Can someone explain what is so threatening about a wheel size?

I love cycling. You might say it is my religion, but I'm not a "cultist." Cultists are fundamentalists who can't accept other routes to the "truth." The truth of cycling, to me, actually has nothing to do with the "chuch," if you will, one attends. The essense, for me, is the ride and what you take from it.

It seems to me that the folks who come to BF to argue and use words like "obsolete" and "retogrouch" in relation to cyclists' choices aren't themselves really cyclists. They are, I've noticed, most often young, opinionated newcomers to the sport, who resent the knowledge of cycling elders and, having just "got religion," want to shove their particular brand down everyone else's throat.

In relation to the Rivendell brand and GP's quirky ideas: I'll pick and choose (like I do with organized religion -- good points = do unto others ..., bad points = smote thine enemies). Personally, I think he talks out of his hat when he recommends people discard their toe clips and clipless systems. But he makes some nice bikes. I'll take the bikes and leave most of the rest of his philosophy.

If you are going to pontificate on Rivendell/GP's motivations, at least do some research. As mentioned above, Grant severed his relationship w/ QBP (amicably, he says) over the Bleriot distribution debacle.

I agree that finding a 650b wheel/tyre might present a challenge in Latvia. Why not start importing them. Could be a sideline. But, as I said: Internet shopping. Most of us do it.

And how, I might arsk, can the word "haughty" be used in reference to the circumference of a metal hoop?

Last, if I may quote myself (without appearing haughty!) this is what I have to say on my site about appropriate technology: