. For example I wanted to sell Hope crankset. 2 guys asked me: "is it Boost compatible". Now, they weren't idiots looking for non-existent performance gains, they just wondered if that crank will fit a frame they may eventually want to buy in the future. Nobody wants to stay behind as long as they don't realize that they don't want or don't need to take part in a virtually, non existing race. Like Strava stats war, KOM chase or another stupid use of an otherwise great tool.

There are more and more flow trails and pump tracks popping up, the average skill level of riders around the world is going up, and I think a time of Trail-BMX will come. Everyone knows that in 9/10 situations, the Plus bikes are slower, but people still buy them because they are very cool to ride.

At the same time... 275 isn't that much different from 26" so... mhm...
  • 2 0
 @BeerGuzlinFool: I have to disagree.

I think you're an XL at 6'3", but imagine if you were 5'3" and had to ride a 29 on an XS...
the 5'3' version of you would probably wonder why 29er feels so large and wagon-like.

However, if you put a 5'3" person on a 26, and a 6'3" person on a 29," I think you would probably end up with a similar rider/bike proportion.

That is why I think wheel size is still a pretty valid debate.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: 26 is never coming back. Trek even killed off the Session park, which everyone on the C3 team still rides. And saying 27.5 isn't that much different than 26 is the same argument those are using for the 29ers now. 26 is dead, even though it's the better bike to ride.
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Thats an interesting sentiment.

What about the slopestyle group? they probably want to keep a smaller wheel right?
I cant really see Anthony Messere running a 29er at rotorua... Maybe one of the taller riders though..
But would the wheels even be able to handle that sort of stress?
You think a 29"wheel can take the rampage gaps and drops? (Im skeptical, but idk)

These sort of questions confound me, before I even start thinking about the trail bikes.
  • 2 0
 Dark times ahead for mtb, think about it. Parts companies now have to make each component in 3,4 or five different sizes to meet 4,5 or 6 standards. And there's undoubtedly more on the way...... Prices will go up as the world is earning less
  • 2 0
 @nojzilla: Typically I would write this off as "doom and gloom" but dealing with my LBS and seeing what these guys have to deal with is crazy. I have a pretty laid-back relationship with them. I stop in the shop with coffee for all if us, sometimes I just hang out, other times I toss one of my bikes on the rack and do my repairs and tunes. If a customer comes in I'll help them out and when I'm ready to leave, I leave. These guys have both been in this shop for over 40 years each and have watched the industry turn over multiple times. The overhead for high-end parts is crazy, inventory is damn near impossible to hold because there are so many different sizes and specs to try to stay on top of. There are politics involved with who carries which components and who distributes them. It's just a mess. Brick and mortar stores are (in my opinion) the lifeblood of the industry once you build a relationship with a shop and they, the customer. Online sales undercut the little guy and ever changing standards make stocking parts close to impossible. For example.... Brake pads. Have you ever looked at how many different pads there are? Size, shape, brand, composition.... It is ludicrous!
  • 2 1
 @Kenfire24: brake pads were always crap for a store to carry, so were the tyres (Maxxis is running insane number of options since 2010 or even earlier) tubes, are bollocks since 27,5 tubes fit both 26 and 29. The reason many LBS have a hard time is primarily online sales. But that's the way universe works. Then I feel sorry for whoever was naive enough to become Specialized Factory Store. I know two good dudes working in one, and it sucks to see Spesh selling bikes, and more importantly, apparel, through 2 other stores in town, while the SFS is obliged to sell exclusively Spesh stuff. Another insane thing is suspension companies creating "authorized service stations" with exclusivity rules on selling spare parts. Servicing of Forks and shocks offer a rather good source of income to the shops, however deals the Fox or Cane Creek make are just working against the LBS. And just because someone has "X-brand authorized service station" doesn't mean he is good, often on the contrary. They don't give much shit since the clients keep coming, whether they like it or not.

Whether you own a store, bike company, or skills clinics or guiding, MTB is NOT a good place to earn money.
  • 3 0
 wow, you guys really have spare time!
  • 3 0
 @stefanfresh: Waki, from his home office: "I'm working on a few things, honey - I'll come to bed soon...."
  • 2 0
 @burnadette: I see your point with a smaller rider. But I don't think that a larger rider is going to feel better with larger wheels. The frame size and geometry are what matters. Larger wheels are going to feel different no matter how large the rider is.
  • 2 1
 @BeerGuzlinFool: 29 inch wheels are clearly faster than the smaller varieties. So the idea is to go as big as possible, while still including the majority of riders... I think we all understand, that is sort of change we will see the larger brands push in the next couple of seasons.

