Message #19610

[Svend]

That makes total sense -- a bigger wheel on a full suspension all-mountain bike made for rugged terrain.  But not so big that you lose handling agility, or is disproportionate for smaller riders.  If Norco builds the Fluid 650B, it should be a big seller for them. 

Overall, if the bike industry in general runs with this, and can get over the inertia of having invested years into 26ers and then 29ers, I would guess that this will be one of the most significant advances in mtn. bike technology of the past decade, or more.  At least one that makes far more sense than many of the other "developments" of questionable value (I won't start an argument around that comment, but will keep those opinions to myself  ).

Re. Scott bikes -- I like their build quality and handling.  I test rode a 26er hardtail a few years ago and was really impressed.  Super-responsive, agile, quick, great handling.  They seem durable too -- the shop owner had just raced one across Costa Rica (one of those multi-day epic events), and had no problems with it at all.  If they had made a 29er at the time, I would have bought one.