650 b or 4x

paul_stelling
paul_stelling Posts: 96
edited December 2016 in MTB buying advice
I am currently riding a 29er and am finding it to be too on the tight trails. I am thinking of selling it and getting a 650b or 4x bike. I know very little about 4x bikes and would like to find out more information about them can anyone recommend any good websites or bike shops that specialises in them. I like the idea of having large range of gears on the rear and one chain ring this seems to be the way things are going these days. I have spotted a charge cooker that I like the look of are they any good? Many thanks.

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    4x is a specific riding discipline, depending on what sort of riding you do they may or may not work for you, but it sounds like you are doing XC/trail riding in which case a 4x bike is totally unsuitable.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • fat daddy
    fat daddy Posts: 2,605
    Yeah I echo the above 4x is awesom if your trail is 1min long and all downhill ...
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    You don't want a 4X bike unless you're doing 4X or dirt jumping.
    They're really not designed to cover any distance. You won't get the saddle high enough for pedalling.
    29ers take a good rider to get the best out of them on tight trails. Try some skills coaching to improve your cornering technique.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • paul_stelling
    paul_stelling Posts: 96
    Thanks for the feed back guys that really helps I can now cross 4x of my list. I think I will continue with what I have rock hopper pro evo 29er for now and maybe go for a 650 b in the future if still struggling.Skills coaching sounds interesting where dose this take place?
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Search locally to you, most the main UK trail centres have at least one company offering courses there, in some cases two or three.

    Once you have found out who is local to you, post back for some comments on those options.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    My mate used to have a Ford Escort 1.1L with RS Turbo badges. Same sort of thing but not quite in the same league.
    He rolled it in to an old woman's garden and destroyed her water feature.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • paul_stelling
    paul_stelling Posts: 96
    I am sorry but don't understand where you are coming from.
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Sorry, seem to have accidentally posted to the wrong thread there!
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Drunk again?
    Excellent work, keep it up.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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  • paul_stelling
    paul_stelling Posts: 96
    No worries thanks for letting me know. Lol
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    You see, when you don't know you are drunk, that is when you know you've crossed that line.......
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • paul_stelling
    paul_stelling Posts: 96
    Lol. I have been doing some research and have seen some people are fitting 650b wheels to 29er bikes. Is this a good idea will it make the bike more nimble in the turns or will it just comprise the 29er s geometry and lead to bashing pedals on bends. Cheers.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Well they will certainly fit and work, the BB will be about 1.5" lower though which is quite a lot!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    You'll be bashing your cranks a lot.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • LimitedGarry
    LimitedGarry Posts: 400
    It's not really all that uncommon for people with 29er frames to have a 27,5 wheelset with plus tires. Well... tbh it is pretty uncommon, but it's a well discussed topic. It doesn't affect the geometry all that much, but enough for you to notice.

    The real issue is clearance for the wider tires.
    Regular 27,5" wheels will put your bottom bracket way lower than I'd be comfortable with.
  • paul_stelling
    paul_stelling Posts: 96
    Thanks guys sounds like changing the wheels is not really the answer is will stick with what the bike is designed to have and just go ride it and have fun. I think I will have a go on a 650 b and compare . I might hire one next time I go trail center and test on the same run as my own bike and see which I prefer. Cheers.
  • Briggo
    Briggo Posts: 3,537
    What is the bike? I got a 29 and 650b and there isn't a huge amount of difference in terms of "nimbleness" when cornering.

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