Mullet Vs 29" Wheels | What's The Best MTB Wheel Size?
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- The debate between mullet and 29" wheels has been raging on for some time now and with more and more mountain bikes available to the consumers in this mixed wheel size, which wheel size is the right choice for you? Join Anna & Doddy as they test out both options in a variety of MTB trail scenarios in an attempt to answer the wheel size debate!
⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 - Intro
0:52 - What is a mullet bike?
2:32 - Mullet Vs 29" wheels
4:10 - Can any bike be a mullet bike?
5:34 - Mullet setup
8:40 - 29" setup
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Do you prefer a mullet setup or 29" wheels for your ride? Share your thoughts with the GMBN Tech community down below! 👇
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Do you prefer a mullet setup or 29" wheels for your ride? Share your thoughts with the GMBN Tech community down below! 👇
I am 182cm, 29" works gr8.
@@r-2069 mullet all day every day, have my specialized enduro and kenevo SL setup and feel sooooooo much better than full 29er
I am just 171cm. I ride 27.5 front and back. Tried 29' at the front - it was worse.
I definitely like my mullet. But I have yet to try full 29”. I do like the mullet compared to a 27.5 but I’m not convinced 27.5 vs 26” yet.
Moved to a full 29" set up this season (from a 27.5") - love how it just blasts through, over and down stuff...but damn it is harder in tight corners...unfortunately no mullet option on my current bike, but would definitely like to compare one in the future. At the moment i'll learn to corner better and just enjoy it.
I know it's not faster in the long run but i tried 26 fs and it corners and accelerates beautifully. We have to remember MTB is about fun. Not always about racing.
I love the way 26 looks as well. Looks like motocross
Unless you are a racer...
Hi Ana, glad you joined the channel I'm enjoying your input in the shows.
We need more of this style of video! I loved the dynamic and dialogue between you two. Also, Doddy did a great job of explaining the feel of the bike on-course. This was a very well-put-together video that immersed the viewer I. The experience.
I've gone back to full 27.5 bikes this season. Toyed with the idea of a mullet, and might still try it, but I'm out for smiles and laughs and happy to work the bike rather than just plow and REALLY enjoying the smaller wheels even at 6'2" (188cm). Racing or xc I'd for sure be full 29er, but that's not my riding.
27.5" front and rear always 🙌🔥
If you want stability and down the trail, mullet can be really good by the way =P
29" feels clumsy to me, it rides the rocks better but the agility is just not good for me, 27.5" seems the best compromise but i have never tried a mullet!
I realized that only when i rode on real tracks. Lack confidence on 29er but am rookie so may take time to adapt
I have a 29er and i totally agree, the bike is cumbersome and unwieldy. I wouldn’t buy it again,
If you really want to know what's fastest, if you ride downhill look at UCI DH winners, if your ride XC look at UCI XCO, if you ride enduroish look at EWS. The fastest setups are reflected in the winners. If you just want to have fun... the clock doesn't matter, ride what you want that makes your riding fun. Also, high pivot mullets seem to be the trend in top speed DH.
Love my 27.5 because it so much more fun. Rode a 29er on my home tracks and I was a lot faster with a lower heart rate, but my 27.5 is so much more fun. That's what it's all about for me.
I ride a 29er all the time. However recently had an hour’s ride on a mullet , it felt better on the tight twisty’s really responsive. It was a lot of fun to ride.
I still like my 29er and the way it just rolls over terrain.
They both have a place.
Shame I can’t have both😉🤣
Great video 👏 I've just made the transition from a 27.5 full sus trail bike to a Specialized Status 160 mullet with the larger 29 front wheel and loving it 😎 The larger front wheel plus increased suspension has really helped my confidence while the back end with it's crazy short chain stay length keeps things fun at the back 👍
I went from a 26 full sus to 27.5 plus. Going back to 26 a few months later, I scarred myself, it was like having continual "Oh sh·t" heart attacks!!! I sold the 26 full sus and bought a 29er plus 😀
I have recently changed the rear to XC race worthy 29“ setup with very light tires and wheels whilst I stayed in front with good grip and more robust wheel- the bike got way better in handling and acceleration at the cost of some grip sometimes in climbs - but a good alternative to mullet setup - BTW I loved that feature - well done!
