Discussion: OUSA Elite MTBO Team 2014: Apply Now If Interested

News announcement from the OUSA website.

Pass it on to the fastest (American) mtBikers you know.

Wow, an MTBO thread and tRicky hasn't commented yet!

He is just sad he can't make it to the event (or make the US team).

it appears that those who ride 650B wheels need not apply

I thought about it then decided it wasn't for me. Plus the word American (in brackets) looked as if it was specifically put there to stop me from replying.

why not 650B (27.5 in) wheels? or is that just what you're guessing tRicky is riding?

from the link:
"Access to, via ownership or loan, a competition-quality 26 or 29 inch front or full suspension mountain bike, suitably equipped for the World Championships as outlined in the event bulletins, including puncture protection;"

I tried but couldn't find the equipment rules, beyond "pedaled in a circular fashion". Suspension also seems overly restrictive. Why not rigid?

Link also says applicants should meet "one or more" of the criteria. But to help make it clearer that 650B's are fine, it's been reworded.

Now out of curiousity: Could any MTBO riders who've switched from either a 26 (or 29er) to a 650/27.5 speak about things have gone for them?

Really there are rules on suspension? I never read that far. I just figured any old MTB would suffice.

Greg, probably the biggest advantage of a 27.5 would be if you didn't have a spare tube, got a flat and encountered another rider out there. Chances are either the 26 or 29 tube would work (I've seen people use 26" in 29" tyres successfully before). Other than that, I've got nothing.

(there aren't any IOF rules on suspension either)

Must be a US thing.