Originally Posted by
prj71
The difference in wheel size between 700c and 32" isn't enough to make a difference. It's still the motor not the bike. He would probably have won on a different bike.
You're probably right on both points. But what if the 32" wheels saved a tiny bit of energy on the rough stuff? Over 350 miles that could add up.
Maybe it's not enough to add up to anything. Maybe the development of tires and wheels will make 32s better than they are. I don't know, but lots of people were skeptical of 29ers when they first came out. I know I was which was one reason I picked a 27.5 bike when I replaced my last 26er. I thought the jump to 29 might feel foreign after riding 26 for 30ish years.
just saw your edit: Yes, that guy is a beast. Ultra endurance athletes are their own breed. Maybe he could win on a 26er. At his level, nothing would surprise me.