Fun vid 💙 Yes, being comfortable plays a massive role. I've just started riding a 29er and it definitely feels smoother but Strava says I'm sitting on the same average speeds as my 27.5
Great video guys....you really got me thinking.....
Adding one thing… I think choosing a bike and wheelsize that matches your skills and trails is key.
It’s about the experience more than descent times for 97% of most riders. I’d rather feel like a pro… pumping and hopping features, railing berms and scandi on command than send it as fast as possible
Great point Paul!
Awesome Video! Fun to watch. With a good conclusion: Both Sizes are fun!! It`s just different!!! 🙂
I have a specialized status that’s a mullet set up. That bike has been a dream. Absolutely love it
This is such a good test because like Doddy said Anna and Doddy are completely different riders and they’re different heights as well! Great test 👍
Btw I’m 5’6” and I still like 27.5 front and back and I’m really hoping the industry doesn’t move away from 27.5 wheels 🤞
Really good info. You guys are awesome together. 🇺🇲🤙🏼
This is a great test and very fun to see the results.
I also loves Anna's game face when she is on the bike, looks so dedicated.
I've just gone from a 27.5 to a 29er. Immediately I noticed the 27.5 was easier to pick up at the rear, more agile but rougher and slower. The 29er was harder to dance about on the trail but much smoother and it was so fast into things, I actually upgraded the front brake to a 203 four pot to slow down quicker! The only disadvantage is on very tight twisty trails and over jumps, I sometimes buzz my bum on the rear tyre, but I'll take that! Would be interested to ride a mullet though.
26", 27.5 are fun for playing around but i love the confidence 29ers give me especially with modern geometry!
Totally agree with Anna. Mullet looks badass. 👍 Currently running 27.5 front and back, but getting ready to try mullet because I ride a lot of chunky terrain, and I think it's going to help me have more fun.
I put a 27.5" front in my 26" and although it was very noticeable, I liked it. Maybe that's a bit to do with the small size I started with, but the bike suited me better. It canceled out a bit of the 26" downsides and I could get used to the extra bulk at the front, so yes I was into the mullets.
Now I went to a different bike that has 29" front and rear, but also a lot more (basically a big step upwards in every aspect) but now I don't dare to mullet this. For one, because the bike wasn't meant to be ridden like that, but also because the difference between bikes is so big, I'm still getting my head round that. And in the process, I will probably get used to it by the time I'd decide to have space for experiments.
First off though, I still need to dial in a lot. Get some stuff serviced and so on. Then try some tracks that I don't have nearby, then see what I think.
From various ride videos on CZcams, I sensed the impression that the difference is more noticeable and more positive when mounting a front 29er on a 27.5 bike, vs. mounting a rear 27.5 on a 29er. As I ride a former, I'm looking forward to converting mine.
I'm planning on the other-direction-mullet. I have a 27.5" XC bike (2017 KTM Lycan 273) that I want to get more travel up front (110mm to 130/140mm?) as well as adjust my riding position. I plan on replacing the Rocklshox Recon 27.5 fork with a 2023 Rockshox Pike 29" fork and 29" front wheel. This should give me a slightly better riding position (more upright) which is something I've been struggling with a bit on downhill sections. The additional travel should also let me get a bit more aggressive in the sketchier bits, as should the slacker head angle. Assuming it just doesn't completely destroy the bike's handling then I think it will greatly improve my biking experience and let me hang onto the bike for a few more years without spending $1000s of dollars on an entirely new bike.
And thanks Anna & Doddy, this video was helpful in making the decision. It would be cool to see you do a video on extending the life of older bikes by doing something like I'm doing (or any number of other things). Shock upgrades, drivetrain upgrades, dropper post, tires/wheels, ratchet, etc., would be a cool video to see. Perhaps you could buy some older bikes and "modernize" them in an effort to make them more capable. Just a thought.
As an absolute beginner.. 27.5 wheels are fine for me, having bigger wheels that make me go faster would be a bad idea for me (I am more likely to crash). 27.5 wheels alow me to work on line choice and technique more, I have more time and I am not that fast anyway.
