What's The Best Wheel Size? | 27.5" Vs 29" MTB Hardtail
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- čas přidán 14. 01. 2022
- We know by now that not only is Blake a big advocate of the hardtail, but also that he spends a lot of his time riding them. He's always blasting around on his 27.5 Nukeproof Scout, but has never given Neil's 29 Canyon Stoic a try! Will big wheels rule the day or will Blake decide to stick with what he knows?
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Have you had a chance to try both 27.5 and 29 on a hardtail? What are your thoughts? What works better for you? Let us know 👇
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Leave us a comment below! - Sport
I’m a hardtail guy, but at 70, I can’t even ride like that in my dreams. Still, Blake cracks me up every time and I feel like he’s a friend of mine. Like all his vids, this one redlines the fun meter. Keep up the great work, Blake!
Keep riding!
@IPA SOLÉ Ha! I wish.
Awesome. I just started at nearly 50; so glad I've got twenty more years on the trails.
At 50, I'm just getting back into riding and my 20 year old full suspension 26" mtb just got replaced with a hardtail with 29" wheels and it feel so big. I'll get used to it in time...
Still will never ever forget Blake shouting ‘Yeahhh hardtail’ as I rode past him down a trail at revolution bike park. Definitely a moment I’ll never forget!!! King of the hardtails
I actually went back to a 27.5 after having a 29er for awhile and I like the 27.5 better. I agree a 29er does roll over stuff slightly, and only slightly, better than a 27.5 wheel. The issue I had with a 29er, especially at my height of 5' 7" is it was just too much wheel for me to be able to toss the bike around how I like. I felt like the bike was taking control of the ride and that made me uncomfortable. I want to be in control of the bike and a 27.5 does that. When I want to (need to?) pull up the front wheel it easily comes up with a 27.5. I manual easier and I can hop better on a 27.5. When it comes to jumping, a 29er is very slightly more stable, but harder to take control of. On the 29er when I got out of sorts off a jump or something else, I didn't have as much ability to take back control like I do an a 27.5.
All of this is very subtle, but what I come to realize is that wheel size has more to do with rider size. If you are a taller rider, 29ers probably feel better and if you are shorter like me, 27.5 feels better. Basically, I want control of the bike, not the other way around.
Of course, bike geometry plays a big role in all of this too. Being that Blake was riding two different bikes makes it harder to believe a 29er is that much better. Maybe it's the bike, lighter tires, different geometry and so on.
I'm 15 years old and I've ridden friends 29ers and I feel exactly the same way, 27.5 just feels more controllable since I'm only 5'5 at the moment.
The stoic has shorter chainstays and a longer reach. But I think wheel size is the biggest difference.
I’m 6’4” and 245 I prefer the 27.5 with a 3” plus tire to the 29 trail or lighter Xc tire. But with the plus tire it rolls like the 29?but you don’t lose the nimble? Try a fat bike. ride that for a while. You will have your mind blown when you go back to the 27.5! You’ll feel like you have mind warping control. I have a 29” full sus Xc hei hei, a big Honzo hard tail with 3” MT’s and a Farley 7 fat with 4.5x27.5 Gnarwahl tires. For fast rides I pick the Honzo for all day trail Hei Hei and when I don’t mind slow Fat is insane. Monster truck, bad ass go anywhere in ANY conditions.
@@quarkidee2878 In that context then this test was every bit of chance the 27.5 scout to win versus the 29 stoic. If the scout had factory spec fork I'd think this test would have an even clearer difference between the two
The scout had a slacker head tube angle because of the fork, longer travel, longer chainstay and bombproof wheel set up. The stoic technically was set up for less "send" than the scout, but look who Blake picked as the winner. Just shows how just the wheel size was able to make the difference. Crazy
I agree that smaller wheels are easier to toss around and hop on obstacles. But I don't think the wheel size has got to do with the rider's height. Wheel size is more about the rider's riding style and preference. I am 5'5", and used to ride a 26" and decided to try out a 29er and I actually started to like it better. Although my movements are more limited, it is faster on climbs, rock gardens and techy sections. It took me a a couple of months before I got used to it though.
