That said, as far as my opinion on it, I am pretty much sold on 29er for a plethora of reasons but I have carefully evaluated the geometry of all of the 29er full suspensions I feel like every single one is a compromise in one way or another. This is from the best tried and true 26″ geometry, and this is why 98% of 29ers still retain heavy XC geometry. I think the longer stays of 29ers in full suspension still work great because of the increased contact patch, especially bikes with low seat post angles and for taller people positioned father back with long seat posts, but the correct central position for that rear tire should still be an inch farther forward than these 29ers with 18″ and longer rear stays. This is why they “climb so great,” — but those long stays are long stays and to me at least, it makes these bikes feel really big and is great in sweeping corners but can be hard to deal with in tight technical terrain. I think. The bike makers I’ve spoken with, at the end of the day, also seem a little uncomfortable with the long stays they are putting out in full suspension 29ers; it sounds to me like market demand is driving it rather than their personal beliefs as bike makers. The combo of these longer stays, with say a more AM-like geometry like a 69d head tube, would be super stable but the wheelbase is a good 2″ more than most riders’ existing bikes and are harder to maneuver in tight situations. That said, I think a 4″ or larger 29er in full suspension is probably just killer. I was personally about two seconds away from ordering one myself.

When I started seeing the geometry numbers of some of the new 650b bikes coming out, it pretty much sealed the deal for me on believing in the wheel size. I still think 29er is where it is at. But 650b is coming along and the tire selection out now and shortly is now good enough for me personally to be sold on it. Most importantly, 650b lets you retain tried-and-true 26er geom. with some of the advantages of a larger tire, even it if is just slightly larger. Really also, how many of us regularly ride 2.5 tires?

I do consider 650b to be a “compromise” from what I really want, a short stayed super aggressive big wheeled trail bike, but 650b offers the best options for me while keeping that magical 4″ and 5″ geometry while still letting me burp a little more out of the tires than teeny 26″ wheels. The bike stays fun and super maneuverable and you can even rake the bike out and continue to have reasonable wheelbase. They also seem to rip around corners and feel a little more “playful” than some 29″ wheeled bikes I’ve ridden (that feel like trucks) and the wheel itself generates a more enthusiastic feeling than some 29ers that need mach-nine to feel as fun as the same trail on 26″ for example.

So I am not 100% sold on 650b. I still have and will probably keep bikes in all three categories (though I am phasing out 26″). But I think 650b has a lot to it…

So for me, especially with hardtails, 29er rules, but in full suspension my vote is stay 26″ or try 650b, that is my plan…

-long travel 69er

Done. Next.

I don’t think, with properly built wheels, that wheel strength is as big of an issue as people think. Walt didn’t break any wheels, and I know a couple DH kids that tear up 26″ wheels.

when i ride a big susser, im doing huge drops and whatnot. the 29ers dont take it. theres no point unless you ride a big bike like a complete sally.

29er dont feel right on 30+ jumps and 10+ drops. so why make a bike for it? thats what a long travel bike does people. again unless you ride a big bike like a sally.

if your on a 29er,make it rigid,as God intended.

Something like a Canfield “One” fs design would work for that type of scenario I think.

Google Canfield Brothers for more information. Even in 26″ wheel configuration those frames feature 17.5″ chainstays though.

I was thinking of a 5 or 6″ travel bike with 17″ or thereabouts stays - since that’s what I used to ride primarily when I owned a Balfa Belair and carried a Balfa 2step demo bike while I served as a Part Time Sales rep for Balfa Cycles out of Quebec.

So yeah - a rearward and upward axle path might work out well. Good point.

Mark