27.5 wheels?

whathaveisaidnow
whathaveisaidnow Posts: 28
edited April 2010 in MTB general
Having read an article in mtb action regarding wheel sizes, comparison of 26, 27.5 and 29. Even though inconclusive as to the benefits, somehow 27.5 (650b) just seems right, looks right and would seem to be easier to implement from a frame designers point of view.

Anyone out there know if this new wheel size will become the norm, eventually, when, not gonna happen?

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Probably not going to happen - just be an alternative size that may/may not suit some people more/less. Just like 29, 24, 20 etc.
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  • Buckled_Rims
    Buckled_Rims Posts: 1,648
    Too much money and development on 26" wheels for a 27.5" to be a mainstream size. Even though 29" makes sense for 6ft riders, there's still an overwhelming support for 26".

    As SS said, a 27.5" may suit some riders, but the lack of rim/tyre/spoke choice will soon put the vast majority off.
    CAAD9
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  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    whathaveisaidnow wrote:
    Anyone out there know if this new wheel size will become the norm
    When manufacturers stop making 26" wheels and tyres.
  • whathaveisaidnow
    whathaveisaidnow Posts: 28
    I see that Haro do a singlespeed 27.5 inch wheeled model.

    29 took off and everyone now seems to be jumping on it, so I don't see why, potentially the best of both worlds ie halfway between the two shouldn't become a goer.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    It may not be the best of both worlds to some - just a compromised 26er and a compromised 29er ;-)

    As with any bike, test and see how it feels.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    .blitz wrote:
    whathaveisaidnow wrote:
    Anyone out there know if this new wheel size will become the norm
    When manufacturers stop making 26" wheels and tyres.

    not new just resurrected.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
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  • Alienman
    Alienman Posts: 91
    I read the same article, the main point to compare was speed vs. traction/control. The bigger wheels did better in the corners and on the hills but the 26er blew them away in the sprint.

    Its always kinda lame when a test article ends with them saying that they have no conclusive results and more tests must follow.
    '09 Rocky Mountain Fusion
  • GHill
    GHill Posts: 2,402
    Alienman wrote:
    Its always kinda lame when a test article ends with them saying that they have no conclusive results and more tests must follow.

    Surely that's better than saying "29ers are better at rolling over obstacles, therefore are the best at everything"? If they don't have enough data to decide it's better that they state that (or wait for more data, which seems unlikely).

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