My point is: There should be room for different wheel sizes, based on the application of the wheel. there are too many distinct disciplines in the MTB sport to only have 29ers.
  • 1 0
 @burnadette: I totally agree with having multiple wheel sizes. There is nothing wrong with having options. The problem is some disciplines like downhill are such a small part of sales that we all get stuck with whatever the latest fad is and in 2 years I will have a problem finding wheels or tires for a bike that I just spent thousands on. Not cool..
  • 61 11
 Levy- after your ridiculous rant article about the apparent over use of berms, your opinion is greatly diminished in my eyes. There are WAY more average DH riders out there than full blown pro racers. My self included. Why should the aaverage joe have to pay for what the elite racer needs or wants. The disgust in most folks rhetoric has nothing to do with the wheel size. Its an industry that seems to not give one bit of F#!k about who is actually picking up the tab. Zero compatibility within a year or two will drive people into other forms of enjoyment understandingly.
  • 15 3
 This guy gets it.
  • 7 3
 Considering 27.5 and 26 are more suited to freeride / park / twistier trails, I can't imagine there suddenly won't be any options available for DH bikes with those wheels sizes. If anything, the industry will start marketing "park/freeride" vs "dh race" bikes as separate segments, you know they love to do that. Also, non racer's don't usually have upgrade-itis and won't give a damn. I think you're better off bitching about hubs and bb's on this particular rant.
  • 14 4
 Berm rant was great.
  • 4 0
 @dontcoast: I don't know man. Remember 2 years ago when we were hoping 26" wouldn't disappear? I don't think anyone makes a 26" DH bike anymore. Could be wrong though?
  • 11 3
 @kdyingerinc - industry is growing, nr of trails around the world is growing, don't worry, 29" DH bikes will not deter people from riding bikes. I will give you an example. @leelau posted an article about a bike park, where he rode some of the more mellow trails in it, which caused an outrage, with people saying this will actually discourage people from visiting as they may get an idea that the trails are lame. Owners of the bike park loved his article and video while haters simply assumed that bike parks live off of (self-proclaimed) hardcore riders. The reality is, it is the contrary. It is the beginners who ride smoother trails that make the bike park thrive and develop. It is nothing else but smooth trails that increase the numbers of visitors, because vast majority of them are "Joeys". It is the trail centers with flow trails that see more visitors than bike parks with World Cup worthy tracks. Now, off course it is the A-Line in Whistler that claims more broken bones and concussions than all other trails combined, but people's perceived level of safety is "smooth" = fun, safe. You cannot change human nature just like that.
  • 6 0
 26 dh bikes won't die as long as people buy them. The bigger companies may quit, but that leaves opportunity for smaller companies. But if the '26 for life' brigade don't fork out the cash, then they'll have no-one to blame but themselves when every company quits on 26. 'Supply and demand' meets 'put your money where your mouth is'.
  • 2 2
 @WAKIdesigns: that's not the main reason it caused an "outrage", he said a stupid thing about Denver, he shows a video of him riding super slow on flow trails and says that basically it's not made for DH, just for mellow trail riding. Beginners want to see someone riding fast something either easy or technical and "think woah it looks cool". Maybe beginners that are over 50 enjoyed the thing, but they are clearly not the majority, and not the reason why bikeparks exist
  • 2 0
 This "Its an industry that seems to not give one bit of F#!k about who is actually picking up the tab. Zero compatibility within a year or two will drive people into other forms of enjoyment understandingly." Not giving a f%#k and saturating the market is a good way to destroy the market. Just look at golf if you want a real-world, current use-case for reference. And I forgive Levy for the berm rant...
  • 1 0
 @iamamodel:
VERY WELL STATED
THANK YOU
  • 41 7
 Yes 29 dh is faster I admit it. But where does fun come in? honestly I just don't wanna be stuck buying a new DH bike that sacrifices fun just for pure straight line speed. If 29s are still playful and fun then i'm all in! but i think a lot of the hesitation from people is the fact that most of us don't race and don't wanna be caught up in another marketing exercise. Its easy for mike to say "It's true that this has been the case in the past, especially when it comes to the non-existent need for 27.5'' wheels" but I'm pretty sure a couple years ago he was also saying how great 27.5 is....
  • 6 3
 this
  • 10 3
 And now we hear (read) this:

"the only reason big wheels are coming to downhill is so the cycling industry has something new to sell. It's true that this has been the case in the past, especially when it comes to the non-existent need for 27.5'' wheels"

But of course 29 have nothing to do with it...
  • 6 2
 @Caiokv: did you not read the rest of it?
  • 8 5
 Fast IS FUN. that's why nobody like climbing. It's slow and requires too much energy. Downhill=fast=fun Smile
  • 5 3
 @nismo325 - It all depends on what your point of reference is when you call something playful. DH and even Enduro bikes are not playful to start with. They are huge, heavy, often suck at pumping trail. If you want a playful bike then get a 4x fully. When I hear "I want a playful bike" I want to see that guys bunny hop and eventually how he jumps.

Now watch videos of Bryn Atkinson, Cedric Gracia or Luke Strobel, riding 29ers. If you were not told they are riding one, you'd probably never tell. Yes I admit, 29ers do feel more planted to the ground, but they are hell of a fun to ride. The only problem I see with them is the wheel durability. You'll need MEGA boost to make those rims survive as much as 26" rims used to.
  • 4 2
 I agree with pigit. Is it so weird for someone to consider fast=fun? In my opinion, the faster I'm going, the more fun I'm having. There's no way I'm the only one in that boat.
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: "Yes I admit, 29ers do feel more planted to the ground" There you said it. No one said 29ers arent fun; there are just elements of it that make it less fun to people with certain riding backgrounds.
Might I mention-- riding backgrounds from disciplines that are disappearing into the woodwork (in the mainstream/norm).
  • 5 0
 This old chestnut. In my limited experience on long and slacked out 29ers (not ridden a full dh one) I found that the gains in speed, confidence plus the benefit of way less fatigue meant I was having more fun. The best thing was that you could land a 30ft huck into a rock garden and know you'd be fine, they just roll so well.
The reason I go rid of it was the realisation that I live so close to some awesome freeride spots and the 29er just didn't do it like a 26/27.5. If I still had time to ride 'real' mtb trails I'd be on a 29er for sure, maybe I'll even go back.
If you spend a lot of time on jump trails then a 29er might piss you off as it did me. But otherwise (imo) they're pretty much more 'fun' on everything. And we shouldn't forget you can ride longer and harder before you need to go to bed. What's not fun about that?
  • 7 3
 @ThomDawson: I tend to stop listening when someone says 29ers (even long travel ones) are not playful, jump bad and gives a 26" DH bike as an example of a good thing. The wheels of DH bikes, even 26" ones have more innertia than 29" wheels of an enduro bike, because even though diameter is smaller because DH tyres and DH tubes will ALWAYS weigh much more than 1,5 tyres on a long travel 29er. We are talking of at least 2 lbs here. That means that a 26" Dh bike is already at least as hard to whip and play around with in the air as Enduro 29.

Now let's get to bunny hopping - Ryan Leech did a test and got barely 2 inches lower result on a 29" trail bike than on 27,5" plus HT. I think he got at least 2ft. I can find the video for avid Flat Earthers intoxicated with Chemtrails. He didn't tray a DH bike, but it doesn't require a inquisitive mind of 9/11 conspiracy theorist to figure out how well that hing bunnyhops with 200mm of travel with dampers set for bump absorption and at least 3lbs more weight on them. Manuals? Took me 3 attempts to pull a 20m one on 29+ Stache!

Finally, DH bikes have slacker head angles, those things do not shine with directions changes, not in a fkng world. You may as well try to prove that reptilians live in the center of hollow earth.

Someone brought up, that smaller racers may be pissed off about it - really?! I can see Danny Hart going - my times improved by 3 seconds by changing to a 29er, but it sucks to lose 6 seconds to Greg Minnaar, where normally I would lose 2. And wheels matter? How about having a chain matters!

