29ers are so yesterwheel

[Doc_d]

Nino Schurter wins World Cup #1 on 650b wheels
http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/nino-schurter-wins-world-cup-1-on-650b-wheels

[mtbfree]

Hahaha... I love fads. Gimme some of those 'tweener wheels cuz somebody won a world cup on them!

[300hp]

I think that 650b is the alternative wheel size of the future. There are less compromises in geometry, the wheels build stronger, and average size people fit 650b frames without looking goofball.

29 gained steam quickly because 700c touring rims were readily available. 650b has always been a niche size. That being said, I like them, and would get all sorts of shreddy on a slack, short cs 650b hardtail.

[iamkickstand]

i like bikes

[b_b]

I know it's crazy talk, but I have this thought that maybe just maybe the rider won the race and not the wheels...

[dirtjunkie]

I know it's crazy talk, but I have this thought that maybe just maybe the rider won the race and not the wheels...

+1

[300hp]

yeah, but the reason Scott isn't hyping things right now is because they wanted to save the tech as an advantage for the Olympics......

and I think that about says it all

[xcrdr]

I love the handling of my 26er. I love the ride of my 29er. As soon as I see a 650 bike I like I'm going to buy it. Not because it won a race but it seems to make sense and I like to try things that interest me. Most opinions come from people that have never tried what they are bagging on. At least after trying things I can form my own opinion. Agreed that the motor makes a difference.

[Nooge]

yeah, but the reason Scott isn't hyping things right now is because they wanted to save the tech as an advantage for the Olympics......

and I think that about says it all

The same guy that won last year (not on a 650b) won again this year on one. But somehow it this year it was the bike! :eyeroll:

And I bet the Scott team manager tells all his tactics to 300hp.

Not bashing 650b but people can be ridiculous.

[dauber76]

yeah, but the reason Scott isn't hyping things right now is because they wanted to save the tech as an advantage for the Olympics......

and I think that about says it all

The same guy that won last year (not on a 650b) won again this year on one. But somehow it this year it was the bike! :eyeroll:

And I bet the Scott team manager tells all his tactics to 300hp.

Not bashing 650b but people can be ridiculous.

Did you read the article? It said that the team was trying to keep things quiet before the olympics.

However, with the press and rumor mills out there, I'm not sure why they assumed that nobody would find out.

[Nooge]

Did you read the article? It said that the team was trying to keep things quiet before the olympics.

However, with the press and rumor mills out there, I'm not sure why they assumed that nobody would find out.

I didn't read the whole thing. Now I see it's in there. Apologies to 300hp.

I see the merit of 650b for smaller riders, which was the reason it was used here. Honestly there's probably a perfect wheel size for each rider, but we can only have so many sizes. Is three sizes to many? I don't know, but I guess we'll find out.

[DRC]

In case any of you were interested, there is a well written article in the current issue of Bike magazine (March I think) on this topic. They cover 26, 29 & 650b and what manufacturers plan to do going forward. What's nice about the article is they actually interview rep's from a couple companies who are active in product design - it's not just an editorial.

[HiptonRadcliffIII]

yeah, but the reason Scott isn't hyping things right now is because they wanted to save the tech as an advantage for the Olympics......

and I think that about says it all

The same guy that won last year (not on a 650b) won again this year on one. But somehow it this year it was the bike! :eyeroll:

And I bet the Scott team manager tells all his tactics to 300hp.

Not bashing 650b but people can be ridiculous.

Did you read the article? It said that the team was trying to keep things quiet before the olympics.

However, with the press and rumor mills out there, I'm not sure why they assumed that nobody would find out.

They want people to find out. Its all about marketing and dumb gullible consumers buy it and believe they have some sort of leg up on the competition.

[dirt]

yeah, but the reason Scott isn't hyping things right now is because they wanted to save the tech as an advantage for the Olympics......

and I think that about says it all

The same guy that won last year (not on a 650b) won again this year on one. But somehow it this year it was the bike! :eyeroll:

And I bet the Scott team manager tells all his tactics to 300hp.

Not bashing 650b but people can be ridiculous.

Did you read the article? It said that the team was trying to keep things quiet before the olympics.

However, with the press and rumor mills out there, I'm not sure why they assumed that nobody would find out.

They want people to find out. Its all about marketing and dumb gullible consumers buy it and believe they have some sort of leg up on the competition.

Yes, they want people to know, but it gives them more positive PR if they keep it quiet till the Olympics, take the gold w/ a wheel size that nobody else is doing, and then enjoy the positive press.

It should be noted also that the rider does like the 29er wheels also, but since he runs a position with a very low handlebar (it noted that he used steerer tube spacers on his 26er) that with the higher head tube of the 29er, he could't get a good position. So, the 650 was a compromise between the bigger wheels that he preferred, and the lower handlebar position that he couldn't get on the 29er.

[iamkickstand]

this just proves that handle bar position is more important then wheelsize, quick, everyone go order flat bars and low rise stems!