I wish that fork companies would get on board to embrace the wheelsize. suspension fork makers that is. White Brothers forks are nice - but sure are pricey. I know that you can use XFusion forks - but also those seem to be quite hard to come by these days (maybe a lot of people hot on the 650b movement have snatched them up).

Makes me wish I had kept my RS Psylo that came on my Balfa Belair way back in 2003 as that seems like a fork that offers lots of clearance at teh crown. However they are becoming more scarce on the used market as well.

Lately I’ve been thinking about a long travel (120mm) 29er hardtail, but perhaps I should re-think that round a 130mm 650b hardtail. But this would require me to find a good used Psylo (125mm is close enough), or an elusive and probably still costly on my low budget XFusion fork.

Still - perhaps it has more merit than a long travel 29er hardtail……hrmmm…….I’ll have to do more thinking on that.

Cheers,

Mark

I understand and respect what you are saying. BUT never once did someone have a true theory behind 26 or 29 wheels. 29ers came around due to the fact you could put tires on already available 700c rims.

Many old timers, like Ritchey, have even said that fact. They used what was available. 29ers are not made for everyone or for all areas.

I don’t think a 29er is perfect but it works for many. I don’t think the 650b is trying to replace or anything like that - I do however think it has a stronger feel/use/etc than say a 26″ With how it holds energy, can fit standard geometry, and rolls over things better.

Why handicap yourself if you dont have to??