Maybe in the future I will step up to mullet, but I am not bothered about 29ers. 🙏🏿
My HT 27.5 makes me smile more in trail than my 29er FS for the trail that i have here.😁😁Will try mullet set up soon to see how it feels!Love you both!
Hi guys great video. When I ride I’m basically out to have fun over speed every time. So when I bought my new bike I went for a mullet for that reason. It’s a 160 mm as the stuff round my way needs it but at the same time I like cutting corners and riding the trails as if I’m on my bmx. I’m a lanky sod but won’t consider a 29er. A mate runs a smaller 27.5 because he wants an agile fun bike and tried at 29 in the same bike as he has and it’s too stable for him even my mullet is too tank like.
Great episode 👍🏼 Mullet all the way for me!
I come from the 80's era of 26 inch rigid MTB's then hardtails so when I went to a 29er for my height of 6ft 5inch I loved them because they fit as Doddy says. However I have never felt I could throw them around the same as I could the 26 inch wheel bike so I am going to give a mullet setup a try on the enduro bike. Still think 29er XC is better for speed though.
@@Sidowse think the 2kg weight penalty depends on lots of factors such as group set weight, frame, course etc and not to mention if you're a 110kg rider putting out a high power output does 2kg really make a difference on some courses compared to momentum? Also if you're a 6ft 5inch rider frame fit of a 29er is also a factor to take account of.
..the chemistry of you guys are getting so much better
and stronger the bond! amazing comparison on mullet
and 29er! kudos. more power!
Thanks for this, especially its not a thing we can easily test as we (average public, one bike, not a racer ride weekends for fun) do not have the bikes with flip chips/links or spare rear wheels let alone the time to work this through. Interesting conclusion and glad you both chose fun over efficiency. I would also like to see the same test with an average height rider though.
Great vid as always.
Was wondering if y'all could talk about the pros and cons of rider hight. Does a 5'1" have an advantage over say a 6+ footer.and on and on .
And what are the disadvantages??
It's really interesting to see doddys reaction here. I'm 6ft6, come from a bmx background and ride a 27.5" 180/170mm enduro bike. Watching the channel in the past I've seen doddy talk on a few occasions about the benefits a 29er could have for tall riders. It made me wonder if I'm missing out by riding 27.5". I'm not someone who cares about going any faster, I just want to have fun on the trail and because of my bmx background I love to jib, pump and manual. I've always thought 27.5" was right for me because of this.
This is what I'm thinking and might just go full 27.5 again as it's just about the fun and having more space to move about on thre bike feels better! 😎
6'6" as well and come from a more bmx/dirt jump background. trying to decide whether I want to buy a mullet or 29er. Terrified of spending that much to feel like im on a boat.
I've been riding a mullet along side my full 27.5 and can confirm that it feels noticibly more lethargic and less fun. I would say it's easier to ride though.
We need to see more Doddy and Anna riding vids
I have a mixed wheel switchblade and a 29er xc bike. they both feel right in their own way. Every experiment ive seen with these confirms that 29 is faster at a base level but being comfortable on the platform can overcome that advantage. Id be really curious in different disciplines who is running a mx setup and possibly winning. might be a good revisit in a tech episode.
I have a Starling bikes Roost, it's a stainless steel hardtail mullet and it's pretty dang awesome!!
I myself will definitely stay on I-29 ER but I plan on setting up a a mullet just to go along with my 29er
For me fun is more important. I have been running a mullet for a few months, and it is a blast. The bike just feels more alive.
Currently running a mullet set up on my hardtail, and love it's playfulness. I do want to change out the dropouts and try a 29er rear to compare.
I love the mullet style bike feels really planted on the trails and helps me fit the bike beautifully 🙃
Wow really interesting content here. Nice
So interesting! Great video! I've actually gone from 27.5 to a full 29er but sized down to get a reach that actually feels more playful than my 27.5! (Commencal Meta AM size S). I think with a 29er the chain stay length plays a bigger role in playfulness vs a mullet where a longer chain stay could be better? Thoughts?🤘
I am on 26 inch wheels. I love it on my Downhill Bike YT Tues. The feel of 26 inch wheels are great and tricks felt easier between 26/27.5/29 inch. Greetings from a German subscriber 😁🙌🏾✌🏾
I put a 27 on my old gt chucker 2.0 😁 it's brill for short people. Surprisingly a good ride
I would love to try it but I have to buy a new wheel, carry different spares when traveling, buying different tires and since my brand hasn't developed a "mullet link" I would have to adjust with a headset cup etc etc. Maybe on my next bike if that's an option but I'm happy with 29 at the moment. cheers
I have a giant reign which i ride as mullet... Its pretty darn awesome. Coming from an older 26er, i did find the front to be all business though - wherever you point that thing is where its going.
