This is probably the most balanced article ive read on the topic
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/26-vs-275- ... heels.htmlIve ridden all three and would agree with Matt Wragg - its a shame the industry sees fit to over hype 650's. If 26s disappear due to everyone taking in the 650 marketing it will be a sad day.
I think this comment sums up the concerns I have
Quote:
650B is being pushed by some in the industry looking to gain a foothold. If you are a niche brand, it is hard to break through with either 26" or 29" product. The 650B/ 27.5" market is not crowded, yet. The problem for all riders is that adding another tire size will either reduce the options available in the current wheel size(s), or drive up prices, or most likely some of both. More engineering costs, more tire molds, more inventory costs, etc all gets passed on to all of us.
Give it a few years and they will be trying to convince us that the new 25.9 wheel size which is stronger, more agile and lighter than 650b is the way ahead
Hopefully enough investment will be made by manufactures in all the wheel sizes to a allow customers to make up their own minds, for the forseable future.