Yep, I've read a lot suggesting the 27.5'r is truly the best of both worlds. I've never given a 29'r a try, mostly because of the reasons you noted. Sure, they have a much larger footprint etc etc but they're extremely difficult in singletrack (from what I've read) and the added weight is a consideration as well.
Hi - first post here so I thought I'd start with something I know.
First, I have no agenda. I'm just trying to dispel this myth I hear repeated all of the time. Second, I'm 6'2" so a 29" is more proportional to my height. I came from the "26 for life" club and a downhill background so switching to bigger wheels took a while for me.
I hear a version of this statement in bold from people I run into on the trail all the time. It usually come from (1) that's what someone else said, (2) they tried an older 29, (3) they took only one ride on a 29er, or (4) they are on the smaller side and just didn't feel comfortable with the size.
(1) can't help with this one
(2) True, older 29ers were crap unless you like fire roads. New trail bikes with good geometry are SOOOOO much better.
(3) This one drives me nuts. I know people that have ridden 26 for decades and try 29 one time and decide they don't like it. This is riduclous. You are so used to 26 that you don't have to think about turning - it just happens. They then get on a 29 and expect it to turn the same. It won't. It's different. It only takes a slight adjustment, but it takes a good 20-30+ rides for it to become automatic. When it does, you will be amazed at how easy it is to turn and how QUICKER you can turn in MOST situations.
(4) valid point.
Everybody is different of course, but those are my thoughts. I have done extensive testing on the same bike with different wheel sizes and I'm faster on all segements on a 29er. There are only a few small places where I find a 26 faster. I understand speed isn't the determining factor for everyone but it puts a smile on my face.
I ran into a guy on the trail last weekend and he asked my why I chose a 29. My answer was it's faster, more fun, and it turns better than a 26. He kinda laughed so I passed him on the next tight turn and proceeded to drop him through a real tight singletrack section. Needless to say, he was a little surprised.
650b or 27.5 (it's really 27.19 if you're counting) is definitely better than 26 (26 is dead) but it is not the best of both worlds for a lot of people.
Sorry for the long rant.