So the point I am making is that a DH bike is already NOT a playful bike compared to let's say a 140 trail bike. Upping the wheel size won't make it fly less by any bigger margin. So I am not comparing apples to oranges here, while I have an impression that people whine on 29" DH bike giving a Slope style bike or even a BMX as an example.

There is NOTHING counter intuitive about it. Especially about a fact that since there are more and more 24" DH bikes made for kids, the 275 isn't going anywhere and as the sport continues to grow, as manufacturers keep releasing 99% of their tyres in 26" format (Maxxis claimed they will not release Minion SS in 26, well here it is!) we may see a comeback of all sorts of bikes in 26", at least from smaller companies that have it harder and harder to push through the pace of changing axle widths.

People gladly accepted longer wheelbases and just can't get anough of slack head angles, chant about too short chainstays, yet wheel size is an area where they go: no no no no no no
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I agree completely. For me personally when I felt the poor attributes of the 29er down my local jump trails I decided to swap it for something that is actually 'playful' - a short travel 27.5" bike because I hardly ever ride or race real trails anymore (ironically I'm just fitting dh casings for a trip to fort bill next week :-S )I've heard many people say (inc Bryceland) that 29er 'enduro' bikes feel like dh bikes and I'd tend to agree that they have many similar traits. I've yet to try a 'modern geo' short-mid travel 29er OR a full on DH29 but I'd like to.
  • 2 8
flag jaame (May 24, 2017 at 1:15) (Below Threshold)
 @ThomDawson: I had a playful bike, a giant stp, then I sold it, then I wished I hadn't.

Most of the big companies still make 26" dh bikes.

29ers are gay crybabies can buy those. Much more playful than any trail bike!
  • 2 1
 @pigit77: ^^ This guy gets it
  • 2 0
 @jaha222: I did, and clearly disagree. Besides a 5 second gain on a short track is completely unbiased, as this difference did not occur on the latest races that had 29er on them.

I still call BS on these.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: i have the ibis 942 35mm wheels. I cant believe how hard ive hit stuff on these rims and NOTHING.No wobble,cracks,breaks. We have rocks like you have rain.
I do have dh casing,but i always did before,too,and run 3-4 psi lower than i ever did on smaller wheels
  • 1 1
 @scary1: I think you would have to take a shittiest carbon rim to 200g to make it wobbly... for the record I have never hit my rims as hard as last weekend, I even got a 12mm hole on top and 7mm by the bead of 1.5ply Spec Grid tyre and I had Huck Norris inside. Tyre can go straight to the garbage. DT EX471 - 1mm off true, slight marking on the rim... remember having Double Track, as huge as it was, it was made of cheese. Good old EX721 - dent after dent after dent... so I don't care that much about rim material as long as I don't race XC, where you want something like 300-350g rim, and those in alu are soft as hell.
  • 2 0
 @ThomDawson: we both know that a mega 290 is mental on a DH track.....the word rampage springs to mind (no not the red bull one)
  • 1 0
 @Travel66: I can't imagine what Enduro 29 with Öhlins coil set and Minions DHF in Maxxgrip does... it must be a rampage fest
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: there are points when I have been riding a gravity 29er where it feels like flying a fighter jet....(not that I've flown a real one).....that's how crazy fast they feel to me
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: That's literally my bike
  • 1 0
 @me2menow: I'd love to get one for a day mnom mnom mnom...
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: first you gotta take back your doubt of my 29er handling knowledge haaaahhh
  • 34 4
 I know a cheaper way for 95% of the riders out there to get more speed from their DH bike. Use your brakes less.
  • 12 9
 Using your brakes less and 29" wheels is still faster.
  • 23 1
 I'd say the real reason for the 29r hate isn't about "fun", it's that the industry will make the current size obsolete. See what happened to 26". Now try and get a high-end 26" rim with modern features such as carbon, assymetric spoke bed, 30mm inner width. Sure, there's plenty of cheap 26" rims out there, but by and large, products development for 26" has ceased. All the development is happening for 650b and 29. So now, anyone who has bought a 650b DH bike is staring down the barrel of obsolescence. Lots of people have built up their dream builds slowly, over time, replacing parts as they die with higher-end parts. There's no way I can afford a new bike to replace mine- I'd have to drop close to $7 Gs, and now, thanks to "the industry", there's no way I can carry over my parts onto a new frame. So where does that leave me? I think lots of people think "sure, a 29r is faster", but why? we're not all racing. and if we kept at least one variable constant (wheel size), then innovation would be driven elsewhere, perhaps somewhere more useful - like drivetrains or suspension or brakes. What's so innovative about wheel size? Why not go 32"? it's dumb, annoying, and unnecessary.
  • 3 2
 Oh but you forgot that we already have the almighty, white-knight SRAM Eagle striding to the rescue for Rapunzel.
  • 5 0
 Slyfink.. You hit the nail on the head. It would be fine if this was about giving us options but it isn't. Once the industry decides on a new standard our options disappear and we are left having to pay for new products we really didn't ask for.
  • 4 4
 "The industry" will never make anything obsolete that people are still buying.

If any of those guys whining about 26 being not dead had actually still bought the things, 27.5 would not have been such a success.
  • 2 4
 Ermagerd the industry tuk arrrr jerrrbs.
Calm down baby, have a piece of cheese.
I doubt very much that the 27.5" dh bike is going anywhere (fast hehehehhehehe). But srsly now...wait and see what happens this season before you get all doomsday.
And for those who say "why not just skip to 32, 35" or whatever. Well why not skip to 40000 inch? Cus it won't work dufus. It's still debateable whether 29ers work better in competition than 27.5.
Everyone calm down and if it's the money of a new bike your worried about - go hit the buy sell. I haven't bought a new bike for 4 years, I've had about 8 bikes and I've been able to ride some awesome machines thanks to rich guys kindly taking the hit on depreciation. If you want something to moan about get into politics where shit is really real.
  • 4 0
 @FuzzyL: Its nice to believe that but history has already proven that fact wrong. Once 27.5 came out almost all companies (except maybe some kona and spesh bikes for the first year) fully made the switch from 26 to 27.5 in one season. Even when spesh sold out of 26 stumpy's that year and they still switched the next year.
  • 18 1
 thats the think 2 years ago PINKBIKE wrote the same 26 vs 27,5 that 27,5 is so much better and its good and fast they did a test down the rocks how faster it was and bla bla bla, i bouth 27,5 intense DVO bike and i now want to sell it, because iam riding this season with my old M9 witch has 26 wheels on.
Because iam not a racer i like riding WC tracks but for fun not for time.

in car business there are car and type R car. why in the DH bikes they cant make DH bike ( 26 what people ask) and DH race bike with i dont know 45'' if its faster.. but than people can take what they want...
  • 7 0
 I don't know what you mean in the first paragraph lol, but i agree with the second one.

