650b+ or 29er New Bike

New Boy2

Hi all, I apologise upfront for length, but bear with me. I have a lust for a new bike. I want something that is a do-it-all, go anywhere type machine. I don’t need to race or jump or go downhill blisteringly fast , but I do want something that is fun, capable and comfortable on mixed conditions and climates. My current runs go from smooth hardpack, through woods, on gravely conditions, to rough farm tracks. I also want to start doing a few trail centres.

I have an old Trek XC bike which is fast and light given its age, but is a bit (make that very) crashy over rough stuff even when I swapped out to larger volume tyres. I toyed with the idea of a fat bike, but I have heard they are hard work. At nearly 40 and having limited skills I would like something that will work with me and I can continue to improve on. My original plan was shortlisting from a Bird Zero, Whyte 729/901, On-One 650b X9, Charge Cooker, One-One Parkwood or a Canyon SL and keep my Trek turning it back into a fast rolling machine that I use for summer family outings, dropping kids off at school, type bike. And then I have a more trail/fun orientated machine for myself.

However, I seemed to have arrived at a point in time when there are so many options on wheel sizes and types of bikes it becomes bewildering and don’t know which way to go. I am now seeing a number of 650b+ semi fat bikes being marketed. And yes I know that the manufacturers want to sell the latest craze in bikes, but this size seems to fit my requirements reasonably well. It even gives me the option to buy a 29er wheelset on a later date. There is also an option of just getting a 29er trail bike with large volume tyres or indeed to switch in 650b+ wheels later subject to the frame being able to take the wheelset. I therefore have just 1 bike and potentially 2 wheelsets and it also stops the wife moaning as to why I have 2 bikes in the garage! I love the look of the new Cooker range (the 2 looks particularly good , but I am certain more options will be arriving soon.

So, given what I have said what would you do in my position?

1. Buy 650b+ when they start getting discounted next year (I never buy non-discounted). With the potential to buy 29er wheelset later.
2. Buy discounted 29er and then buy some larger volume tyres and then if I am still not happy buy a 650b+ wheelset. How do I check that a 29er bike/frame will take 650b+ wheelset.
3. Something else altogether. (My original plan for example)

My starting budget is around £1k I don’t mind spending some more to get something a lot better and indeed less and then putting the money toward a better wheelset/components at a later date. At 1kish a full suspension may be out, which I have no problem with. Also, I would like to stay UK based maker or non mainstream if possible unless there are some particular bargains of course!

Any advice or help would be appreciated.
Cheers

rockmonkeysc

I wouldn't buy 650b+ yet, tyre choice is very limited (and expensive) and not all shops stock tubes yet. Spares like rims and hubs aren't common yet either.
Personally I would go for either a normal 650b or 29er, they're lighter and big volume tyres are generally pretty hard work when the weather turns British.

The Rookie

I'm with RMSC there, plus it doesn't sound like your riding needs a 650B+ anyway.....

Get a decent 29er or 650B that will take sensibly large rubber (2.2-2.3), from your list the Zero or Parkwood would be my first looks (the 456 is a pretty rigid and harsh frame), plus have a look at the Decathlon Big8 29er, excellent value.