[Potential Roadkill]

Amid the mixed pros and cons about the 96er concept I've got a question. My LBS has a kick butt deal on a Wanga One, which is designed around a 100mm fork. Not being willing to shell out the money for a new fork right now I was thinking hmm would this be a good chance to build a 96er. I've got a Reba I'd be willing to put on it, the question is would an 80mm Reba with a 29er tire up front and a 26" in the rear throw off the geometry much? I'm not a math guy, frankly when you all start talking numbers my eyes kind of glaze over. So what do you geometry gurus think?

 

[Cloxxki]

20mm less travel, but for a 31.5mm larger wheel radius = 11mm longer
31mm higher axle
3mm less sag on the fork
All in all 45mm difference, over 2º. Bike will still handle like a Kona (nothing bad) but cockpit will shink a full inch.

The new Dambala is said to be sub $500. Seems like a way better plan IMHO.
No wonder the Wanga is cheap, 26" demand is dropping fast, especially in SS frames.

 

[Potential Roadkill]

Yeah I might have to see if he can get me a Dambala

Problem is I've heard, I think from you Cloxxki that 29ers are hard to come by in Germany. He wanted 400 Euro for the Wanga, 150 off of what his normal asking price was.

 

[Cloxxki]

Ah Germany. Since we spoke the situ may have changed. There a Euro distributor/sales rep now. VooDoo visited Eurobike again, seem to want business.
I would never price-comapre 29" vs 26". Commit on wheelsize first, then pick a brand. the shop around for deals. Just my filosophy though.