Having race and trail versions of the same bike is a really good idea: race can be all about the carbon, 29er super boostyness speed, and then do another version with more aluminium, smaller wheels, shorter chainstays etc for the #26islife #ionlyridepark crowd

No reason why a company can't have multiple geos for similar travel bikes, especially in the 140-150mm middle ground
  • 2 1
 and we amateurs can only enter a local race on a 27.5", if you're on a 29" you're automatically in elite/pro class. Sounds good, I'm in, saves me £6000 on a new bike and I will continue riding
  • 4 0
 @GloryDownhillMark: I think what he means is, pinkbike told us 27.5 was so much better, and now they are doing the same with 29 after everyone has 27.5. This article admits it was spice!

Sell, sell, sell!
  • 2 0
 @jaame: yes its 100% true Wink

here it is:
www.pinkbike.com/news/First-Ride-Intense-951-Evo--650B-DH-Racer.html

how good benefits in 27,5 and how cool it is Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin

make dh bikes for ridders also not only racers
  • 20 4
 can we have 26" bikes back now please.....650b never should have been and thanks pinkbike for doing such a stellar job of praising the ~&%$ out of every 650 b bike the last couple of years only to now white knight the hell out of it like we never needed it......wow how insightful.
  • 2 0
 Yeah hey
  • 25 7
 Anyone who says 29" is equally playful to 26" is straight up delirious...
  • 5 1
 I just built a rigid 29 er out of a trash can'd frame and a mashup of parts I had in the garage. It's like a fat tired cx bike and is super rad to smash on the flat and flowy trails (usually ride our cx bikes on). It is actually the first 29er bike that I have really enjoyed. It is much more fun to ride on this terrain than any of my old 26 inch bikes, however as soon as the trail gets gnarly it's going to loose favor to my sb66. Simple point is a 29er can be fun in certain applications just as a 26 can be more fun in others. I believe it's all about having the right tool for the job.
  • 14 2
 A monster truck will never corner as well as a rally car.
  • 18 1
 I'm 6'5" 210lbs without gear. What I feel riding a 29" wheel is probably what you feel riding a 26" wheel. 29" definitely isn't for everyone but that doesn't mean its not for anyone.
  • 6 3
 @Kitejumping: No but a 29" wheel will grip better than a 26" wheel all day long. More grip=more speed.
  • 4 2
 @dualsuspensiondave: Nobody mentioned the word speed once... I'm talking PLAYFUL, jumpable, aka the reason why Brett reeder won't be riding 29" wheels at crankworx this year...
  • 7 1
 @dtiskevics: Once again missing the point, I'm 6"4 also, have you seen how tall Semenuk is? - 26 is more maneuverable than 29, no matter how tall you are.....
  • 6 5
 @robaussie99: I must be delirious then. When I switched to 29" it was faster, more stable, and just as playful or maneuverable as 26". I've never been in a situation where I wished I had my 26" wheels back. That's just me though.
  • 7 1
 @dtiskevics:

I would guess because of your size the newer more modern geometry bikes do fit better regardless of wheel size.
  • 4 1
 ...or hasn't ridden an Evil Wreckoning.
  • 3 0
 @Kitejumping: it will if the track is made of cars, 4 foot holes full of mud and piles of broken caravans.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: lol. But you also hit the nail on the head.

@dtiskevics: I'm in the same boat as you, no pun intended.
  • 1 1
 @jaame: Yes they are faster down straight lines on gnarly tracks, no one is arguing about that, just saying that on a typical flow trail 26 is more fun and rails berms better.
  • 16 2
 The new generation of slack geometry all mountain 29ers are great. They are not the XC oriented bikes of two years ago... ride one and you'll see. I'm surprised they took this long to get to World Cup.
  • 8 1
 exactly. i've yet to ride a 29er dh sled, but the current long travel 29'ers i've ridden rip, and are no less fun (imo) than their smaller wheeled siblings. they're not the fun sucking barges people assume them to be - especially when run at proper dh speeds. i think a slightly shorter travel (say 180mm) 29er dh rig would be a brake bump muncher and totally rock in the bike park.
  • 1 0
 @xy9ine: if I could have any bike for free, it would be that new trek slash 29 rsl.
  • 14 1
 PB in 2013: "Three compelling forces are powering 650B into the market: Presently, the greatest motivator of the trio is that European mountain bikers resented the 29er when it first arrived because it was being forced upon them. The mid-size wheel gives the remaining doubters and haters there a hall pass to accept a larger wheel, while at the same time rejecting the 29er. Expectedly, the projected numbers of 650B bikes in Europe for 2013 are substantial. The second reason is that top bike designers who now have extensive experience with 29ers have pushed the genre as far as it can reasonably go, and have now moved on to explore a more promising wheel size for their longer travel models. The last reason, unfortunately, is that the newness of 29ers has worn off and Docker-wearing marketing managers with crated Pugs under their desks need something fresh and cool to put into their bike lines. Pick your poison, 650B is here to stay."
It appears change is the constant...
  • 13 1
 Gotta disagree with the Sight vs Range answer. Every review you guys put out on longer travel bikes, basically say "this bike climbs so well, why buy anything with less travel" and I agree with that sentiment. The new generation of long travel bikes are killer and climb so well that I'll have fun 90% of the time while still being able to ride my bike like it's supposed to be ridden the other 10%.
  • 2 0
 Exactly what I was thinking!
  • 2 0
 Exactly that, strongly agree. Especially when you just have one proper bike. Always go for the 10% bike, you will regret a smaller travel bike. When you put on lighter tires or maybe a whole lightweight wheelset for your normal loops, a longer travel bike is usually the same weight as a shorter travel bike and with the right amount of AS there will be only minimal bob, regardless of travel. OK, head angle will be slacker, but that's it on the geometry front and even that is just something you get used to. So IF you have just one bike and you like to huck it once in a while, go for a proper machine, like the 29er Range, it will still be loads of fun on tamer stuff and it will shred the good stuff. I do it like that and I am more than happy...
  • 1 0
 @ArturoBandini: Glad I'm not the only one! I recently purchased a Santa Cruz Bronson that is overkill for a decent amount of my daily riding, however we are blessed here in Utah. It's a great bike with a lot of travel, proper geometry, and is still a blast on easier trails. It honestly climbs better than my previous 130mm Stumpjumper because the suspension kinematics IMO are better and the shock is much better. When things get rowdy downhill, it can handle pretty much anything I can throw at it.
  • 1 0
 Besides, the 10% trails are where you are most likely to have a nasty crash. Face up, butt down in a mess of regrets. "Whyyy short travel bike... why do you hurt me so?"
  • 4 0
 I couldnt believe @WAKIdesigns didnt jump on this one. He LOVES this topic.
  • 1 0
 @tgent: exactly why I bought the nomad. It can do everything the Bronson can do, plus a little bit on the downs.
  • 1 0
 Where is the 'test ride both and choose your favourite' option!?!
  • 4 1
 Just got back from my North Shore LBS and the guy in there who rides both highly recommended the new Sight 29er with the fork bumped to 150 over the Range. And that's for the Shore, which is pretty aggressive. He said that the Range, although it climbs well for a longer travel bike, actually doesn't feel great until you open it right up at race speeds. He said he would recommend the Sight for the Shore for almost every rider given how they've changed the geo.
  • 13 1
 People need to stop bitching. I'm just stoked to have a bike that rides decently everywhere and is a blast to throw low in the corners or sideways in the air (sometimes intentionally).
  • 5 1
 This is a true statment...1st world problems!!! most of the people throwing their 2 cents in couldnt ride a bike from 10 years ago to its full potential. Be happy with what you got.
  • 16 1
 I'm still annoyed about boost.
  • 2 0
 That did leave a lot of wheels laying around the garage to never be used again!
  • 1 0
 @MX298: I'll take 'em!!
  • 4 0
 @MX298: industry goals.
  • 12 1
 what i really dont understand is how during very recent years when we were going through the 3 size testing debacle we are all expeted to believe none of the big companies tried or even noticed these 29er super dh bikes were better. Sorry but i call bulls#it of the highest order on that one. And im not buying the whole" they only just got the geometry sorted" nonsense when we have known for ages what makes a good dh bike. You can market the hell out of it all you like manufacturers but if you have some decent data to back your awesome claims then why not show it. Heck if you had enough money you would pay off enough pro riders to claim square wheels were better and if you thought you could sell it thats what we would be offered next season. Ive never been against progress in bikes but some of the recent stuff is crazy 35mm bars for one cos there stiffer but so stiff you now get trail buzz so along come vibracore to help but at a cost of course....some really gullible people out there unfortunately. or maybe suspension grips oh hoorah for them too.

lets just cut to the chase now shall we. I would like all the big manufacturers to make test mules with wheels from 26 all the way up 34" or whatever size can fit and just shows us data aqusuitions on which is best....you'll probably just lie but at least decide on one and be done with it.
  • 3 3
 I thought the 29er DH bike was problematic in the past due to wheels not being strong enough to handle the abuse. It's possible that wider hubs helped solve that issue and it's not all just a conspiracy.
  • 3 0
 @Levelheadsteve: i hear yah but wheel strength was not cited as the issue more that they supposedly just were not so well suited to the fast turns and airtime. Boost has been out for nearly a couple of years now i believe. I remember reading that modern wheels were made stronger than there 26" counterparts so they would be fine as they are only for boost to come out a year later to help strengthen the 29 wheels to match that of conventional 26" versions on the narrower hub standards of before. Boost came about because of the wheel size increase but who do we believe as the companies just dance back and fourth and seem to be unsure themselves whats best.
to be fair though its likely not much of a conspiracy as its no secret that manufacturers want change so that we keep buying there newer products to keep there profits up
  • 11 0
 @mikekazimer The reason people are mad about 29er DH bikes is that they have exposed 27.5 DH bikes as a frauds perpetrated upon consumers that never should have been brought to market.

If 29er is as good as it seems to be, why didn't they come out 4 years ago? Why didn't the racers demand to go to 29 inch wheels?

What magic happened in the last four years that suddenly made 29er DH bikes feasible? Was all it really as simple as "boosting" 20mm axels?

Santa Cruz, Trek, et al couldn't have demanded that 29er forks and tires be produced back then instead of demanding 27.5 forks and tires be produced?

So glad I wasted money on a 27.5 DH bike 3 months ago. It's now worthless and it's now obvious I was conned in to buying a bike that from the time it was prototype stage was known to be suboptimal.

I'll admit it, I hate 29er DH bikes because I feel now feel like a sucker for buying my 27.5 DH Bike.

And if 29er is the choice for DH racing, the arguments for 27.5 trail bikes seem to fall apart...
  • 6 0
 yep exactly what i feel like.....i feel like 27.5 was a con. Heck even the bikeradar study showed that 27.5 was the worst of all 3 sizes and that was the closest thing to a decent study i have seen. also so did pinkbikes own article from way back but lets all just pretend that info doesnt exist as bike after bike gets posted with 275 and 650b decals everywhere like its such a big deal. so a pro rider states hes quicker on 27.5 so they must be better..well i dont remember dh times not improving year on year with the same wheels as before anyway but they just keep pushing them on us like 650b was a must have item and totally transformed your riding ability. we should have stuck with 26 and 29 sizes like we have had since the 90's and never ditched 26 for 27.5.
  • 1 0
 @rabidmonkfish:

