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After buying a Genesis Datum a few years back with the intention of it being the ultimate all-rounder, due to the lack of clearance I've only ventured off the beaten path a few times. The fact I had to settle for a different model than I originally wanted also hasn't helped my motivation to ride it, first world problem I know!
With this in mind I'm thinking of getting shot of it and getting a Cotic Escapade; I like the brand (have a MK5 Soul and owned a BFe in the past) and after the recent review on here and on another site it seems like it would fit the bill and fill the void the Datum never really did. Question is do I go for smaller 27.5 wheels and wider tyres or go for tried and tested 700c and be content with a max 42mm tyre?
My plan is to mix up my MTB riding and use the car less, Llandegla is my local centre so I trek up there every weekend, so riding up there would save the car, add a few more miles to my legs and bring some new life to the trails, so it needs to work on and off road in equal measure. Two wheelsets would be nice but not an option at the minute financially so it's one or t'other. Any thoughts?
(Quick edit - by riding to Llandegla I'll be sticking to the massive number of fireroads and the occasional dabble on the blue, nothing major!)
I confess I've not tried 650b but have tried everything up to 2" or so on 700c.
When it comes to mixing stuff with tarmac I'd say the distinction is rough surfaces (gravel, fire roads etc) versus rough terrain (large rocks, roots, drops etc). For the former I've never really found any benefit beyond 42mm, but for the latter I'd take the extra width every time. I'd say trail centres are in the latter category.
you might find the riding position more of a limiter on trails than the tyres. Flowy, swoopy trails can be fun on a suitable drop bar bike but once it gets steep and lumpy, less so. If your focus is on extending the off-road ability of the bike then go for 650b and wide, as above I've not found that much difference between 37 and 42 on 700c.
I demoed an Escapade with Road Plus at the Lakes Bike Fest. A very stable bike, not as heavy as my Genesis Croix de Fer, about 3kg lighter in fact. Didn't do much off-road just a few farm tracks on which it felt very capable. The only downside for me were the bars, they were just really, really stiff. Stick a set of Woodchippers or similar on and it would be much better.
Maybe a lightweight XC 29er is more suitable if it's all off road?
Just add some aero bars 😁