In the battle of the wheels, there’s finally a winner, and it’s 27.5-inchers—by a knockout.

The bike industry has embraced the “new” size, which is said to offer the flickability of the old 26-inch standard and almost as much rollover potential as the larger 29er. It’s the best of both worlds.

Or, if you’re a detractor, it’s a compromise: Critics say it lacks both the agility of the nimble 26er and the obstacle-devouring rollability of the 29er. Be that as it may, bike manufacturers are pushing out 27.5-inchers faster than a Pez distributing its delicious candies. Recent launches include the new GT Sensor, the Turner Flux, the Ibis Mojo HDR and the Santa Cruz Bronson.

The 27.5-inch standard, known in Europe as the 650B, was just one of the trends and toys I spotted hanging out with industry insiders and cycling correspondents at Bike PressCamp in Utah. (Yeah, yeah, I know: It’s a tough job.)

Unlike the early days of 29-inch wheels, when more than a few bike companies were left at the trailhead wondering where everyone went, everyone’s on board this time. Manufacturers are eagerly embracing the wheel size out of the gate. Wheel builders Reynolds, Enve, Easton, and Mavic are all making carbon rims. Tire companies like Continental, Hutchinson, and Maxxis have jumped on the bandwagon as well.

Wheels and tires are two-thirds of the transition, but the final piece of the puzzle is suspension—and here, too, everyone’s gearing up for the middleweight fight. RockShox and Fox have forks entering the ring, and smaller players like Marzocchi, Manitou and SR Suntour are in the game, too.

That isn’t to say 29ers are down for the count. Trek and Specialized have new big-wheeled bikes coming next year, joining rigs like the Ibis Ripley and Niner’s new Rip 9. In fact, the only thing we didn’t see much of at PressCamp was the 26er.

The other big trend we’re seeing is road bikes that take disc brakes. And with the recent release of SRAM disc brake ready Red gruppo there is no stopping the trend. As anyone who’s spent time on dirt knows, disc brakes offer vastly superior stopping power in all conditions, and all but eliminate the concern of overheating your rims on long descents. Traditionalists may scoff, but we’re already seeing such bikes from scrappy upstart Culprit, as well as established brands like Specialized, Bianchi, and Colnago.

Similarly, Orbea has announced the Avant, which can handle big, fat tires, fenders and a rack. That makes it ready to roll over just about any type of road you can find—which seems pretty awesome. The bike industry is pretty convinced we are all going to want a do-it-all “gravel bike” in our stable. (Or at least it’s convinced that it can convince you of that fact.)

Here’s more of the cool stuff we saw at PressCamp.

Above: Fezzari Timp Peak, $5,399

Fezzari is the biggest little bike company you’ve never heard of. This Salt Lake City outfit sells directly to consumers, and it has a fiercely loyal following. According to the company, 57 percent of its sales are return customers or referrals from satisfied shoppers.

The Timp Peak offers a full carbon frame and suspension rocker, full Shimano XT component group and a drop-sucking 6-inches of travel. And you know it’s got the wheel size du jour, 27.5. All for an impressive $5399.