ah Jesus I know I'm going to regret this post
its on the subject of 650b vs 29"
is our local trails more suited to either size - I'm of the uninformed opinion
that 650b would be more suitable for our riding or is that a load of ****
with the success of enduro, is the enduro trend trickling down to local spins
ie are spins getting more enduro -like and less XC and therefore bigger travel bikes are
becoming the standard and is 100mm now a bit short ?
weighing up a new bike so I can whip graham hand at the next race....
My advise is free and that's probably about as much value as you could give it but seen as you asked
If you are going full on enduro talking 160mm travel, fat tires, dropper post, 650b seems to be the way but it is going to hard work on the uphills
If you are looking for a do everything bike (enduro, climbing long spins) something like Terry Mc Nipples 130mm 29er full sus might be worth considering or Alfie has a fairly slick bombproof Cotic demo that I've heard great reports about in the shop that would give you a very good idea.
If you are looking for a full on xc/ marathon bike go 29er maybe a giant Anthem or xtc in which you are more then welcome to get a spin on mine just shout.
To be honest Rob just buy whatever you like and can get a good deal on.
I've a 29er 100mm full suss and love riding it. You can go anywhere on a 29er even with short travel, and for someone who doesn't take it all to seriously you can get down any ENDURO trail ( which are just the trails we have always done ) handily enough.
In saying that I have a old 26er with 160/150 travel and its also great craic to ride. A lot harder on the climbs as its heavier and not really designed for it but all that suspension makes a lot of the trails so much easier even for a scaredy cat like me.
I've had a few goes on various 650's but can't really notice a difference between them and a 26er.
I am sure at the top level of XC or ENDURO the bike makes a big difference but for the rest of us I doubt it.
