29 or 27.5

Sorry can't agree with that, I defo feel the difference on a 650b, ive ridden a few, and 29ers too, I still got the bigger wheel sensation with the 650b but it still has some of the feel of a 26er, you still feel the terrain under the wheels with 650b ....29ers , they just roll over everything, its no wonder xc racers have fell in love with them, if it was new bike time for me it would be 650b, i ride with guys that ride both of the other sizes and i defo have to try harder to keep up with them especially on the climbs, it's your call though mate, go try a few, it's the only way

Had a 29 camber comp carbon which flew
Now haves 650b five orange and it rocks
It's like having sex with a jonny on the difference in feel
I prefer bear back 650 b)

29er all day long for me.

My view on the 650b vs 29er

I test rode a few bikes at a demo day at Glentress, One was a Saracen Ariel 151 650b the other was some Trek 29er (looked like a bag of spanners)
The Saracen was hands down one of the most playfull bikes I've ever riden, even more so than my Commencal, The Trek on the other hand was quick in a stright line, it held the speed well but it felt like a barge in the corners, out of those two bikes I would absolutely choose the 650b. However, it's not as easy as just saying which wheelsize is best! You have to think of the whole package 29ers are getting more and more capable as they are introduced to modern geometry.

I'm in the process of getting a new bike and it will defo be either 27.5 or 29er .I'm liking longer travel 29er (150-160) but not many out there and the ones that are out there seem very expensive .

I was thinking of buying a 29er frame then building it up .. (SB95 AL) but travel only 130 rear and max 140 front . But not understanding the SB95 rear system (you tube videos state bottomless travel) in like the frame and like the reviews but then it's weighty ..

(Don't quote me on precise travel as I'm on my phone and can't be arsed googling it) the frame is non CRC.

I've got a 650b and you can't keep me off it I think my 29 thinks I've left home lol
I think you need Lycra for a 29 er
I can see why cx racers use them
But 650b bring all the fun back

Deffo try both before you buy . My mate has a Saracen 29er and it just feels like you're riding through unmown grass all the time . It's a proper dog to pedal . You can feel it sucking the energy out of your legs at every revolution . My 29er aint that much lighter but it's night and day difference . Dunno what the problem is we've checked tyre pressure , bearings , brakes , everything is as it should be . They do seem to accelerate quicker and turn easier the more weight you can remove from the wheels though . More effect than it would have on a 26er I mean .
Never tried a 650b myself . On paper there doesn't seem to be enough of a difference to warrant the extra expense of swapping / upgrading as there was swapping to 29er to me . YMMV
They do say that a 29er works for you better if you are taller though (dunno why that would be ?). I'm 6'2" BTW
Try a few brands interpretations of both sizes though .


FatBiker

im not convinced at all about the popularity of 29r bikes to me its just a passing fad , ive been out today and not seen one out of the 50 or so bikers on the trail i passed or chatted to most were still riding 26r maybe a handfull on 27.5 ..i read a couple of articles saying the 26r is dead.....i think not

well i think i am going 27.5 as will weight for a new strive give me chance to save a bit so the card dont take the full kicking