Love Blake’s energy! I was like “im gonna stay home and chill” after watching this video “nope im going for a ride today”
Go for it! Glad to see you loved the video, @Wasabe. Have a good ride! 👊🤘
Time for 28.25 size.🤣
28.25 for the win
That’s is a good idea tell speclized to do that
That’s basically 27.5+
Ya
Blake + Hardtail = Weekend Solved 🥴
Moral of the story: hardtails are life 😍
More Blake content!!
26” and 2.8 at the rear and 3 at the front 👍🥾
The energy in this video is absolutely wonderful. The excitement Blake feels translates so clearly that I want to get out and go ride right now.
I made the switch last year to a 29er trail bike. As a large heavy human, I was truly amazed at the speed and rollover of my new bike! I can see that Blake is now hooked, as well.
Shoutout to the editors and camera crew! Getting better every video.
That was my first reaction as well. It's seamless, tells the story, and is dead-on visually. I do wish they would FOR ONCE actually spend some money on better POV setups, and splice more of that in, but I've pretty well given up on that. I have no clue why they have the best of everything, but for some reason insist on running a GoPro 5 5 of 6 without any stabilization. Maybe it's being done on purpose for some reason so we are getting "blair witch" cam? I don't get it??? You can put a Hero 10 under the visor, on a chesty, or the best is chin mount....and get amazing footage that they could splice in.
glad they are there to take care of Blake in the woods getting that excited by bicycles …
I'm at the moment a 27.5" HT boy! I use a 2017 Giant Talon 2 fitted with WTB Riddler 2.25 tyres. I use it as an all-rounder bike as it is the only one I have. It's expensive to own a new MTB esp. during the pandemic, eh!
I enjoy using my bike on- & off-road! The word "playful" is so true to 27.5ers. Amazing piece of machinery!
Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #KeepBiking
Mabuhay kabayan!
Ingat.🙂 Ride safe.
Mabuhay kabayan!29er here
I'm 6'2" 200lbs and ride a Yeti ARC 29 with 2.6" tires and inserts in both. I love it how it plows down the rough stuff like a tank going blitzkrieg. Because of the added leverage of the wheels, I am running the largest rotors I can fit (180r / 203f) on 4 piston brakes. Looking forward to Blake's new rig!
I lost my 29er somewhere in Asia, now on a 27.5+, I do miss the bigger wheels, but the + is great fun to whip around. 👍☝️
Man great video! I just recently went from a 26'r to a 29'r!!! I am loving it! I love watching you ride and you are one of the reasons I stayed with a hard tail! Keep on jammin!
Glad to see Blake's enthusiasm and honesty in this update. Keep us posted on what kind of 29er tires you end up getting! (also, would Blake consider keeping the rear tire a 27.5 🤔)
I have a 27.5+ hardtail with a 120mm fork and absolutely love it. I am not worried about overall speed because I don't race and I ride alot of technical trails and my current bike has served me well. I am tired of the manufacturers taking this whole marketing scheme to change the standards and sizes constantly because of the next "best" thing. I rode 26" full suspension bikes and hardtails for nearly 30 yrs with no issues, but I was getting tired of the maintenance required to keep them running smooth. I went back to the good Ole hardtail when I got to demo a plus hardtail and loved the extra cush and the grip afforded by those 2.8's. Now it seems the push is to get everyone to move on to 29ers because it's now time for the 27.5 to die(?)....What's next, are regular bikes going away because we all have to "get" E-bikes? I understand everything has to innovate and upgrade, but sometimes it's ok to just improve what we currently have and not just replace it because it's "old" tech.
@@enjoylife8447 There will never be a thing like 28,5...
If 29er tires useful for MTB would have bin around when the klunkers started MTB bike's would have bin 29er from the start and we may see the exact opposite of some bike's coming with smaller wheel's instead.
Ppl will always complain.
26ers rider over stuff like shit 27,5 is a good amount better already and 29ers are better than that.
If you're small 27,5 sure will be better and if you're tall 29ers will be better.
If decent 29er tire's would have bin around we would never have had 26er or 27,5 apart from bike's for smaller riders and everything would be 29er.
I don't think normal bike's are going to die as E-Bike's are always going to be heavy pigs.
We started with 26er just because there were nobbly tire's around for them because beach cruisers and stuff.
27,5 is just a temporary size i think as ppl complain about big changes or any change at all. Ppl complained when thru axle became a thing, When boost became a thing, When 1x became a thing, When Tubeless became a thing and the list goes on.