The back is quite a lot more playful, but the bike does tend to chatter quite a bit as well.
Hi guys, another great video. Next time how about trying the test blind, you don’t get to see the rear wheel and base your thoughts on how the bike handles without any subconscious pre-conceptions.
At the back end of 2014 I changed my bike and went from 26" wheels to 27.5" full sus. I didn't like the 29er and said I would never have one. Some of my previous comments can confirm that. Last year I got a 29er hardtail. Which is the mountain bike I ride all of the time. I still have my 27.5 full sus but I haven't ridden it recently. I did find the hardtail rolled much better and faster than the teeny wheels. I haven't ridden a mullet bike yet. Not sure if I would. Before the reason would have been. It's got a 29er on the front. Now it's because it's got a 27.5 " rear Wheel.
More Mullet content thank you!
I did a mullet conversion on my San Quentin hardtail and the riding definitely improved for my. The big wheel deals with obstacles better and the cornering improved while the climbing and acceleration stayed the same. I definitely prefer a mullet and I just bought the Bronson 2022 which is a dream to ride. I think Anna was faster on the mullet because she was used to it. I think if she has a few runs with the 29er she would have been faster. Regarding the mullet vs 29er, I think it depends on the track and the rider whether the mullet is faster. It has not slowed down Loic Bruni who has won a few overalls with that set up nor prevented Jesse Melamid from being successful in EWS.
I had a Specialized BigHit in silver and now I am running a custom Nicolai G1 mullet 🤙
I have a commencal meta HT that I just built as a 27.5 bike but I have a 29 inch 140 mm front fork that I swap my 29in wheel into when I want to ride steeper rougher terrain. That slackens to head tube and raises the bottom bracket which makes it really good for going down steep stuff. Otherwise running it 27.5 front and rear it's just a big BMX bike and also the most fun bike I've ever ridden.
I don't race & I ride a Chinese carbon ebike see ELife/Cheeb, mine is from the USA a Luna X2 comes stock as a 27.5 I put a Zeb 29 fork 2.5 Maxxis minion DHF on the front and ride it as a mullet and I love it. Cheers from Northern California!!!
I went from 20 inch bmx to a 29er FS and havent looked back. Very interested in a mullet bike for my next one tho.
I think whatever gives you the best riding experience. If you want a sled that flys… enduro 29 and use the brakes. If you want something that’s more about enjoying the features in sacrifice of speed 27.5. If you want something of both, mullet it.
There is a reason why 5010 and other short/mid travel 27.5 exists and why 29 DH bikes exist
Personally, I still like railing corners on 27.5 plus bikes with small travel or hardtails. Especially hardtails as their rear centres are super short and basically feel like you’re dirt jumping a blue/black.
If it’s chudery or you’re bike parking alot, I really think 29 x2.6 long legged bikes are safer if you like to cruise
Hahaha!! Love it, Doddy joined the mullet crew... I never would have thought it possible!!
I got 29 curious so demoed a full 29 mega tower twice. I can say I like the added confidence of the front wheel when it gets steep and has some chunk but then my full 27.5 nomad is super fun. I really think the MX will be the route for me. Keep the fun but lose some of the hesitation of OTB fear in steep chunk.
I put a 29er on my 27.5 EMTB and predictably got a slacker handling and faster rolling. Maybe a bit too slack up front but fun! That bike was so good it was stolen but new one is better and already has slacker geometry. Out of interest I'm going to put a 29er and see. BTW i've been following you folks a while and love the show.
Blake,have you experiment mullet on hardcore hardtail?????please make a video for it 💪
Should have rounded off the tests by sticking the 27.5 on the front with a 29er rear!
