Originally Posted by
prj71
Sometimes that is the case though. 27.5, 27.5+ and 29+ MTBS were the hot item from ~2016-2020. Most all of the manufactures had one or all of those in their line up at one. Now go to their websites...slim pickings for 27.5 and 27.5+ and 29+ aren't even offered.
Yes, 29" wheels dominate most mtb racing and most mtb sales. 29+ was a niche market, smaller than 27.5+. I have a 27.5 + bike, purchased in 2018. The + part means it came with 2.8 width tires, which were highly touted around 2016. When decent 2.6 tires came out, the mags stopped praising 2.8s, even though there isn't much difference.
I have replaced the front tire with a 2.6. Thought about a 2.4 because now there are 2.4s made to work on 35mm rims, which I have. But the weight savings is minimal and I like the stability of the wider tires at low pressure.
I was sold on the bike by the fit/geometry. And my lbs gave me a super deal, even though he had to order it. It's rare that I can feel comfortable on any bike off the shelf.