Originally Posted by
hybridbkrdr
Oddly enough, the bike industry was able to introduce 29ers and 650b to the mountain bike world but why aren't they introducing more 650b or even 26 inch wheel road bikes as well? Given the price on new 29ers and 650b bikes when they come out, wouldn't that give them a way to try to milk more consumers?
Demographics and payback...in response to bold above.
Impetus to go with larger wheels off road isn't rider size specific. All riders benefit from larger hoops off road because the larger radius of the wheel rolling over obstacles. Once spooled up, larger wheels are faster. So 650 and 700c wheel mtb's are sold to many different rider sizes.
What you are talking about is road riding and all slightly shorter, medium and tall riders will prefer 700c bikes because of the speed.
But yes, for a very small rider a shorter wheeled road bike makes some sense. But the economics don't wash for such a small cross section of the riding pubic. 650c wheel size road bikes have come and gone btw and you could build a custom one with a bit of research if that is your inclination.
This summer, I encountered something that made me smile out at the park where I ride. It was a family riding together which is always a nice sight...but this wasn't your typical fredly family meandering along. Their youngest son who had to be no more than I would say 10 years old was on a full fledged miniature road bike. This little kid was all kitted out and he could ride. No idea where they got the bike for him.
Wheels were in the 20 inch range. It made me smile.
