27.5 vs 29
jacksonpt
Posts: 10,413 Member
Well, it looks like I've got my Niner sold, which means I'm officially in the market for a new frame. I've got a Yeti ASR 5 that I love for my trail bike (5" front and rear, 26" wheels), and I'm looking for a hard tail that will compliment it. I'm fairly set a custom steel Waltworks, interchangeable dropouts for both geared or SS use, short chain stays, slack head angle, and a 120mm fork.
The one thing I'm uncertain about is wheel size. My yeti is 26" and I love it. My Niner was 29 and was a good ride, just too racy.
I've read about how 29ers aren't as nimble in tight, technical trails. I've also read that they are faster and roll better. In my limited time on my Niner, I've found neither to be significant compared to my Yeti.
So I guess what I'm looking for is real world experiences. Anyone have meaningful time on both 27.5 and 29" wheeled bikes? Are the differences significant enough to really matter on the trail? Does anyone realistically see either being phased out as the industry progresses over the next 5ish years? The last thing I want to happen is to have a bike I can't get a fork, wheel set or tires for in a few years.
The one thing I'm uncertain about is wheel size. My yeti is 26" and I love it. My Niner was 29 and was a good ride, just too racy.
I've read about how 29ers aren't as nimble in tight, technical trails. I've also read that they are faster and roll better. In my limited time on my Niner, I've found neither to be significant compared to my Yeti.
So I guess what I'm looking for is real world experiences. Anyone have meaningful time on both 27.5 and 29" wheeled bikes? Are the differences significant enough to really matter on the trail? Does anyone realistically see either being phased out as the industry progresses over the next 5ish years? The last thing I want to happen is to have a bike I can't get a fork, wheel set or tires for in a few years.
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Try this link. There is some pretty good info on just what you are looking for.
http://tinyurl.com/n7lb3x30 -
I enjoyed my 29ER Single Speed. But in the end I realized that it was simply not as agile as I need on the technical trails around here.
There is a waiting list for the demo 27.5 at my LBS - I'm on the list, so hopefully I'll get to try one soon.
I have rather a lot invested in the 26" format though.......0 -
A couple thoughts.
1) Giant is fully committing to 27.5 this year, so any concerns about availability of parts in the next 5 years can probably be dismissed (see http://forums.mtbr.com/27-5-650b/giant-all-650b-867551.html for a couple of links). Giant is a HUGE frame maker.
2) I LOVE my 29er where I ride, in the Southwest. Trails here are really rocky and technical. Any other advertised benefits aside, the 29er simply rolls over some stuff I would have to concentrate on if I was riding my 26er. It almost feels like cheating sometimes.0 -
My old bike is a 26. I've demoed a 27.5 and my new bike is a 29. I'm horribly unobservant (and unskilled) and can't tell much of a difference in size. My husband will be getting a 27.5 next year. He's convinced from his research that it's the best size.
So yeah. I am not helpful. :flowerforyou:0 -
I got to demo a Trek Remedy 27.5 and ended up riding it on some of the same trails I've ridden before so have some comparison. Caveat, my main ride is a 29er, rigid, hybrid style that I abuse off road so there is some obvious, glaring differences. That said...
1. Size. I feel on occasion that I'm riding way up on the 29er. The 27.5 I felt like I was closer to the bike itself.
2. "Flickability" my ride corners like it's on rails as long as it's a long sweeping corner, not so hot on sharp switchbacks/turns. The 27.5 I felt like I could flick it around easier, made carving corners a lot more fun.
3. Air time. I took the 27.5 onto a BMX track and while I'm not great at flying, it launched well.
I'm sure the big differences, like suspension, made the largest impact in differences, but the 27.5 was just fun. It was the most fun I've had on a bike in a long time. I even re-traced some of the trails last week and suffered a lot more due to1 & 2 above on my normal ride. I have a feeling that 27.5 will replace 26" in 5 years except in niche areas, like fat bikes, esepcially now that the big manufacturers are going all in. BUt I've made poor prognositcations before.
If you can demo one, go for it! Me, I'm sold, now I just have to come up with $$$$.0 -
My old bike is a 26. I've demoed a 27.5 and my new bike is a 29. I'm horribly unobservant (and unskilled) and can't tell much of a difference in size. My husband will be getting a 27.5 next year. He's convinced from his research that it's the best size.
So yeah. I am not helpful. :flowerforyou:
Actually, that's pretty much EXACTLY where I am. I've done all the reading and understand why, on paper, 27.5 makes sense. But, when you're actually out on the trail, riding because you love to ride (and not trying to nitpick your gear to death), I wonder if it really matters all that much.0 -
I got to demo a Trek Remedy 27.5 and ended up riding it on some of the same trails I've ridden before so have some comparison. Caveat, my main ride is a 29er, rigid, hybrid style that I abuse off road so there is some obvious, glaring differences. That said...
1. Size. I feel on occasion that I'm riding way up on the 29er. The 27.5 I felt like I was closer to the bike itself.
2. "Flickability" my ride corners like it's on rails as long as it's a long sweeping corner, not so hot on sharp switchbacks/turns. The 27.5 I felt like I could flick it around easier, made carving corners a lot more fun.
3. Air time. I took the 27.5 onto a BMX track and while I'm not great at flying, it launched well.
I'm sure the big differences, like suspension, made the largest impact in differences, but the 27.5 was just fun. It was the most fun I've had on a bike in a long time. I even re-traced some of the trails last week and suffered a lot more due to1 & 2 above on my normal ride. I have a feeling that 27.5 will replace 26" in 5 years except in niche areas, like fat bikes, esepcially now that the big manufacturers are going all in. BUt I've made poor prognositcations before.
If you can demo one, go for it! Me, I'm sold, now I just have to come up with $$$$.
1) I felt the same way on my Niner. That's something I'm hoping will be remedied with a custom frame build.
2) Hmmmm
3) not much of a need/concern for me.
Good info, thanks.0
