North Bristol Mountain Bike Club

650b might be a good compromise, but getting hold of tubes and different types of tyre might be a bit of an issue. I liked Nathans 29er but he did look a bit stupid on it

If it was my money, I'd get a better spec'ed 26er as you will probebly get more for you money, and it would probebly be easier to get spares for and sell when you are done with it.

But hey what do I know my bike is burgandy :banghead

Thanks. That is a little of a concern. I don't go mad down the trails but also don't want to be limited from the bike should I decide to do that more one day.

That's why I think a 650b would suit me quite well..... if I could find them
I have heard that there are some standard frames/forks that will fit a 650b size wheel (provided you don't go over 120mm travel). So another option would be to get a 26" standard set up and swop over to the 650b wheels.
Decisions decisions....

Well Nathan loved his on the flat trails, but I think it is limited to that.....well no but it you like crashing down the trails then this is not for you.

They work very well on the FOD and Ashton Court Leigh Woods, you ha ve to remember you will get a bit more of a pounding, but they roll well and are lighter than most full sus bikes for obvious reasons.

Try and get a demo and see what you think, I know Nathan got a Demo 29'er from ZeroG in Bedminster.

Hey all

I am stuck in my quest for a new bike. I don't know whether to stick to the traditional 26" or move to a 650b or 29". So I thought I'd see what you guys have to say about it. My views are as follows

29: I do mostly XC and a bit of AM. If I do hit a downhill run, my fear of breaking my face limits the speed and risks I take. So, I wouldn't battle (so I've read) with the manoeuvrability when doing extreme DH. From that viewpoint, it makes sense to go the 29 route. Two problems I have is that, firstly, the price is quite a bit more, and secondly, they still look a bit weird to me

650b: This seemed as the best alternative. Getting some of the 29er pros but without the extreme jump. Except that finding choice in 650b's seems to be impossible. Pricey too.

26: Not necessarily the best for my type of riding...... but it is the devil I know, and cheap.

Any ideas

Thanks
Alan