If 29ers woulf become the new standard light 29er wheels would get cheaper because of more mass being produced and ppl are able to make their bikes feel better for cheaper.
29ers came along before the 27.5 anyway, didn't they? Well, I'm building a carbon 26er for my son using parts from my old On One 456. We don't care for fashion around here....but I did go straight from 26er to 29er....and yes, its faster...at all skill levels!
With plus sized tires on your 27.5 wheels, you actually closer to 29er based on the total package size. Measure and you might be surprised.
@@duranbailiff5337 I know that the outer diameter of a 27.5+ is nearly the same as 29er x 2.4-5. If and when I get another Hardtail, it will be a 29er plus, 29 x 2.6 or 2.8. I like the added grip and the ability to run slightly lower pressures than normal.
Great video. I appreciate your honesty. I went from a 27.5 full suspension to a 29 hard tail. I thought the large wheels would mitigate the loss of suspension. To a certain extent this is true. I ride much slower than you, much, much slower. I’m 67 years old. I really appreciate how easy the 29 rolls over rough terrain when going up hill.
Why would you, at 67, go for a HT over an FS?
@@mdc3227 I thought the 29 would roll over stuff more easily and it does. The rigid rear end makes it a good climber. I’m 67, I don’t go that fast.
@@gcprost Ride safe Dear Sir! and Have fun at that! :)
Awesome editing so good to see a comparison video where the two bikes are merged into one shot!!!
I went 29er hardtail 13 years ago, I'm all in, bought my full squish at 29er as well.
BTW, Blake you're the best.
29ers exist fore 13 I didn't know that holy f
I recently made a switch from a 26" full suspension to a 29" hardtail. I find myself having to think about how I ride now instead of just letting the suspension handle everything but I am enjoying my riding more. Just wish I was 20 years younger again so I could ride the way I used to
I just went straight from a 26" to a 29" (both hardtails). The new bike felt gigantic at first but I'm totally used to the size after one season. I'm actually having more fun on the 29er because of the extra speed I can carry and the fact that I can charge over way worse chunk, *especially* on a hardtail. 🤙
Massive change.. Did the same mate, first got on my 29r like wtf is this xxxxl? lol doesnt take long tho... i know this makes no sense but my 26 seemed to roll better tho... narrower wheels maybe?? They are wide and chunk on my 29r so im guessing its that. Also the hubs roll sweet so it aint that.
Same here. I was riding an old full suspension 26" and decided to change to 29er, Nukeproof Scout. Big jump in size. It was a weird feeling that it was harder for me to make sharp turns. It took me about 2 months to start appreciating the 29" wheels. I just had to get use to it, and although the turns are harder, it is overall faster to roll on climbs, techy sections and rock gardens.
I went 24 to 29 lol....(bmx to mtb) so I was like shiiiiiiit...lol
I'm 5'3 going from 26 small frame to 29 medium frame and boy was it a difficult transition. Still getting used to it now tbh
I went from a 2003 schwinn 26 with no suspension and just about 4 months ago I switched to a Trek Roscoe 6, I love it.
You guys have made this video so many times
I’ve watched them all. Keep making them. We love them
Fantastic shots on the "Race Run" with both bikes visible at the same time - Wonderfully done!
Just bought a marlin 5 in a 29er and am absolutely loving it! To bad it’s winter in the Midwest and local trails are mostly closed. Time to ride the trails in my woods!
It's such a personal choice. With my posture, a29er feels like handling a barge on the trail. I won't argue that they're faster, because that's just facts, for me they just don't feel right. I prefer the snappy, nimble handling of 27.5 's
Yep. I went 27.5 to 29er, it was fast for sure, but went back to a 27.5. Because it was more fun. Like a slightly oversized BMX bike. And that's what it's all about for me. Fun
Great Video Blake. Keep up the good work.
Been riding MTBs for 31 years only 26". Got a 29" last year. Unreal speed and adjusted to large wheels on cornering. But a tank through the rough stuff. Love it. Oh it's an ebike too!!! Am I allowed to post here!! 😂
Great vid! Nicely put together & a joy to watch
Only place I found 29er faster was for XC. I went back to 27.5" - so much more fun on trails especially when hitting jumps, drops and technical features. I'd much rather pop than roll.
