Finally a guy who is smart enough to know school math. All other reviewers with million views do not even understand that angle of attack difference there is negligible. Good job! 👍🏻
My current bike is a 27.5, my previous four bikes were 29ers. I enjoyed riding all of them. But if I had to choose one size, it would be 27.5. I just feel more confident on the 27.5 and I can make it do what I want it to do better than with 29ers.
Really good vid. There's so much rumours and marketing/trends that go around, it's good to see someone objectively unbiased looking at the pros and cons of each.
Just a few questions. How tall are you? How much do you weigh? How much can you bench press? How much can you curl? How many pull-ups can you do? This subject is so subjective it's ridiculous. I don't know how everyone speaks in absolutes when they have zero data to back it up.
@@dangerous8333 I'm 190cm, I push 130 on bench press and my body weight is 110kg - and have 26 wheels. Thought I made a mistake but nah, it's just amazing.
I just bought a new Cannondale Habit. It currently has 29ners. They are tubed tires so when it comes to replace I’ve been thinking of switching to 27.5 tubeless. I’m also 5’7 so having slightly smaller wheels I think will offer me more handling control. Where as 29ners offer a slightly better rollover which sort of makes things boring. Great video.
I've got a bike with 27.5. My buddy who i ride with all the time had the same. I usually follow him everywhere and can easily keep up. He recently bought a Trek Fuel 8 with 29's. When we coast through single track over rooty stuff, he's gone. I have to really struggle to keep up. Climbing over roots, same thing.
Good analysis, Jon. Totally agree, buy the bike that fits..AND for the trails you ride. I ride Cannock Chase, which is tighter, twisty stuff (trail centre and off-piste), and 27.5 really suits it. I’m 175cm tall, and like a nimble bike. I’m in the market for a new bike, and I’m pretty certain I’ll keep to 27.5 (‘dead’ or not). I’m no 29r hater, just know what I like.
Very useful information based on real riding experiences. I'm about the same hight and have always ridden 26s. I'm looking to upgrade my old Trek Fuel EX8 26, but all the hype seems to be, "You need a 29er!" I'm a fan of tight twisty trails too, and even when I did 26er side by sides (way back when) I always preferred the less stretched out more nimble geometry bikes. Given my height and years of riding 26s I think the 27.5 will suit me better than a 29.
I'm a little taller at 180cm and 200lbs. I heavily prefer 650b in everything, but cross county type trails. I've tried multiple 29ers and just don't get on with them at speed or in the steeps. Long travel 27.5>any 29er :)
He’s right…it all depends on your riding style and what you’re comfortable with. I have a 29 and wish I can easily turn tighter corners like a 27 but I do like the high end speed on the 29 with a 2.25 thickness in the rear and 2.35 up front.
1.74 tall and I bought a L size hardtail MTB. The specs for my bike are M size 165-175cm, L size 175-185cm. On a M size frame I noticed that on curves my knees where super close to the handlebars so I went to L size. I did went with a short 50mm stem and my saddle setup in the frontes pozition and the bike feels super ok. It is 27.5+.
I tried my GFs 29er FS compared to my 27.5 HT with carbon plus size wheels in the trails of Sedona. I found her bike to be superior to those rocky chucky trails both up and down. My bike is lighter than hers but her 29ers make all the difference. Also I have an oval chainring and her bike didn't. I still felt her bike was better because it was a 29er. I'm 5'7.
This may be two year's old, but this video is really relevant now, as I get the feeling there's an increasing move by the industry towards 29ers. Some major brands aren't even making larger bikes with 27.5. I totally agree that the type of riding/trail and bike geometry/fit are way more important than wheel size. I hope the industry doesn't try and hoodwink people into believing 29ers are the be-all and end-all, because it just isn't true.
I think 27.5 are starting to make a comeback. Yeti, Pivot, Revel have all come out with 27.5 specific bikes. I think people are starting to realize that if you race, 29 is usually gonna be better but if you’re just interested in having fun, 27.5 is gonna be a better option for a lot of people.
There are simply no 27,5 bikes in bikes shops here in france in 2023. It's hard to put your hands on a 27,5 that's not en entry level bike... I've just ordered a 29 because of that. The industry takes us where it wants unless you find niche bikes on the internet. I'm 6.1 so I hope it will stay manoeuverable for me. I come from a 26" wheels very agile and reactive bike , I'm a bit scared a 27,5 would have been better for my twisty trails. We'll see.
