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This is something that has been playing on my mind for a few months now.
Should I give 650B or 29" wheels a try?
I've read reviews which highlight the theoretical pros and cons of larger wheels but what are peoples experiences of trying larger wheels? Has anyone tried them and not liked them and gone back to 26"? Or does everyone who tries them become an evangelical born-again preacher of larger wheels?
And if I want to try larger wheels, anyone in the East Midlands want to lend me their bike for a try-out?
I tried 29", on a 2008 Unit (rubbish) and sh Rig (rode well).
Ultimately I sold it on, I already had a 26er hardtail I was very content with and I didn't see the benefits as significant enough to keep it. That said the wheels do seem to smooth the trail out a bit, it did feel a bit slower accelerating and in corners though, and jumps were scarier than normal.
If you are a wheels on the ground type rider, or like rigid, it could be for you!
I rode a hardtail 29er and didn't particularly notice the difference. It wasn't on particularly rough trails though, and was only for half an hour. Might give it a shot again sometime, but being a bit of a short-arse, 29ers look a bit odd in my size. I also like the convenience of being able to put any wheel and tyre on any bike we have in the house.
Went to 29er and have never looked back. Having said that i am freaky tall so they probably suit me better on fit alone.
Try one, you have nothing to lose. Grab a demo bike if you can or borrow one off a riding buddy. West Midlands here (and massive frames anyway) so not much help to you.
My LBS in Bromsgove has a Trek 29er in large as a demo?