I have ridden a 26er for over 20 years.  From trail riding, to downhill runs, to XC racing.  All of this time riding and I never thought about using another wheel size.  That all changed last year when a friend of mine suggested that I test out his Fisher Hi-Fi 29er.  Well 3 months later I purchased my own 29er, a Titus Racer X.  For the last 6 months I've ridden it 4-6 days a week and have discovered this tire size is more versatile than a 26er.

 

        My riding location is mainly a lot of dry technical steep climbs/descents with rocks and ruts, therefore pedal clearance is important to me.  I had available two fork sizes, a 2008 Lefty Speed DLR 110(limited to 90) and a 2006 Lefty Max 140 SPV with a 2009 PBR 130 cartridge(shaved 225g vs the spring cartridge.)  I ran the Lefty Speed the first month and never really liked how the bike felt so I swapped it out for the Lefty Max.  With the Lefty Max mounted the bike awakened, it also gave me better BB clearance.  The only minor negative I found was that on the really steep climbs it requires more body input.  To add to the test I mixed in a set of NoTubes 650B wheels with Kenda Nevegal 27.5 x 2.35.  I rode on these for a month.  The 650B's steered a little quicker more like a 26er, but they lacked the traction and roll-over of a 29er.  On the climbs I didn't notice a big difference other than more traction than a 26er but less vs a 29er.  To compare(26 vs 650B) I run a Geax Sturdy 26 x 2.2 on my 26" Cannondale Rize and this tire is almost the same diameter as the Kenda 27.5 x 2.35 its only 0.25 of an inch smaller.  I found that 27.5 x 2.35 Kenda tire is on the small side more like 2.1 inches.  

       The 29er wheel size is a little more work on the steep uphills and the acceleration is not as lively as a 26er, but overall its a better ride.  I do like the 650B set up and I feel it will be a better choice than a 26er as more tire options/sizes become available.  I'd like to see the tire diameter closer to 28 inches for better roll-over and traction.  If you decide on 29er, 650B, or a 26er they all have a purpose.  For my type of riding I now prefer a 29er vs a 650B/26er.  After riding a 29er for several months its a great wheel size for all around MTB'n.  Try one for yourself!

 

 

 

2009 Medium Titus Racer X 29er

-3" Rear Travel Fox RP23 6.5 x 1.50" 

-2006 Lefty Max w/09 PBR Cartridge Limited to 120mm

-Stans Arch Rims, Lefty SI Front Hub / DT 240 Rear Hub

-Tires:(29er)Kenda Nevegal 2.2F/Maxxis CrossMark 2.1R

-Cannondale SL Crank 2 x 9 w/custom BB

-XTR Cassette, Rear Shifter, Rear Derailleur, Front Derailleur, and Pauls Thumbie Front Shifter

-Hayes Master Cylinder / Hayes F/R Calipers / Hope 203F, 140R Rotors

-Cannondale OS Stem 110/Profile Solar Carbon Bar

-Seat WTB Rocket/Tompson Elite 30.9 post

-Shimano XT pedals

-BB Height 13"

-26.4 Lbs. Complete with Pedals