DUNE YXZ Nothing right now, I had a Cannondale Rush some years ago. Looking at the Giant Trance and trying to decide 27.5 or 29. We've got a bit of everything around here. Except desert lol
Just got a diamondback recoil medium frame 29”, 2015. To tell you the truth, I honestly don’t think it rides good. Feels like the tires are way to big and especially when turning..
I've got two Stumpy's of the same model. One's a 27.5 and ones a 29er. The 27.5 turns slightly better and the 29er rolls over rock garden's slightly better
Basically what I tell my friends looking at buying their first mtb. Decide what type of riding you plan on doing, how serious are you, make sure the bike is the correct size, and most of all.....be sure the bike you get is the bike you want/fills the need or else you won't want to ride it.
29's could def be a little heavier, which may help going downhill, but sometimes I go uphill and ride on flat surfaces. Plus Im only 5'8" and dont want to land on a slightly higher crossbar.
I think for racing 29 is quicker but then these bikes are very specific in use ie quick up a hill or quick down a hill with no compromises. I think for trail use if you want something that can bomb down and climb 27.5 might be better. I think they're just a jack of all trades as the wheels are just lighter and tougher/stiffer (for the weight), so you can't run heavier casings with out a massive weight penalty. I just can't see that bigger heavier wheels are quicker up hill if you're gonna prioritize descending. I own a 29 hardtail Nukeproof scout and a 27.5 Stanton FS. Pedaling across town to the trails and on mellow climbs/trails my mates 27.5 is no doubt quicker in places. I think I long travel 29 would just kill a trail and be a bit boring.
Have you bothered to weigh the difference of every wheel from each maker? You're probably talking about ounces difference. Everything else you said is subjective based on the size, the strength and the athleticism of the rider.
@@dangerous8333 difference between rims is roughly 50 grams as you go from 27.5 to 29. And difference in tyres is roughly 100 grams like for like. Sooooo and extra 300g rotational mass. You will feel that.
It went together easily in less than an hour. czcams.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.
I used a Cannondale 26er for years mostly for riding on roads. Now I have a trek marlin 29er and being an older guy at 50 I feel I need to exert more on the 29er and it tires me out much sooner and I find it difficult to go up the gradient. Am I the only one? Is there something wrong with the bike?
Is it ok to assume a 29 inch will be too big foor situations(sketchy slow speed no space type stuff) and 650b will be less at home when its faster and rougher meaning you'll have to do more to get the bike through rough section's? Cause if so that 27.5 sounds intently more fun.
It's perhaps a bit harsh to say that a 29" wheel will be too big for certain situations but its size can be noticeable when negotiating tight corners. 27.5 will get caught up in bigger holes and rougher sections more, meaning you'll have to work harder to go as quickly. It depends on the kind of ride that you're looking for. If you're often twisting through tight corners, the little wheel will make that easier. If you're mostly smashing chunk, the bigger wheel will make that easier.
Unfortunately, there is no best! Allow me direct your attention to 5:18 in the video, Jon will tell you exactly what to think about to help you make your decision. Cheers!
I'm not a trail rider.... I just road cycle, I like to go long cycles from time to time, I'm 5 feet 9 inches in height.... what frame size and wheel size would suit me?
Hi, we're all about trails here and generally stay away from roads as much as we can! You'll be much better off asking that question to our mates over at Road.cc. Here's a link - czcams.com/users/roadcc
@@mtbsareprettycool9826 I absolutely love 27.5, in fact I just built up a nukeproof scout in 27.5. but the fact is that so many bike brands changed their 650b models to 29 this year and models that used to have both a 27.5 and a 29 version, they killed off the 27.5 one.
Almost everyone I know runs 27.5 because I do free ride I guess if u ride xc or trail stuff 29 is better but you just can’t beat a 650b on jumps and steep stuff. I’ve risen a 29er and it’s just not as fun but yeah I agree for racing 29 all the way
New 27.5 bikes this year - Santa Cruz 5010, Ibis Mojo, Transition Scout, Orange 5 Evo, Bird Aether 7, AirDrop Edit V4. Doesn’t look dead to me. Something for everyone.
"it's not going to be life changing" - Best comment on the debate ever.
Finally a guy who is smart enough to know school math. All other reviewers with million views do not even understand that angle of attack difference there is negligible. Good job! 👍🏻
My current bike is a 27.5, my previous four bikes were 29ers. I enjoyed riding all of them. But if I had to choose one size, it would be 27.5. I just feel more confident on the 27.5 and I can make it do what I want it to do better than with 29ers.
How tall are you?
@@michivanhalen7086 5"-10"
I ride uphill all the time, hills everywhere where I live. Are 27.5 better for uphill? It seems harder now I am on 29s, but I haven't rode for years.
@@aodh5966 29 wheels are typically heavier than 27.5
@@wx2999 heavier like 1 kg extra
Really good vid. There's so much rumours and marketing/trends that go around, it's good to see someone objectively unbiased looking at the pros and cons of each.
Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for watching.
One of the best (the best) review of 27.5 vs 29. Thank you.
29" on the front, 27.5" on the back, just hope you don't get stuck on the fence. :-)
I end up with a bigger smile after riding my 27.5" than after my 29er.
And I (Rach) like a mullet at the moment.... ;)
Just a few questions.
How tall are you? How much do you weigh? How much can you bench press? How much can you curl? How many pull-ups can you do?
This subject is so subjective it's ridiculous. I don't know how everyone speaks in absolutes when they have zero data to back it up.
I’m used to 29” might pick up a 27.5” when I get the money.
Try with 26, trust me.
@@dangerous8333 I'm 190cm, I push 130 on bench press and my body weight is 110kg - and have 26 wheels. Thought I made a mistake but nah, it's just amazing.
I just bought a new Cannondale Habit. It currently has 29ners. They are tubed tires so when it comes to replace I’ve been thinking of switching to 27.5 tubeless. I’m also 5’7 so having slightly smaller wheels I think will offer me more handling control. Where as 29ners offer a slightly better rollover which sort of makes things boring. Great video.
I've got a bike with 27.5. My buddy who i ride with all the time had the same. I usually follow him everywhere and can easily keep up. He recently bought a Trek Fuel 8 with 29's. When we coast through single track over rooty stuff, he's gone. I have to really struggle to keep up. Climbing over roots, same thing.
Who’s having more fun?
Good analysis, Jon. Totally agree, buy the bike that fits..AND for the trails you ride. I ride Cannock Chase, which is tighter, twisty stuff (trail centre and off-piste), and 27.5 really suits it. I’m 175cm tall, and like a nimble bike. I’m in the market for a new bike, and I’m pretty certain I’ll keep to 27.5 (‘dead’ or not). I’m no 29r hater, just know what I like.
It's always good to ride both where you ride the most to really decide!
Very useful information based on real riding experiences. I'm about the same hight and have always ridden 26s. I'm looking to upgrade my old Trek Fuel EX8 26, but all the hype seems to be, "You need a 29er!" I'm a fan of tight twisty trails too, and even when I did 26er side by sides (way back when) I always preferred the less stretched out more nimble geometry bikes. Given my height and years of riding 26s I think the 27.5 will suit me better than a 29.
Quality content right here. Rational and hype-free - exactly what I needed to hear.
Needed to watch this. The other videos gave me buyer’s remorse about buying a 27.5. Going to pick up my bike tomorrow. Thanks for this!
I'm a little taller at 180cm and 200lbs. I heavily prefer 650b in everything, but cross county type trails. I've tried multiple 29ers and just don't get on with them at speed or in the steeps. Long travel 27.5>any 29er :)
I absolutely love my 27.5 hardtail. It can do everything I need it to and for a guy my size, it just feels right.
what is your height? im still thinking if its going to be 27 or 29
Best comparison video on this topic, easily. Amazing, very helpful. Thanks a lot!
No problem! Happy this video was helpful for you. Thanks for the comment.
He’s right…it all depends on your riding style and what you’re comfortable with. I have a 29 and wish I can easily turn tighter corners like a 27 but I do like the high end speed on the 29 with a 2.25 thickness in the rear and 2.35 up front.
You could try the mullet, 29 front, 27.5 rear
1.74 tall and I bought a L size hardtail MTB. The specs for my bike are M size 165-175cm, L size 175-185cm. On a M size frame I noticed that on curves my knees where super close to the handlebars so I went to L size. I did went with a short 50mm stem and my saddle setup in the frontes pozition and the bike feels super ok. It is 27.5+.
Best comparison I have ever seen. Awesome dude!
I tried my GFs 29er FS compared to my 27.5 HT with carbon plus size wheels in the trails of Sedona. I found her bike to be superior to those rocky chucky trails both up and down. My bike is lighter than hers but her 29ers make all the difference. Also I have an oval chainring and her bike didn't. I still felt her bike was better because it was a 29er. I'm 5'7.
This may be two year's old, but this video is really relevant now, as I get the feeling there's an increasing move by the industry towards 29ers. Some major brands aren't even making larger bikes with 27.5. I totally agree that the type of riding/trail and bike geometry/fit are way more important than wheel size. I hope the industry doesn't try and hoodwink people into believing 29ers are the be-all and end-all, because it just isn't true.
I think 27.5 are starting to make a comeback. Yeti, Pivot, Revel have all come out with 27.5 specific bikes. I think people are starting to realize that if you race, 29 is usually gonna be better but if you’re just interested in having fun, 27.5 is gonna be a better option for a lot of people.
The thing I like most about 27.5 would be the acceleration. 2nd is tighter handling. Trying to sell my pivot 29er now to get a 27.5
Great video really useful advice
Thanks for watching!
There are simply no 27,5 bikes in bikes shops here in france in 2023. It's hard to put your hands on a 27,5 that's not en entry level bike... I've just ordered a 29 because of that. The industry takes us where it wants unless you find niche bikes on the internet. I'm 6.1 so I hope it will stay manoeuverable for me. I come from a 26" wheels very agile and reactive bike , I'm a bit scared a 27,5 would have been better for my twisty trails. We'll see.
Good vid I just sold my 29er because it didn't feel right for me.27.5 coming next
How it ends feeling for you? i am in the same dilema right now. I own a Commencal TR 29" and it just feel chunky and so damn big.
Please give me opinions🙏
as I am choosing 2 (27.5 vs 29) bikes at same price:
27.5- Pivot Mach 6(2017)
Or
29- Merida Ninety-Six Rc5000 (2021)
I loved my 27.5 Specialized until I bought a new 2021 Stumpjumper 29er! It’s absolutely better and Specialized stoped making a 27.5 Stumpy!
Yeah we like ours too - review soon!
As if I found you commenting on a mountain biking video!! 😆. I've been out of biking for a few years and looking to get back into it.
@@tackhammer222 YOU CAUGHT ME!
@@tackhammer222 So funny! What are you riding now?
DUNE YXZ Nothing right now, I had a Cannondale Rush some years ago. Looking at the Giant Trance and trying to decide 27.5 or 29. We've got a bit of everything around here. Except desert lol
Just got a diamondback recoil medium frame 29”, 2015. To tell you the truth, I honestly don’t think it rides good. Feels like the tires are way to big and especially when turning..
I've got two Stumpy's of the same model. One's a 27.5 and ones a 29er. The 27.5 turns slightly better and the 29er rolls over rock garden's slightly better
Basically what I tell my friends looking at buying their first mtb. Decide what type of riding you plan on doing, how serious are you, make sure the bike is the correct size, and most of all.....be sure the bike you get is the bike you want/fills the need or else you won't want to ride it.
Great advice!
I can't decide ...must ...have....mullet...
29's could def be a little heavier, which may help going downhill, but sometimes I go uphill and ride on flat surfaces. Plus Im only 5'8" and dont want to land on a slightly higher crossbar.
It all depends on wheel actual wheel you choose. Not all 27.5" wheels are lighter than 29". Plus, 29ers can still pedal uphill and on flatter trails!
I Measured My Front DHF The Other Week It's 28.5 Inches Across 😎
I think for racing 29 is quicker but then these bikes are very specific in use ie quick up a hill or quick down a hill with no compromises.
I think for trail use if you want something that can bomb down and climb 27.5 might be better. I think they're just a jack of all trades as the wheels are just lighter and tougher/stiffer (for the weight), so you can't run heavier casings with out a massive weight penalty.
