Originally Posted by
big john
Of course, the motor is always a huge factor. But in off-road racing, a certain minimum capability is a factor, as well. You wouldn't take a cross country race bike to a downhill race, or vice versa.
You have said how nice your 29er works. Those bikes were developed with r&d and trying different geometry and wheel size. Is it the end of the road? Will there never be further improvement?
I've said in the past, that I've thought 32" wheels were unnecessary for gravel, but part of me thinks that they might have a place. In gravel racing/riding, there are often parts of the course that you will either be over or under-biked. With my most recent gravel race, even my Lauf rigid with 29"er 2.2" XC tires was grossly under-biked on a certain part of that course. I can't say for sure, but I imagine a 32" wheel set up would be appreciably faster in that section.