Protip, you can fit 29er wheels in a scout 27.5 frame. Probably not 2.6, but 2.4 definitely fits. Its like 2 bikes in one!
Then you still have to buy a new fork
@@Hoodpow Old scout 275 had a 27.5/29 fork. Atleast on the low end model, I started with an 18 scout sport.
With a 27.5+ frame 29er would fit limitless I guess.
Valid point, I've got a 29er with 2.3" tyres and was thinking of getting a 27.5 wheelset to with some chunkier tyres.
Completely agree Blake, I went to the Scout 29er in 2018 and was always 50/50 between 27.5 and 29er but last year I had a ride of my mates 27.5 hardtail and I don't think I can go back, 100% 27.5 more nimble but I'm not nimble anymore so 29er for me 👍🏻🤘🏻
Cheers Blake, I really appreciate your enthusiasm and humour when it comes to these reviews. I have just bought my first ,new, bike in 25 years of 26" hand-me-downs (kids have left home now and I needed an empty-nest distraction). It's a 29" Bizango and the difference is astonishing, I feel like I'm now riding in the 21st century, it was like riding a penny-farthing at first but once you realise the capabilities of the bigger rims.....well, wet roots aren't the bum clencher they used to be. Count me in, subscribed.
I went from a 26" fully rigid to a 29er hardtail last year and picked up a lot of speed. So much easier rolling over chunk.
Just got a Honzo ESD am loving it so interested in Blake's impression of the two
You could just feel Blake's excitement about this experience.
I went to 29 back in 2013 with Santa Cruz Tallboy LT, then a full rigid China Carbon a few years later, now I'm waiting fora Nordest Bardino 3 frame to arrive and build up. I can't wait to have a 160mm foekwd 29er hardtail!
I came to the same conclusion on mixed terrain in Maui at Makawao. After a race, followed by a storm, next day borrowed a 29” SWORKS hardie and it won me over (my 27.5” FSR). After sniffing the eucalyptus trees in the parking lot, the Kahakapao loop on Maui was mushy and covered in leaves & vines & roots, but solid by the time I reached the boreal pines. The canopy was however covered in yellow needles. Up top a third transition of this beautiful forest… I realized I never noticed so much of it caus the ride was so effortless. I was sightseeing, enjoying the air, and making the same pace with less effort both on the way up and on the way down. I didn’t end up buying a 29” hardtail (all XTR Santacruz Hiball carbon 140mm Rox, with Roval carbon wheels). Took a few years (late) at 50, but makes and it made me feel like 45 again (haha), but the braking is a bitch needed to shed speed with a bit more risk doing endovers.. than the 27.5…well it ain’t perfect.
So what is more fun to ride? 🙂🤔
BLAKE is such an awesomely skilled rider! He is able to go from a bike he knows like the back of his hand to a totally different geometry bike that has not had any dialing in to his size and beat his times. It will be interesting what he can do after about 6 months of dialing and familiarity on his new 29er!!!
Difference is going to be way less when cush core and heavy casing tires are added to the 29r, rolling resistance has a huge impact.
Another great video Blake, thank you.
Can you do one about the additional side-to-side leverage that a 29'er gives you?
Let me try to explain. Think in terms of the cranks being the "handlebars for your feet (= footlebars)". In this way, a higher axle radius to the ground, gives your "footlebars" more leverage like having wider handlebars. I do a lot of wakeboarding and you use a wider foot stance to get more leverage on the board edge, which does many great things.
Now apply this to controlling the edge of your tire. More leverage means better tire grip on the ground and ability to maneuver the wheel around turns. Just try holding the edge of a 26'r through a high speed turn versus a 29'r and you will get it.
Help me out here Blake, I think I'm on to something. Please verify and disabuse me if I'm wrong.
Blake is hands down an incredible wealth of knowledge and I love watching his video's 27.5 or 29 he gives you the information you need and makes you laugh your ass off!!
I'm running 29". It's a little bit different, but generally better for clearing small gaps and holes without losing speed.
Never liked pedal clips, I like to be able to counterbalance with my feet and you know, not faceplant if I fall... :D
Editor did an amazing job. Very nice video.
