The 650b wheel size just looks proportional to the frame, which I feel is directly linked to trail performance. 26 does look a little bit to small, and 29 looks a little bit to big....650b is obviously right in the middle.I would not say 650b is a size that is best of both worlds, but if you have ridden both wheel sizes and tend to lean towards 26 for trail/AM riding, this bike is the best thing out