On this bike radar study, it was basically found that is you ISOLATED JUST THE DOWNHILL SECTION, then a 26" BIKE was the FASTEST:

youtu.be/kxfrykeSNCE?t=3m52s

Yes, 29" was the best for xcountry race.
  • 1 0
 @kwcpinkbike: i know right but its surprising how little this study is mentioned yet i haven't seen anything done better so why does hardly anyone mention this info. its like the manufacturers dont want you to know this as it discredits their marketing spin.
  • 9 0
 hey Mike - you say "It's true that this has been the case in the past, especially when it comes to the non-existent need for 27.5'' wheels, but that's not what's happening this time around." Really - so for the past few years have you been lobbying hard against those non needed 27.5's and the cruel hoax the industry was trying to pull on us, constantly coming out with your #26forlife slogans and pointing out the big lie..., but now this new wheel size is the real deal and we should trust your honest reporting ..? jerk
  • 4 0
 ha ha...i was trying to say something like this myself but you have summed it up much better than i could.
  • 10 3
 "non-existent need for 27.5'' wheels"??
Let's consider the low budget option - they roll better than 26" and have better grip. At the same time they weigh less than 29" so you can get them up to speed and flick around corners easier.
All the talking seems to concentrate on high end models of everything. I would have happily bought light and strong 29" wheels if they weren't expensive. I doubt that most riders can afford top shelf products. For me, on a budget level, switch from 26" to 27,5" was definitely an upgrade avoiding the tons of weight of cheap 29" wheels.
  • 5 4
 Excellent point! Stiff, light 29" wheels are great, easy to accelerate, easy to hold their speed. Heavy 29" wheels are terrible, you apply pressure to the pedals and wait 5' for the thing to start rolling. After you get it going, maybe you want to change lines on the trail... good luck with that.

I own 26" and 27.5", have ridden a few 29ers. I'm 5'5" and my least favourite wheelsize is 26".

That said, I firmly believe geometry is more important than wheelsize and even suspension. A balanced bike is easier to ride and control, and therefore faster, safer and more fun.
  • 7 0
 The market is so saturated with options why not just ride what you want and stop fucking whining. We're all just slaves to trends anyway and if you are honest with yourself you don't test bikes nearly enough and make most of your purchasing decisions based on said trends, brand perception and how the bike looks. Get over it already.
  • 8 2
 The 90/10 rule is a great one. I recently made the mistake of buying a bike for all of my trail riding that was suitable for that 10%. But what it did was make my other 90% of riding less enjoyable. Go with what works on your weekly rides, and just deal with the slightly harsher ride and less travel for the other 10%.

Also, having owned a 2017 Enduro 29, and been on 29er trail bikes for 7 years, there is a world of difference between short travel/trail 29ers and the true enduro/DH rides.
  • 5 0
 I had one of the specialized big hits for 8 years that had the old 24inch rear with 26 front, man by today's standards that bike would be completely unrideable!!! What a load of bs. The 24 rear actually did pretty good, and never hung me up. I rode it everywhere with a 1x9(way before it was cool to have one). What a bunch of babies we have nowadays
  • 5 0
 The issue I have with the 29ers is that manufacturers don't have the market capacity to produce a 29 and 27.5 variant of DH bikes - its either one or the other. But most buyers would prefer a 27.5 so what's going to happen? Are they going to be forced into 29ers based on the race model, or are manufacturers going to only produce 29ers for racers and the general release will still be 27.5?
  • 1 0
 It'll be the same as with hardtails, there will be one size for everything, 29/27+
  • 5 0
 I get the feeling the majority of DH fans would like the UCI to treat bike development like they do in road cycling. Personally I'm all for unlimited unregulated development in mtb's.
  • 4 0
 I don't buy that crap. I think 29ers are great FOR RACING across the board. Yes they are faster in cross country, DH, and I'm not sure about Enduro but I'm sure in certain situations they would be. They are not however as much fun. I've tried 9ers and 27.5 and before they decided to kill 6ers I had one of those too. The smaller wheels are more flickable and playful period. I don't care what geo you have on a 9er it is not as playful as a smaller wheel.
  • 4 0
 ”The hate over 29er downhill bikes is partly rooted in the belief that the only reason big wheels are coming to downhill is so the cycling industry has something new to sell. It's true that this has been the case in the past, especially when it comes to the non-existent need for 27.5'' wheels,”