I'm a small, weak man, therefore, a 27.5 hardtail feels the best. I am by no means a big jumper or racer. I ride for personal fun and exertion. The 27.5 size is much easier to throw around on tight turns, over funky rocks n roots also some urban exploration and shenanigans. It is easier to correct my mistakes on its small dimensions and not go dead man sailing n stuff due to my lack of skill. However. On gravelly straights I WISH I had a 29er under me. It is so much faster and just eats up the terrain.
Depend on the build, I built up my own 29er hardtail and I prefer it over my smaller wheeled full squish and hardtail bikes. It really increased my speed and is just as good in the technical stuff.
@@user-yv2cz8oj1k that is absolute perception very difficult to quantify unless you are prepared to do a exact back-to-back test. Of course the 29-inch wheel will be perceived as rolling faster because it will roll faster. God is not the argument the argument is the 29in wheel and tire combination is not as nimble I don't care how you think it feels. You can argue all day long against physics until you're blue in the face and you will never win. 🤦♂️
Same for me I'll like my 27.5 small frame polygon premier 5 fits me well but I can't ride it due to a lingering wrist injury
@@rider65 I'm just finishing my Engineering Masters and it is connected with vehicle dynamics, so yes, I have the equations, including the ones for tyre dynamics, and there is very little in it, because the difference between a 27.5 and 29 wheel from the hub centre to the outer is only 3/4 of an inch. So talk bullshit all you want, you clearly know nothing of physics. 🤣
I have a GT Avalanche Large frame 29" 1x10 I love it, even though its a big box store bike, to me it feels more natural than a full suspension bike if that makes sense, I took mine to S.D. (South Dakota) in the states and took it down some mountains... Was So Much Fun!!!
FYR I'm 6ft 2. I have both a 2019 27.5 and 2012 26 Trek Remedy. The newer bike gets it on geometry, better suspension and components hands down. But 27.5 feels so sluggish compared to 26 on flattish flowing singletrack. For that reason alone I have never even considered a 29er.
I've ridden 26ers, 27.5, and 29er. For my riding style and trails I visit, 27.5 is best.
My 29er is simply almost unstoppable in a downhill XC ride, but not easy to maneuver on tight technical trails. That's when I miss my 27.5 hardtail. It's just easier to ride, quick to steer and respond, works just as good on XC roads. When a bike is easier to handle on tight trails, I gain confidence and ride better. I do miss it, but I'm not sure if I will be going back to a 27.5.
29 was way too big and awkward for trail.
Seems to me the sensitive choice is to have both sets actually and fit the size for the trail to be ridden on the day. Going longer distance on various terrains seems 29 would be best, and a day of trails with tight switchbacks and technical terrain requiring more maneuverability a 27.5 would be best? What do you guys think?
Great information, Blake, thanks! And - It's always a pleasure to listen to you navigate your way through the english language! 😅
Keep Rollin'!
I have both and the 29er is faster in a line but the 27.5 is snappier in turns.
Of course it is, because of the physics. Centripetal, centrifugal forces, steering Arc and steering axis. It's funny to read comments from people who say the 29in bike is quicker through the corners, absolutely false unless maybe you're a top-of-the-line Pro
What is more fun to ride? 🙂🤔
Well damnit... now I'm leaning towards a 29" ht frame for my next bike. Before your video I was convinced I was going 27.5"...... Funny how the potential for more speed is a deal changer.
That was awesome, thanks Blake!
Great review as always. Riding a 27.5 Stanton Switchback for something like 5 years, I've spent some great time on that bike that I love so much, but I have to admit that the big wheels are better. I built this bike after owning a 29" Transition Trans Am which was a good bike but with a quite steep HTA. One day I built a pair of 27.5" wheels and mounted them on it for a try... and I actually preferred the smaller wheels... at that time. Later I rode again a 29er and rediscovered how great it was. Last month I built a Transition Smuggler (first full sussy for 11 years to replace my old SXC Slayer), and whaaaaa: this bike is a killing. Last week I rode my Stanton and found it so small and not-so-efficient. I keep it more as a big BMX, but sincerely, I don't know if I'm gonna keep it. Big wheels rule, it's undiscussable!
Had a 27.5 years ago for the singletrack. I'm mostly a roadie and was never any good with the technical stuff. I have a 29er hardtail now which should be perfect for the 100 mile mt bike race I have later this year. Its mostly straight, gravelly, hilly.