When someone says mullet, I automatically see Jaromír Jágr in the 90 's :D :D :D
I did an up-mullet i.e. put a bigger wheel in the front. Turns weird and needs a split second early lean/steer but rolls over better and improved BB clearance as I went up and not down. I am a small person so I am with Anna. 29er needs more effort to move around.
27.5 front 26 rear is also a wicked mullet. Rowdy man
To add some mullet confusion, here in Kansas mullet means something different when referring to bikes. Here it means using SRAM AXS to pair a MTB drivetrain to road shifters on a gravel bike. So if you see pit videos from a race like Unbound and a rider says they are riding mullet, they are referring to their gears.
My hardtail was originally a 27.5+ which I just put a set of 29ers on, can tell the difference, rolls great but it is a little harder to get around the sharp switchbacks, my full suspension bike is a 27.5 which I love as well. I haven't tried a mullet set-up yet but I think I will. I do have a question for you, you didn't talk about the climbing differences what were your thoughts?
Just building myself a Mullet now, starting with a Whyte T130 for the shorter rear stay length of a 27.5, not sure if I’ll run 120 or 130 travel front (+10 or +20 front equivalent).
Having ridden it briefly before starting the conversion (and other upgrades) it climbs better than the T129 it’s replacing despite similar gearing (gear inch) and weight.
I personally prefer the way the mullet feels compared to a full 29'er. Even if I'm not actually faster, I feel faster and I feel like the trail isn't muted like it is on a 29'er. I'm not going for lap times or racing, just having fun.
I got a question. Will an amateur be able to tell the difference between the two setups from the get-go or does it require alot of riding experience to be able to differentiate?
@@omera967 I've only been riding for a few years now, so I'd say I'm definitely an amateur. To be able to tell the difference you do need to put some trail time in on both setups so you can really feel the difference.
I’ve never rode a mullet setup, but I’d like to give it a try sometime. I have rode full 27.5 and full 29. My giant trance is a 27.5 and my daughter has a trek fuel that’s a 29 both size medium. For me riding is all about what puts the biggest smile on my face not necessarily how fast I go. To me a 29er feels like I’m 5 years old running around in my dads work boots and the 27.5 is just more responsive and fun. I also feel that a 27.5 climbs better on the steep stuff. The moral of the story is go with what ever makes you happiest and have the time of your life every time you ride!
I Measured my DHF Front the other week and it was 28.5 in . ACROSS 😎😎😎
I’ve got 2014 Trek session dh that I took the boxxer off and put a Zeb on so I could run Mullet. 😎
I have a 26er which I picked up used (a poison mtb carbon frame with other cheap paraphernalia which costed 1grand eur) and all I have done is just commuting on it. However, I love it's agility when I ride a little forest trail to work. Makes me want to go out and ride the trails lol (broken bones or bike or both).
Been sticking with 27.5 front and back for a while as I find it suits me, but I’m only 5’6”. If I raced enduro I might think about going to a 29 up front but I don’t so sticking with the little wheels. Still race 4X on a 26” wheel too, however there’s a few trying bigger wheels in that now as well.
I am 6'2 just under 200Lbs and think the 29er are the way to go due to how tall I am it just feels better
Great info from both sides...I have a Whyte T140 which really suits me & fun so keeping it but looking to upgrade lighter & faster. I've been looking at Canondale Spectral 125 but now with Anna loving the fun of a mullet & Doddy changing his wheels...I'm now gonna have to think deep & hard. I live in Surrey Hills but often trail riding in the west country. Uuum...that sounds ideal would be a second set of light tyres on 29" both ends?
Next you gotta do a test of various different mullets 27.5/29 vs 26/27.5 vs 26/29 vs 24/26!!!
My SC Tallboy (120mm/140mm, 30 lbs) is a 29er, and my new SC Heckler (150mm/160mm, 49 lbs) is an MX (mullet). Both are size XL. The longer travel heavier Heckler eMTB, imo, just maneuvers easier for me and is easier for me to unweight with the mullet setup.
#gmbntech I went straight for the Transition Patrol. Then converted it to 170x170. It’s a load of fun! Can be chattery on really rough rock gardens but I wouldn’t change for anything.
What is 170x170?
@@joesee8079 travel. 170mm up front with a longer air spring. And 170mm in the rear by removing the 5mm spacer in the air shock.