Does that mean I can feel vindicated now?
  • 5 2
 Not sure if this one was mentioned but what about shorter riders that the geometry of a 29er just does not feel right? I see this as being a mechanical advantage that a racer that's say 6'2 vs 5'6 (sorry for not going metric here) would have. In this case wouldn't it make sense for the UCI to make a general ruling on this? 27.5 across the board for DH?
  • 1 0
 This becomes tricky though because if they limit the wheel size, isn't that unfair for the bigger riders who feel more confortable/are more in proportion with the bigger wheels? I Duno, whether they do or not the should do it soon I think before things get out of control.
  • 4 0
 "The hate over 29er downhill bikes is partly rooted in the belief that the only reason big wheels are coming to downhill is so the cycling industry has something new to sell. "
You started nicely...
  • 2 0
 I was having similar issues with my pedals and just yesterday figured it out. I have the Mallet 2s and Northwave Enduro shoes. Used Candys for many years with a few pairs of shoes and never once had a release issue. Got the new set up in the fall and ever since I would occasionally get stuck in the pedals, always in a low speed, technical section, resulting in several instances where I would just fall over onto some rocks. At first I thought maybe the cleats needed to be worn in, then I tries using the shims (which I've never need before), and finally I tried grinding away some of the sole surrounding the cleat (Michelin rubber is burly). I even emailed Crank Brothers to see if they knew what the cause might be, but never got a response. So yesterday I finally realized that when my cranks are just past horizontal and I try to release, the front of the shoe is actually coming into contact with the crank, and requires a lot of leverage (enough to make me fear for my leg snapping) in order to break free. Gonna try to change my cleat placement to see if that works. Not sure if that's the same problem, but sounds similar and worth looking into.
  • 3 0
 Try adjusting your cleats laterally towards the inside of your foot, this should help with clearance. If you still need more clearance, you can use one of our long spindle kits (5mm greater q-factor on each side). Info here -> www.crankbrothers.com/product/view/564
  • 1 0
 @crankbrothers: Interesting, I was not aware of that extra-long spindle kit.
I already have my cleats placed at the innermost position, but I still encounter the 'crank-lock' from time to time. I own pretty old mallets (from 2011); does this kit still work with them?
  • 1 1
 @pbutter or scrap them and go to flats. It was a fun challenge.
  • 2 0
 @rollbretzel: yes, the long spindle kit is compatible with all eggbeater, candy, mallet, 5050, and double shot
models 2010-present.
  • 4 0
 Wish it was easier to buy a 26" freeride bike these days. Only thing you can get if your lucky to come across it is trek session park.
  • 1 0
 They are amazing, don't know why anyone who has one would sell it. Just make sure to get a large as they run small.
  • 2 0
 The real question is will the 29er DH bikes be seen at Rampage or will we start seeing a increase in the highly capable AM & Freeride bikes and leaving the DH bikes just for race day its getting closer everyday how much can be done on a AM bike and if we're seeing a continued specialization of the DH discipline similar to the snow guys and there super long ski's that no one else uses and are not used for anything else except DH this what specialization is going to do to our sport/past time.
  • 10 2
 Do you know what punctuation is?
  • 4 1
 When you're sitting on top of the course, waiting out a wind-hold, do you really want to now make your run on 29" sails?
  • 2 1
 @wpplayer18: I write like I talk gotta learn to take breath every once in a while
  • 2 1
 rampage was won last year on a 26" wheeled bike and the 3rd place rider was on a 26 as well so would like to think we will see more of these again.
  • 3 2
 well If you take away all the rocks and ciment the track you will go fasters too, the point is, the riders needs to show the ability to ride down the hill, I like 26 because they are challanging and fun to ride, I feel like all is heading like F1 boring to watch because every body are the same, every lap is the same, you don't see drivers taking chances, if rains in the middle of the race, its done, I miss back than when we still have one or two rides that shows what means downhill that is not about the bike is about the rider, we need some one to remember us of that.
  • 2 1
 We used to call this type of change " the wussification of America" Making things easier so nobody felt left out. Unfortunately this seams to have gone world wide.
  • 1 0
 I was using the DH mallet with the beefy 5.10 Hellcat. I had several 'crashes' because my foot couldn't get around the crankarm in a certain position. I am using now the narrower Kestrel Lace and things got significantly better...even though they are not yet perfect. I am still waiting for a better pedal than the mallet, but that might still take a while.
  • 2 0
 That was actually my post--lubing the spring worked wonders for me.
  • 3 2
 Danny Hart and Greg Minaar say 29ers are faster, and faster everywhere too. They are far more qualified to comment then any keyboard warriors. Unless one of you is actually Hill or Gwinn. When you beat Minaar or Hart on your 26 to the WC top spot for 2017 let us know! 'nuff said.
  • 1 0
 Oh ffs, this issue again!!! When is the industry going to stop pushing new standards and sizes??
We don't need another pedal spindle length for downhill or enduro!!
Yes, ok maybe the extra 5mm is faster in timed runs, but is it as fun as 5mm shorter??? No Way!!!

Bring back shorter spindles I say #5mmshorterspindlesaintdead
  • 2 1
 I had the same issues with my @crankbrothers mallet pedals (and other products). I finally got tired of them not releasing reliably and scrapped them all together. I switched over to flats entirely to let my confidence and my mind recover.
  • 2 0
 The problem with bigger longer lower is that bike bags, and Thule will not longer accommodate your bigger bike, and there are no updated version! WTF mtb accessories should be released simultaneously with new bike options!
  • 2 1
 I just wish there was consistency across the field of DH racers on the World Cup in terms of wheel size. I don't have anything against 29ers, I ride a 27.5 but I have also ridden the Following and the Wreckoning and both bikes kick ass. My only wish is that there was a wheel standard for the World Cup season. What's rad about downhill is it's about the fastest rider on the mountain on their bike and the World Cup is the pinnacle of this. If everyone in the field rode the same wheel size, it would truly prove who is the fastest overall on that day.
  • 1 0
 raise the fork on the Sight to 150 and you've just made it a bit more stable on steep and rough downs. this which trail bike vs which enduro bike thing is pretty obvious no? if you are a descent crusher and want that in a bike, take that compromise on the ups and get it, but for 80% of riders, the trail bike is the answer. better all around.
  • 1 0
 If you want either a Sight or Range for this season - you'd better jump on it. They're going fast. If you want a Sight C9.2, Rhythm in Houghton, MI has a Size L in stock I believe.
  • 3 0
 So you want to use a downhill race bike for something other than racing.

Get a 26 if you ONLY RIDE PARK (bro)
  • 1 1
 If youre about speed, go for 29. But if your more interested in playing around on the trails go for 26. And if your a bit of both go for 27.5. Very simple. Also the idea of DH bike producers making a race version with 29/27.5 and a park version with 26 is a great idea.
  • 2 0
 29ers feel like riding a dirt bike with overly rich jetting. Acceleration=meh and sluggish. Keep the momentum up and you'll fly. Overbrake and you pay dearly
  • 1 1
 On some tracks, 650b will be faster, on others, 29ers will be faster. I find it sucks that wealthier riders who will have both 650b and 29ers DH bikes will be faster on some tracks than me -- with only 650b. Furthermore, 29ers seem less enjoyable to ride than 650b or 26.
  • 2 2
 The whole '29ers are faster, end of story' argument is not the whole picture at all. If speed is the only thing of concern why not race a zipwire or a helicopter down the hill? Realistically racing has other limitations on what you can ride and they are all open to debate. I'm not going to parrot the well worn arguments for and against, and I'm fairly ambivalent about 29ers in racing, just saying it isn't as simple as Mike makes out.

Both my bikes are 29ers by the way and I love 'em - but then I don't really race - just like riding up and down hills.
  • 3 0
 I think the hate comes from this www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyTyjQbvylg.
  • 2 0
 haha
  • 2 2
 Sorry but seems that i've the same thoughs of the editor This give me a little sense of joy, little like everest I'm a 29er since the beginning and every years haters says that are dead When the 27half coming.. 29er are dead And now they're fastest in DH, this is huge!!! Not This is more than huge, this is ridiculusly huge!!!
  • 5 1
 Good god.. this notion that 29ers aren't fun needs to DIE.
  • 1 0
 Someone tell the Fest Series riders that they can go faster and in turn go bigger on a 29er dh bike and that they're riding the wrong wheel size. PS i'd ride the bike they're riding, just not the jumps.
  • 4 2
 Men in Lycra in DH = NO at every level.

