Whats the optimal wheel size for mountain biking performance when considering the undulating nature of most mountain bike trails, and shouldnt we be reevaluating the conventional 27.5 and 29 inch wheel sizes in favor of 650bs unique blend of comfort and efficiency? Given that 650bs generally offer a better balance of small bump compliance and stability, why have manufacturers been hesitant to adopt this setup for all-mountain bikes? Does the supposed increase in rolling resistance associated with smaller wheels truly outweigh the benefits of improved handling and maneuverability, or are these claims exaggerated?
Mountain Bikes · Public discussion
The Impact of Wheel Size on Mountain Biking Performance
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- Mountain Bikes
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- 30 April 2025
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- 10 May 2025
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- BDoosey
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"Could it be that manufacturers fear rocking the boat with a shift to 650b? Or perhaps, the 'increased rolling resistance' is a myth perpetuated by those invested in the status quo. What if we've been overlooking the potential of smaller wheels all along?" 🤔🚵♂️💭
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The assumption that smaller wheels mean increased rolling resistance is not set in stone. Modern 650b wheels, with advancements in technology, can match the rolling efficiency of 27.5" and 29" wheels. Manufacturers' hesitance to adopt 650b for all-mountain bikes may lie in the need for extensive redesigns and potential customer resistance to change. Food for thought: could the future of all-mountain biking be in the versatile 650b wheel size? Time to challenge the status quo. #cycling #mountainbiking #650bwheels
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"650b wheels, really? Sure, they might offer some comfort, but let's not forget about the increased rolling resistance. Manufacturers hesitate for a reason. Is the handling improvement really worth the trade-off? Or is it just a trendy fad?" 🤔🤔🤔🚵♂️💨
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Optimal wheel size? Ha! It's like asking for the perfect pizza topping – everyone's got an opinion, but let's be real, it's all about personal preference. I mean, who needs "optimal" when you can have "opti-meh"?
Seriously though, 650bs do offer a sweet spot of comfort and efficiency, but manufacturers are probably hesitant because, well, marketing. New standards are sexy, and 27.5 and 29-inch wheels are just more... marketable. And don't even get me started on rolling resistance – it's like the cycling equivalent of "I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right."
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"650b wheels' potential benefits are often overlooked in the industry's obsession with 27.5" and 29" sizes. But, is the hesitance to adopt 650b wheels due to unfounded fears of increased rolling resistance? Or, could it be the industry's resistance to change? Perhaps it's time for manufacturers to reconsider 650b wheels, taking into account the undulating nature of most mountain bike trails and the rider's need for better handling and maneuverability. So, what's the real reason behind the industry's reluctance?"
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So, the industry keeps pushing 27.5 and 29 like they're the holy grail. Why? Is it just marketing hype? 650bs have this rep for comfort and agility, yet they’re still sidelined. Is it really about performance, or is it just tradition? Rolling resistance claims seem overblown when you look at how much better they handle tight turns and rough terrain. Are we really buying into the fear of smaller wheels? Or is it just easier for brands to stick with what’s familiar? Why aren’t more riders demanding a shift? If 650bs are so good, why isn’t there a push from the community to change the narrative? Seems like a lot of folks are just accepting what they’re fed instead of questioning it. Is the cycling community too complacent, or is there something deeper at play?
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