Search
Notices
Mountain Biking Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Check out this forum to discuss the latest tips, tricks, gear and equipment in the world of mountain biking.

27.5 vs 29

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-02-23 | 02:18 PM
  #51  
Senior Member
5 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 886
Likes: 557
From: In the south but from North

Bikes: Turner 5-Spot Burner converted; IBIS Ripley, Specialized Crave, Tommasini Sintesi, Cinelli Superstar, Tommasini X-Fire Gravel, Tommasini Mach Ti Gravel

Originally Posted by Darth Lefty
People rise to the defense of 26 as though it was correct while it was really an accident of history. When MTB's launched there had been an immediate prior fad of 26" BMX cruisers that used the beach cruiser tire size, so that was the only near adult size balloon knobby. Getting tires made was really the limiting factor. All the other fabrication stuff is just bending and mitering. The wheel machine can bend the rim extrusion to whatever size. But a tire mold is a big expensive tool requiring big corporate support to make and use in a big factory

27.5 got a reprieve this year thanks to some major companies making "mullet" bikes. But this time more than ever it seems like churn for churn's sake, especially since this time it's back to a pre-existing tire design. They did not come up with new width, tread, carcass, etc. It will be tough to see how this succeeds in the market since the whole market is in a nose dive right now
Agreed. As a guy who rides and loves his 26" mountain bike, there is nothing, and I mean nothing, that it does better than a modern 29er. There is ZERO reason why a person without special needs, should buy a new 26" bike. Today or tomorrow.

29er are now dialed, and with the modern geometry and design, are phenomenal.
vespasianus is offline  
Reply
Old 02-03-23 | 02:29 PM
  #52  
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 390
The best hardtail bike and best full suspension bike for my cross-country riding needs, and in my price range and available to buy at local shops, came with 29" wheels and tires. I could have gone with a different bike company or paid to have new 27.5 wheels and tires but chose to stay with the 29" wheels. If I was a downhill racer it would have been a different matter.

It is a different selection pool for 27.5 versus 29 inch wheels. There are also more tire options at this point in time with 29 inch wheels.
Calsun is offline  
Reply
Old 02-12-23 | 06:53 AM
  #53  
Newbie
 
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Yes a 29” wheel will roll easier over obstacles etc but a 27.5 will accelerate easier up hill for sure.
looseasnoodles is offline  
Reply
Old 02-12-23 | 10:25 AM
  #54  
Kapusta's Avatar
Advanced Slacker
5 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,286
Likes: 2,602

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Originally Posted by wolfchild
I agree but we can't change the direction that the bike industry is going. It's just like 135mm rear spacing and quick release or solid nutted axles which work perfectly fine...but bike industry just had to change it to 142mm and then to 148mm boost thru axles.
And those were all good changes.
Kapusta is offline  
Reply
Old 02-12-23 | 10:29 AM
  #55  
Kapusta's Avatar
Advanced Slacker
5 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,286
Likes: 2,602

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Originally Posted by looseasnoodles
Yes a 29” wheel will roll easier over obstacles etc but a 27.5 will accelerate easier up hill for sure.
Which is why all the XC racers are using 27.5…. Whoops, never mind.
Kapusta is offline  
Reply
Old 02-12-23 | 06:54 PM
  #56  
Lombard's Avatar
Sock Puppet
 
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,701
Likes: 865
From: Planet Earth

Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon, 2017 Jamis Renegade Exploit and too many others to mention.

Originally Posted by looseasnoodles
Yes a 29” wheel will roll easier over obstacles etc but a 27.5 will accelerate easier up hill for sure.
A 27.5 can also turn tighter on narrow trails.
Lombard is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.