@@307.William got it. Thanks
4:30 - why would your chain stay feel longer? The axle is in the same place (fore and aft) and the rear wheel should touch the ground inthe same place (directly below the axle. Can you explain? Cheers.
I have a Bronson V4 ... mullet for life!!!
My 650 b + with 2.8 tyres seems to roll faster on the rough stuff than my 29er
I have a 2004 Yeti AS-X. It's a 26er 170mm travel frame. I put a 29er 170mm Yari on the front and a Works Components 2.3 angle headset. Headtube angle is 62.5°. I call it a "Skullette". Seat tube angle is horrible. And it's unstable jumping. It descends steep tech amazing.
Haven't tried mullet but, have tried 29er on my Scott Genius and it was faster but felt boring, so I ride it in 27.5+ at the right tyre pressure which feels awesome! You guys should do vid on plus tyres as a comparison- although I realise you're not fans :)
Mullet is clearly FUN but my cranks is not happy hitting the rocks every ride. My BB is too low so now I'm going back full 29er. My Current setup is 170travel 29er up front paired with 27.5 rear.
I’m still riding my bike built of spare bits and it’s 26 lol. I’m just glad I can get out. not sure what 27.5 wheels to get as the frame and fork is designed for 27.5
I love to see a 29er vs Mullet wheels for xc type riding nobody has done that as far a i kown.
Big wheels are better for that, but mullet works fine too.
Tried it on my hightower, even with the flip chip on high position the BB was 11mm lower. So im not sure if it was the wheel size or BB height that made the biggest difference. Loads more pedal strikes though.
might need 165 cranks, less strikes and easier on knees too but you lose some leverage which is only noticable when muscling an up hill, however flip side of that is short cranks spin up faster for higher revs.
Great video as always guys. I get the argument and see both sides of it, for and against. However; how much does a mullet setup affect climbing up the trail (if at all). Perhaps you could explain?
I went from a 2018 Meta AM (full 27.5) to a 2021 Meta AM (Full 29er) to a 2022 Meta SX (Mullet) so I have rode all the current wheel sizes. Keep in mind I've been riding mountain bikes since they first came out. I raced BMX in the late 70's, raced XC in the early 90's and tried downhill racing in the 2000's. So I have been on full 26 inch bikes too and my first my mullet was a Specialized BigHit 26" front and 24" in the rear. With all the crap said, you do notice the mullet is slower on the climbs, but only on the long boring fire roads. When it came to technical climbs I liked the mullet more because I was able to move around on the bike more and was easie to maneuver in the tight stuff. If you go to my channel you can see what type of climbing the fuller 29er is better at.
@@mtbohana Thank you for taking time out to reply, apologies from me for taking so long to say thanks.
Wow Doddy maybe you have just convinced yourself in the past about 29ers being better for you. I never understood your choice because you say you like to feel the trail but a 29er does the opposite. Nice to see you open your eyes. It still looks like you are 29er biased. The results are obvious Anna been riding a mullet and you normally a 29er of coarse you are are faster on the those bikes you normally ride. Great video . Thinking of going 29er front on my 2015 Nukeproof Mega AM 27.5. The frame spec says it can take up to 180 fork so will try a 160 29er and offset rear shock bushings to make it mullet. Can't wait to try it
Yes I have a new SC Bronson M/x and it was a blast as far as fun. But for pure speed down a hard DH track which I do ride , the 29 er kills the Bronson in a race on a rough track.
Next time you should record the speed with Garmin/Komoot/etc to check in details what happened on each sections of the trail
Anna answered it. She was slower on the 29er as she said she was over cooking corners and just the slight dabbing of the breaks was all it took to kill the speed. But let's not forget even racing should be about having fun.
Throw coil vs air shocks in this 29 vs mullet mix. I wonder if there would be a substantial difference?
First mullet was Penny Farthing high wheeler from 1880 🙃
Awesome Test!!! Eye opener ✔️😎
I would love to try a mullet. I only have a 29er full sus.
Hi GMBN, did you try short travel full sus mullet set up, like 120 rear suspension.
Having ridden, 26, 27.5, 29, and mullet 🚲, I can agree with a lot of the comparisons, preferences, and suggestions. I would love to see the same test on pedaling the same power output, uphill what wheel setup would be faster.