650B? Or not to B?

There are plentiful arguments to be made for and against 27.5, or 650B.

Same goes for 26", and 29er alike.

There's no question that the logic is sound for each, the theory is there.

But is it a placebo?  Or is it real?


You've probably seen trial times suggesting one over another, but when it comes down to it, it's all subjective.  Completely dependent on the rider.

It's like cell phones.  Is there a true BEST one?  Depends.

So while debate is fun, discussing physics is ego-boosting, and buying new things is a great way to one-up and show that you are up-to-date, there's only one way to know.   Ride one.

Ride one of each.  Chances are you know someone with one of each.

As for me, for now, I'm sticking with 26".

I'm not a racer, I'm not an xc freak, but I do own some costly ENVE wheels I'd rather see die in my arms than lose $1000 trying to sell 26" carbon wheels that in one year went from being the greatest thing out there to being garbage with the advent of 27.5".

The important thing is to realize, or remember, that 27.5" is in no way new.  650B has been around for ages.  Haro had plenty of them back in 2009 when I was selling them at a dying bike shop.

So is it REALLY better?  Or is it just a tradeoff, and a super convenient way to get everyone buying new bikes?

Stay competitive, my friends.

2014 Reign - discontinued

Below is the reason you won't be seeing the Reign anymore

Meet the 2014 Giant Reign (not really):

2014 GIANT TRANCE 27.5/650B 

SPECS:  

27.5/650b wheelset

Fox Talas 34 Kashima fork

6" travel (160mm)

SRAM X01 1x11-speed drivetrain

Reverb dropper post

       

FULL CARBON FRAME

MSRP ~$6100

The Trance SX Advanced will take the place of the Reign, but Reign X will continue.

The Trance SX does an awesome job of blending all advantages of the Reign line with the Trance, especially the 29er series. 

The other two new Trance models are below.  

The Advanced 0 has less travel, RockShox fork and rear suspension (120mm) and SRAM XX1 drivetrain. Only the Trance Advanced SX is labeled as 27.5.

2014 Giant Trance Advanced 0

The Advanced 1 has more travel (140-150mm), Fox Racing front and rear and Shimano XT drive train.

2014 Giant Trance Advanced 1

The showstopper of the 2014 Giant Trance models has the most travel with Fox Racing Shox front and rear as well as the new SRAM XO1 drive train.

2014 Giant Trance Advanced SX 27.5