If I wanted that view in a lineup all day at a resort, I'll go hang out next to a hot dog vendor cart.
  • 3 1
 Whats uncool about 29er dh bikes is that engineers knew they were faster 10 and 15 years ago. The planned obsolescence of technology is really what's lame...
  • 2 2
 Dear Pinkbike-my Crank Brothers pedals don't work...

Easy (correct) response-just get some Shimanos. They'll work, the bearings will last, and you won't EVER blow out because you tagged a rock with the bottom of your pedal and it opened the bails you're clipped into.
  • 4 1
 Nah, a couple drops of lube and they're back to being better than Shimano. Smile
  • 3 0
 My 30.5er is gonna smoke all y'all
  • 1 0
 I know some Amish people that can make a killer wagon wheel, so strong they will pulverize boulders. And will throw in a written guarantee no pinch flats.
  • 1 1
 I've had similar issues with @crankbrothers mallet pedals. I finally got tired of them not releasing reliably and it affecting my confidence that I had to scrap them. Switched over to flats to let my mind recover.
  • 2 1
 I'm really digging the new Sight, but I can't stand the cable routing under the bottom bracket... Luckily the Trek Fuel Ex has almost the same geo and better cable routing.
  • 1 0
 My thoughts exactly tup
  • 2 0
 Wow, "29er DH Bikes" - shots fired right in the headline. Ducking and covering.
  • 1 0
 Where does the Norco Optic fit in, within that spectrum? Smaller bike than the Sight, but would it handle the occasional bigger run?
  • 3 0
 Mike IS the lizard people you were warned about!
  • 3 2
 Mike Levy: you are full of shit. An unneeded history with 27.5? The benefit was immediately apparent after the first ride on a 650b bike. effin tool. Frown
  • 3 0
 275 aint dead brehs
  • 2 0
 29ers forever, especially if you suck as a rider like me.
  • 3 1
 27.5 or 26 because: esthetics.
  • 1 0
 When you ask a question because you're bored and want to see other opinions and end up front page of pinkbike.
  • 1 0
 Noooooo.....wheel debate tales again! ????
  • 1 0
 I'm cool with 29 downhill bikes but that V10's seat looks like shit!
  • 1 0
 Screw you 27.5!!!!! Rant over.
  • 2 1
 I bet the people who read this forum are gonna lose their shit in 48hrs.
  • 1 0
 Sorry but at first glance I read stincky mallet pedals
  • 1 0
 I'm almost out of popcorn!
  • 1 0
 And remember, kids : The faster you ride, the harder you crash... Wink
  • 1 0
 When did PB turn into 29er DH bike click-bait?
  • 1 1
 I ride a 29, I'm happy. Bye folks I'm off for a ride.
  • 1 0
 Why stop at 29 then? xD
  • 4 7
 26" died because consumers didn't buy them. Sales go way down so bike companies stopped making them. Kind of like how the 180mm "freeride" bike disappeared. They didnt sell very well so they disappear.
  • 17 1
 consumers couldn't buy 26 cuz every company dropped them in a single season. I bought the last 26 stumpy specialized made even when 29 was an option and talking to the dealer specialized sold every 26 they made that year. so tell me agin how no one bought them?
  • 4 0
 @nismo325: i 100% agree with you nismo325......why do people still claim the bike industry did us a favor with providing the 650b cos we all asked for it.....they simply decided on it and at the end of one season they decided to not offer 26" wheel versions so what were people going to buy.
if companies started making 26" versions of there bikes i would be on a newer bike by now. I might try 29 but not touching 650b now....i remember how 26 wheels got killed off so goodbye 650b. Hopefully 26 will have a resurgence now....i live in hope.
  • 2 4
 @rabidmonkfish: Here is the U.S. the 26" models just sat on the floor taking up space. The local specialized dealer had to sell the 2013 S-works he had in stock for way below cost just to get it off the floor. Everyone that bought new bikes wanted 29ers, not 26". This was all before 650b was even very prevalent. Talk to any shop owner in the U.S. and 26" bikes just didnt sell. 650b took off because people asked for it with their wallets. It sold and more companies wanted in on the sales.
Its silly that people think the "industry" would kill off something they are making money on. That's not how it works. Kona released a the Process 167 for the "26 for life" crowd and the next year they dropped it and said
"The 167 left the range for this year as the sales numbers just weren’t there to keep it in the line,"
They didnt say "it sold so well we got tired of trying to keep it in stock so we dropped it to force buyer to buy one of our 650b bikes".
  • 9 1
 @MrLynch: Yes, but many/most people bought 27.5" or 29" bikes because they were afraid of buying something outdated, NOT because they were amazed at the magical properties of the bigger wheel.
  • 4 0
 @MrLynch: in that time there were 26" FS bikes like the SB66, and a whack of bikes that sold just fine. Only outsold due to the lower end market, xc market, and hardtails. 26 had no issues selling back when the transition was taking place. It was a move decided by Giant and a few others in Taiwhan. This was documented by several people at the time who attended the meeting and posted about it on RM. People were in fact buying bikes like the Nomad, SB66 and the slew of bikes that turned into 27.5 the following year, forcing new consumers onto the size regardless of consumer wants. It was an industry move to increase sales in a market segment that was slowing down for Giant and the other two brands (while it was no problem selling bikes for SC, yeti, transition, etc). Period. I dig all of the sizes and see all of the benefits to each depending on use case and rider.
  • 3 0
 Error on mobile I cant edit...

At any rate. The concern people have is just having one wheelsize and a plus27.5 that nobody really wants. Ive ridden em all. Worked at a shop for a while so had 29ers. Cx bikes. Road bikes. Etc. Prefer 27.5 for *me* and would be pretty upset if Im funneled into a size that makes me true wheels any more than I have to....
  • 1 0
 @bishopsmike: I need a new trail bike, my DH bike is 27.5, but now have no idea if I should buy a 29 trail or a 27.5? If 29"DH isn't outlawed I may HAVE to buy one to be competitive. OR I just sell the DH and don't spend £6000 on either?.. choices choices
  • 1 2
 650b faster, almost same control on ground and air. 29er's are faster but less control on ground and air.
  • 6 6
 Point Mike Levy
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