Originally Posted by
I-Like-To-Bike
The 29'' designation is just a marketing gimmick trying to create a new market for bikes with fatter tires.
Originally Posted by
irwin7638
29er is just another meaningless marketing gimmick which has nor real relevance.
You're both wrong. Originally,'29er' was the term used to differentiate very wide 700c MTB tires(2"+). The intent was to make MTB's with larger diameter wheels so they would roll over obstacles easier than bikes with smaller 26" wheels. The term was later watered down by companies using it as a buzz word to describe bikes with wide(38mm+) tires. But there are advantages(and disadvantages) to 29ers over 26ers,which is why they're so prevalent.
I do agree they're getting a bit silly in marketing odd sizes like 650 to recreational riders,but the pros do have their preferences.