I ride 27.5 HT 2.8 Schwalbe MM and NN, absolute beast in the wet it just finds grip no matter what.
Fanatic! Like it all. Love it actually. Love that Blake is not only curious, but willing to try and make changes. Massive! Super cool. Cheers mate to each there own, I love hard tails on all trails with any size wheels
I built a 27.5 -26 hardtail. Really loving it, Fox Fit4 is fantastic.
I got a new hard tail in 27.5, what convinced me is the accessibility in new and used parts, I always find more in that tire size and almost find it cheaper👀
29er tyres last longer
Best wheel size is the one you’re comfortable riding with...
Exactly!!!
I still have a 26er i use at trail centres
@@voicheck1 still got mine as well. Hehe!
Yeah! Thats why i still have got a 26 incher 😁
I love my 26 but man, the tires cost more than 27.5 now
Finally the video that answered my questions. Broke down all the nuances of ride feel.
Any time I follow my riding buddy who has 27.5 wheels I am always break checking my 29er on any terrain except flat tight corners. I am older so I grew up on 26" and 27.5 in wheels and laughed at the 29ers. I am glad I finally pulled the trigger on one.
I'm still on my 26 DH ... and i see so much kids with highend Downhill bikes (650b or 29ers) who can't ride their bike safe on the trails but are equipped like a pro and i'm still faster and handle my bike better than them. I don't need a new bike just because the bike industrie told me i'm old fashioned...
Still hanging on to my 2003 Klein Palomino! Got it overhauled during the lockdown in 2020, and it's still a joy to ride (fully suspended, which I also appreciate at my age).
@@curtvaughan2836 that's how it should be! Thumb up
Both are wrong, 26'' is still the best ( because that's what I got, and I don't feel a need to upgrade ).
edit: scrolling through the comments makes my hearth beat harder for all the
then try 27,5 or 29 and u can feel a need to upgrade :)
Bro these videos keep us focused on what life is all about 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🍻
Well I wasn't expecting that verdict at the end 😲
I've just dropped some 150mm Fox 36 on my Scout and it rides sweet. 29er of course 💪😎🤘
Man, I love Blake’s videos….. hahaha 🤪
I went 29" (full sus) because the bike i fell in love with was simply not offered in 27.5". And im about the same height as Blake. 😉 I quickly found out one thing : A 29" bike is much harder to manual and bunny hop. Mostly because that bigger rear wheel requires you to get your weight much further back than you are used to. And if you are not as tall as Doddy for instance, you will notice that difference very clearly once you run out of arm length. 😂 It may be a good idea to choose one frame size smaller than what you are used to or whats actually recommended for your body size, if your new bike is a 29. And yes, they are a lot faster and roll much better over sticks stones and roots and you will fall in love with that real quick. After two years on a 29" and now fully accustomed to riding it, im still struggling with manuals and bunny hops a bit. So will i go back to 27.5 with a future bike ? Nope, i dont think so.😉 The speed and feel of those big wheels is something special.
But what is more fun? 🙂🤔
Can you tell me your height?
For me the best combination is 29er and a one size smaller on the frame. Perfect for trails and closed turns. On the road, 29er and regular frame size.
Another great vid Blake. Would be good to get your thoughts in full suss also. Have a quiver full of 27.5 and am hanging on to the fun factor but now having to look at it harder!
ive been on 29er since i started MTBing, and recently bought a 27.5 and man its fun with 2.6 27.5 tyres i dont notice the roll over differnce but i do notice the speed difference.
The 27.5 are faster then a 29r? I thought faster was the whole point for riding 29r.
@@GoodDogXanto i ment saying the 29er is faster.
I own both in full-suspension and my 27.5 is my go-to. The 29er's great, but at 5'9" the 650b makes me smile as I'm pulling horn-mono's down the trail.
Been riding a 27.5 full sus Mondraker Factor xr for 6 years . Just got a Ragley Big Al 1.0 29r , Such a difference in riding style. I love the climbing and speed of the 29r , changes your line choice massively
I went from a 26 to a 29 Trek Marlin 6 about 8 years ago......I just recieved before Christmas a 29 Trek Procaliber Carbon I ordered in March, MAN WHAT A RIDE! weighs 1/2 of me Marlin 6, love me hardtail!
