27.5+ or 29er
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 158
Likes: 9
From: N. California
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL6, Santa Cruz Tallboy 27.5+
Limited experience
I agonized over that very question a month ago on a first mtb for XC/trail fun, not for DH or to race. Now with only 25 hours on a Santa Cruz Tallboy D+ I'm not yet pushing it hard, (except climbing). So far the 27.5" x 2.8" Maxis tires have absolutely awesome confidence inspiring traction. They roll over pretty much everything easily and suck up the smaller bumps. I'm 180 lbs running tubeless 16.5/18.5psi F/R. No regrets here on choosing the plus tire.
Here is a really nice review.
Santa Cruz Tallboy 27.5 Plus Review ? meticulist
Here is a really nice review.
Santa Cruz Tallboy 27.5 Plus Review ? meticulist
#4
Occam's Rotor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,248
Likes: 2,334
I test-rode it with 27+ and liked it. I did not try with 29. That was an excellent review; thanks for posting the link. I concur about the brakes. SRAM/Avid can't seem to make decent brakes.
Last edited by Cyclist0108; 03-16-17 at 03:47 PM. Reason: spelling error
#6
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Santa Cruz Chameleon returns as a 29/27plus trail hardtail | Dirt Rag
Think I found the answer to my debacle!
Think I found the answer to my debacle!
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 11
From: Middletown NY
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix EVO w Hi-Mod frame, Raleigh Tamland 1 and Giant Anthem X
The new 27.5x3 bikes are IMHO, the best of all worlds and should be the only Mtb you will need. You might want more, but this will do all that you ask from it.
I recently bought a Framed Marquette CF plus bike, in a hard tail frame. I think that if I bought this bike first, I wouldn't have any other off road bikes!
On Sale Carbon 27.5+ Plus / 29" Bikes
The Santa Cruz is nice and a good bike, but you will pay extra just for the name branding.
I recently bought a Framed Marquette CF plus bike, in a hard tail frame. I think that if I bought this bike first, I wouldn't have any other off road bikes!
On Sale Carbon 27.5+ Plus / 29" Bikes
The Santa Cruz is nice and a good bike, but you will pay extra just for the name branding.
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,659
Likes: 384
From: St. Paul, MN
Bikes: Too many 3-speeds, Jones Plus LWB
A lot depends on the kind of riding you have in mind!
For example on the Tour Divide, the 29ers are still the preferred bike (hardtail, and often no suspension at all). But last year 4th place went to a rider on a Jones 27+
(Mike Hall had just set a new record of just under 14 days on a 29er).
The Tour Divide is pretty demanding, and only about 2-3% is actually single track. Most of it is either 2-track or gravel and other - things - . About 15 % or so is pavement.
So it seems that the larger wheel with a slightly narrower profile has a slight advantage.
So the kind of riding you do makes a difference!
For example on the Tour Divide, the 29ers are still the preferred bike (hardtail, and often no suspension at all). But last year 4th place went to a rider on a Jones 27+
(Mike Hall had just set a new record of just under 14 days on a 29er).
The Tour Divide is pretty demanding, and only about 2-3% is actually single track. Most of it is either 2-track or gravel and other - things - . About 15 % or so is pavement.
So it seems that the larger wheel with a slightly narrower profile has a slight advantage.
So the kind of riding you do makes a difference!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ESW116
Mountain Biking
7
04-23-12 09:47 PM





