650b vs 29er

TREK

Product Rating   5.0 stars  (14 Reviews) Trek Fuel EX 7 29 - 2014 $2,629.99 Take the crisp handling, active suspension, and playful nature of the Fuel… [more]	Trek Remedy 9.7 650B/27.5 - 2014 $4,199.99 All fun, zero compromise. Trek's Remedy 9.7 650B gives you 29er stability… [more]
Trek Lush 29 SL - Women's - 2014 $3,149.99 Own the trails on Trek's Lush 29 SL. Your confidence will soar, you'll… [more]	Trek Lush S 29 - Women's - 2014 $2,629.99 Smooth suspension and dialed geometry combine for a ride like no other in… [more]
Product Rating   5.0 stars  (8 Reviews) Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29 - 2014 $5,249.99 Shred singletrack like there's no tomorrow with the unstoppable Fuel EX… [more]	Product Rating   4.0 stars  (1 Review) Trek Fuel EX 9.7 29 - 2014 $4,199.99 Big XC epics, all-mountain shreds, ride it all with Trek's Fuel EX 9.7 29.… [more]
Trek Superfly FS 9.7 SL (Gary Fisher Collection) - 2014 $3,879.99 Trek's Superfly FS 9.7 SL says "bring it" to all trails and anybody that… [more]

PIVOT

Pivot Cycles Mach 5.7 (SLX/XT) - 2014 $3,649.99 - $4,048.99 So good, it feel likes you're cheating, Pivot's Mach 5.7 has the chops… [more]	Pivot Cycles Mach 429 (XTR) - 2014 $6,499.99 - $6,898.99 Pivot's Mach 429 is a 29er that delivers big-wheeled speed with quick,… [more]
Pivot Cycles Firebird 27.5 (X01) - 2014 $5,949.99 - $6,149.99 Pivot's Firebird 27.5 runs roughshod over terrain with 167mm of rear… [more]	Pivot Cycles Mach 4 (XTR) - 2014 $6,599.99 - $6,998.99 XC pedal efficiency meets trail-bike descending prowess in Pivot's Mach 4.… [more]
Pivot Cycles Mach 4 (XX1) -Women's - 2014 $6,599.99 - $6,998.99 XC pedal efficiency meets trail-bike descending prowess in Pivot's Mach 4.… [more]	Pivot Cycles Mach 6 Carbon (X01) - 2014 $6,399.99 - $6,798.99 This is the one you've been waiting for. Enduro? Trail? All-mountain? Yes… [more]

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Reviews

Check out the good press on Trek's Remedy 27.5:

Remedy is the ultimate technical trail bike. Light frame, plush suspension, and precise handling all add up to a stellar ride that goes up, goes down, goes everywhere.  mtbr.com

The Remedy is engaging, fun and lively ride. That’s a feeling that we’ve always found with Trek’s Remedy range, and we’re glad the addition of slightly bigger wheels haven’t dumbed down this playfulness at all. In fact, the bigger wheel size really slipped out of view on the trail. This isn’t to say that there aren’t benefits to be found with the slightly larger 27.5? wheel when compared to a 26er, just that there aren’t any obvious negative traits to leave us wishing for a smaller wheel once again.  flowmountainbike.com

And for more good news on 27.5, Pivot's Mach 6 won the MOST VERSATILE Award from mtbr.com-

Clearly many of the bikes in our test can do a lot of things well. But the Pivot Mach 6 stood out as the one bike that covered the entire range with the fewest compromises. While you could swap out parts on several of the bikes and tune their capabilities towards one end of the spectrum or the other, the Mach 6 can dance one minute and brawl the next without changing a thing. If we had one basket to put all our eggs in, the Pivot Mach 6 would be it. mtbr.com

And a few reminders as to the capability of 29er's:

Check out reviews on Trek's Fuel EX 29er:

“Up and down, the EX is a solid choice—straight off the shop floor—for everything from quick lunchtime rides to full-on high-alpine adventures. If you are in the market for a trail bike, and are partial to long days in the saddle with equal emphases on climbing and descending, take a close look at the EX 29.”
 – Ryan LaBar, Bike Magazine

“It's undoubtedly a fun bike on the trail and is also highly capable. Toss in the very good pedaling performance and you end up with an immensely versatile machine.”
– James Huang, Bike Radar

Here's a great summary of Pivot's Mach 429:

Pivot has always impressed us with the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into every one of its topnotch performers. The Mach 429 Carbon is no exception. With quick, confident handling and a dialed pedaling platform that blends race efficiency with trail comfort, the Pivot Mach 429 Carbon is simply one of the best 29er trailbikes we have ever swung a leg over. Whether you are looking to build a super-light-weight race bike or an all-around, trail-devouring machine, Pivot can dial in a Mach 429 Carbon for you.  mtbaction.com

See what women in the media are saying about the Lush 29er:

"The Lush 29 SL is  a well-rounded, technical trail blazer for riders who are looking for some added morale on the trail. I would definitely recommend this bike to shorter riders who are looking for big wheels to advance their confidence and skills in technical terrain. The $3,050 asking price seems quite reasonable for the quality of the components and their flawless performance throughout the test."- Emily Walley, tester for Dirt Rag

"After a season on the Lush, I'd come to (almost) enjoy climbing and began looking at ledgy uphill  rocks as opportunities for awesomeness instead of little bastard speed-suckers."- Kristin Butcher, tester for Bike Mag

"The Lush SL shined  when it cam to descents. The Fox suspension and ABP design with DRCV technology are an inspiring combination for soaking up hits of all sizes. The ride was very forgiving, even if we didn't get the line choice dialed the first time."-Mountain  Bike Action