Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
I dunno what it says about my brain, but I can understand it -- a 584mm rim with ~2" MTB tires on it will be about halfway between the diameters of a 26" and 29" wheel, so they split the difference.
That said, I've converted my thinking almost completely to ISO/ETRTO, and only translate to fit in with the discussion at hand. As for the OP, I'm voting to stay with 559mm rims -- tire selection has never been better than it is now for supple, "slick" tires in that size, and wheels are easy to come by.
I wonder if the 650b revolution for road and touring is fading. I had been thinking about 650b but since I have converted a couple of mountain bikes to drop bars my interest is low. 26x1.5 wheels are still abundant, and tire selection has gotten better. VO seems to be responding to the marketplace since their smaller Camargue and Campeur frames are 26" not 650b. The Soma Saga frame only offers one 650b size, the others are 26" or 700c. The Surly LHT is still 700c or 26". I know there are a number of bikes and frames available in 650b but that does not seem to have translated into increased selection of rim brake wheelsets available.