Originally Posted by
RockiesDad
Seems like a few bike companies are coming out with 650b size wheels as standard fare, ie. Kona. I was wondering what is the pros and cons of each wheel size?
Smaller wheels allow you to use wider tires with greater geometry freedom and reduced rotational inertia. You may be able to use shorter chainstays if you want, front-center can be lower for the same trail without cramping the available space, etc, and the bike can feel a tad livelier, than with a similar tire on a wider-diameter wheel.
but do you sacrifice speed
Depends. The notable caveat with lower wheel diameter is that don't roll as nicely over tall irregularities due to the angle of attack. That's a vanishingly small effect on most surfaces, although on bumpy roads and trails it may matter. They also *might* lose a bit more to hysteresis as the tire flexes as it rolls, but if so, within reason it's also a
very tiny effect.
Gains are comfort or maybe quicker handling maybe?
If a 700c wheel size would otherwise have prevented you from using a tire width appropriate to the surfaces you're riding, then gains also include speed.
Problem is that there isn't too many choices if you want to upgrade wheels and tires. Well, not yet.
I think tire selection is actually alright on the high end. Far less choices within each style as 700c, but there are decent options for nearly anything.