All 2014 bikes are going to be 29 or 27.5 except entry level hardtails and DH bikes - personally for XC use I love the 29er won't ride anything else and it's here to stay (Gary Fishers been doing it for over 10years I think) The 27.5 thing is a lot closer to riding 26 than 29 and I rode it and thought what's the point, that said with the way it's going and having a shop I have to embrace it so will get out on another 27.5 at some point and see how it really compares, manufacturers are going to try to phase out 26 and it's going to become a niche product, in the mean time 2013 bikes are t the end of season and there's loads of good deals to be had so if you like 26" buy 26" that's what it's all about isn't it? Don't know the budget but I have one Kona Tanuki left on sale ... (shameless plug website work in progress)
http://www.velovirtuoso.co.uk/index.php/store