26 + 29 = 27.5

...or 650b.

Don't argue with me. Remember the rules:

Rule No 1: Justin is always right,
Rule No 2: If Justin is wrong, refer to rule number 1.

So, if you are a mountain biker, and you are not familiar with the war that is 26'ers vs 29'ers, then you have been living under a wet slimy rock. It is a debate on wheel size that has divided the mountain bike world.

Personally, while 29'ers are faster. I don't like them (spoken with a severe P. Hanson twang). They also struggle on the more rugged terrain and fast technical downhills).

That said, I get why 29'ers have become so popular. Of all the modern technology in bikes, that you'd swear was pulled from an F1 car only a few years ago, bizarrely, wheels were the last things to undergo a "game changer" in design. This is truly bizarre, given that wheels are so important on a bike... duhhh! The 26 inch wheel was actually a de-facto standard. Once upon a time, a group of guys thought to give downhill/offroad biking a real go. But all wheels at the time were designed for the road. The only wheels they could find that were fat and durable enough for mountain bike riding were off those old-skool roadster style bikes....wheel size... 26inch. Born then was mountain biking and a standard that for decades no one thought to question.

But times change. The rules have changed and the war is on.

...Presenting the 650b (or "27.5") to put an end to the argument.

One wheel to rule them all,
One wheel to find them,
One wheel to bring them all
and in the darkness bind them.

Enter stage right, specimen A the Santa Cruz Bronson.

Enter stage left, specimen B, the Ibis Mojo HD-R

 



People, mark my words, the following will happen:

- 650b will be the new wheel standard;
- 26inch wheels will be around for quite a while yet, but will die out;
- Manufacturers will make cross compatible frames and forks to allow you to race on your 29'ers, but whack on the 650's for a huck around your favourite track. Or, vice versa, a 26 and 27.5 compatible version.

So, I find myself building up a 26inch bike, which for now is fine. Remember that this is a project build for me. I "had" every intention of buying a new "complete" bike. However, as this project has progressed, I have realised that the build is quite high end and most of the parts, bar the forks and wheels. So I may find myself migrating parts off the Heckler onto a 650b.

I'm so clever..
Justin.