I just can't see that bigger heavier wheels are quicker up hill if you're gonna prioritize descending.
I own a 29 hardtail Nukeproof scout and a 27.5 Stanton FS. Pedaling across town to the trails and on mellow climbs/trails my mates 27.5 is no doubt quicker in places. I think I long travel 29 would just kill a trail and be a bit boring.
Have you bothered to weigh the difference of every wheel from each maker? You're probably talking about ounces difference.
Everything else you said is subjective based on the size, the strength and the athleticism of the rider.
@@dangerous8333 yeah did. I weighed every wheel made by each maker.
@@dangerous8333 difference between rims is roughly 50 grams as you go from 27.5 to 29. And difference in tyres is roughly 100 grams like for like. Sooooo and extra 300g rotational mass. You will feel that.
Lower CG Its A Felt Thing 😎
It went together easily in less than an hour. czcams.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.
If you can't decide, just get 26.
I used a Cannondale 26er for years mostly for riding on roads. Now I have a trek marlin 29er and being an older guy at 50 I feel I need to exert more on the 29er and it tires me out much sooner and I find it difficult to go up the gradient. Am I the only one? Is there something wrong with the bike?
I like 29
470 reach? I'm tinder 6 feet and looking for a new bike bc I find the current bikes 480 too long.
26" is still the best. And maxxis tyres are terrible.
Is it ok to assume a 29 inch will be too big foor situations(sketchy slow speed no space type stuff) and 650b will be less at home when its faster and rougher meaning you'll have to do more to get the bike through rough section's? Cause if so that 27.5 sounds intently more fun.
It's perhaps a bit harsh to say that a 29" wheel will be too big for certain situations but its size can be noticeable when negotiating tight corners. 27.5 will get caught up in bigger holes and rougher sections more, meaning you'll have to work harder to go as quickly. It depends on the kind of ride that you're looking for. If you're often twisting through tight corners, the little wheel will make that easier. If you're mostly smashing chunk, the bigger wheel will make that easier.
I am riding CALOI 26" and Schwinn Varsity Traveller III 27" x 1 3/8 with straight handlebar in both and baaaaaaawwwwww😮😅😂❤❤
Good 29 or 27.5
fantastic
It will probably come full circle in a couple of years with 27.5 being the "best
What's the best size for a 5ft8 person please, 27.5 or a 29?
Unfortunately, there is no best! Allow me direct your attention to 5:18 in the video, Jon will tell you exactly what to think about to help you make your decision. Cheers!
I'm not a trail rider.... I just road cycle, I like to go long cycles from time to time, I'm 5 feet 9 inches in height.... what frame size and wheel size would suit me?
Hi, we're all about trails here and generally stay away from roads as much as we can! You'll be much better off asking that question to our mates over at Road.cc. Here's a link - czcams.com/users/roadcc
Let's get crackin!
i am 160 cm would i fit on an 29 inch bike if put the seat in it lowest
As long as you can find a frame size for you, you'll fit on a 29er.
🤔29er or 27.5 just over 6ft?
24inch
I’m 5 foot 4 inches. Should I get 27.5 or 29? Anyone kindly provide advice, thank you
27.5 more fun especially ur height is perfect for you
@@user-bo6ih7rr1v thank you for the advice.
Bigger better. Ask your girl.
Which size is best? 26 lmao
: )
You're about a year too late, 27.5 is already dead...
If you watch the video you’ll see why I don’t think that’s true!
It may not be used much in racing but it absolutely isn’t dead for average riders
@@mtbsareprettycool9826 I absolutely love 27.5, in fact I just built up a nukeproof scout in 27.5. but the fact is that so many bike brands changed their 650b models to 29 this year and models that used to have both a 27.5 and a 29 version, they killed off the 27.5 one.
Almost everyone I know runs 27.5 because I do free ride I guess if u ride xc or trail stuff 29 is better but you just can’t beat a 650b on jumps and steep stuff. I’ve risen a 29er and it’s just not as fun but yeah I agree for racing 29 all the way
New 27.5 bikes this year - Santa Cruz 5010, Ibis Mojo, Transition Scout, Orange 5 Evo, Bird Aether 7, AirDrop Edit V4. Doesn’t look dead to me. Something for everyone.