The change in size at Trek is striking. Last year, the US bike manufacturer upgraded the remaining 26-wheelers from the all-mountain sector to the next larger wheel size. Only the downhill bike "Session" continued to rely on small rolling stock. It was to be expected that Trek would soon take this step there too. In fact, there are already 27.5-inch prototypes of this model. These bikes are already being tested by Trek's team riders - apparently with success. The new "Session" already has a New Zealand Downhill Championship title in the bag thanks to George Brannigan.

Cannondale is also already celebrating successes achieved with larger wheels. In 2013, the world's best enduro rider Jérôme Clementz (FRA) made enduro history on 26-inch wheels and admitted to being a lover of small wheels. Now the nimble Frenchman has won the multi-day enduro adventure "Andes Pacifico" in Chile on a "Jekill" prototype from Cannondale with 27.5-inch wheels.

In the downhill sector, the American brand KHS is also getting to grips with the larger wheels. However, KHS is already focusing on the middle ground in both enduro and downhill and is therefore building a prototype with 29-inch wheels. KHS' debut is not quite as successful as that of Trek and Cannondale. Twentyniner downhill rider Kevin Aiello finished seventh in the Mojave Downhill Race (USA), around 25 seconds behind the winner. Nevertheless, it is exciting to see that the move to use 29ers is also being ventured in downhill racing.

It is foreseeable that other manufacturers will give their suspension-rich bikes larger "shoes" this year.