I went 29 when I recently bought my first "real" MTB (ie. not a department store bike, or a second-hand department store bike that breaks every ride). Slightly wishing I went 27.5 because the 29er feels massive compared to my old mtb's and bmx bikes growing up, but I think I'll get used to it and overall just happy to be riding something more than decent.
Also not fan. Feels like a boat. No connection or response.
You should probably test the scout 29er against the scout 275.
When I first got my 29 dual suspension. Compared to my dirt Jumper. I noticed how heavy the wheels felt in the corners, like rotating into the berms. Now I'm used to it. I don't notice anymore. And on jumps. You get used to it and it feels normal not heavy. The nimbly feeling returns when you get stronger.
Thanks Blake for the great video. I just migrated from a 27.5" to a 29" and yet to go for a ride on the 29er. Can't wait to try it out.
How it's going? How tall are you?
27.5 forever!
and what about the 27,7" hardtail with a 29" front wheel?? it's worth a test?
27.5 user for one year and i just converted my bike to a 29er since the frame is capable of 29 wheels. Its a whole new world riding on a 29er. Everything is just fast and easy in climbs and bumpy trails. The only challenge is the cornering,i had to lean more when turning.
i absolutely love a video where someone changes their mind. shows how open they went into the challenge and it really throws doubt in there for anyone stuck in their ways. try it if you like it you like it if you dont at least you tried. 10/10
My Stanton Switchback is still my favourite bike and I've owned multiple full sus's that I've sold both of. Hardtail is the way, especially for someone who is very picky on bike setup and does all their mechanics themselves.
I just got a switchback. Waiting for parts to build. Tell me more about why you prefer it? What inner rim width are you running and tire width? Thanks man
@@jeremyauzenne5537 I have a 30mm internal width E13 TRS carbon wheelset with 2.4s front and rear. Would recommend tyre inserts. The Switchback is just insanely nimble yet when you point it down a chunky section of trail and drop your heels, it rides remarkably well. Steel is definitely far more compliant and comfortable than an aluminium hardtail too so it just takes a lot of the small bumps out even though you're still riding a hardtail 🤣 Overall, it's definitely a great bike for someone who is very active on the trail and likes to jump, unweight and place the bike where they want. Enjoy the bike man!
I think the manufacturers that have different size frames spec’d with different size wheels have got it right. I think, generally, that if you ride an XS or S frame, you should probably be on 27.5” wheels. If you ride a L or XL, you should probably be on 29” wheels. If you ride a M, you could probably go either way, depending on whether you want more maneuverability or more rollover.
Your comment is probably the best comment on here. Spot on 👍🏻
Blake always killing it with the videos so fun to watch and see how excited he gets about hardtails his the reason i ride one and never looked back
Hey Vedran, It's sick to see you like the Blake videos. You just can't beat the gnarly feeling of a hardtail. Thanks for the support! 👍👊
Awesome video. Thanks, Blake!
I’m on a xxl 29er Hightower. 6ft 3. I have no problems throwing it about but most of all it’s super composed and comfortable. I think bikes have been too small in the past years to be honest.
Last spring I got a 27.5+ (27.5 with fatter tires) thinking I'd be compromising and getting best of both worlds.
After 1 year I'm thinking I got the worst of both
could you elaborate on why you think it's the worst of both? thanks
@@AaronGruber I'm not the most qualified but it feels like the bigger tires help absorb shock a bit better, allow you to run very low tire pressure if you want, but they feel sluggish and hard to turn in with. You don't gain the rollover bonus of the 29s, but you gain weight and a less quick feel. And I don't run it in the winter as much as I had hoped haha
I had HT 29er and after 2 years I converted it to 27,5+. Then I moved back to 29er rims for 2 weeks and went back to 27,5+ because I like more low pressure and better grip. More fun on 27,5+ for me. Same in my second bike - full sus ebike on 27,5+.
From a guy who has a half dozen retro elite 26” hardtails & full-suspension bikes,
This couldn’t have been better timing as I’ve been looking at adding a modern hardtail and was having the same internal discussion.
Thanks Blake!
You rock!
27.5 😊
I ride a 26 dual suspension and a 29 hardtail and I love them both for different riding styles.
one feels like your sitting in a F1 cart and the other feels like your riding on top of a tall bar stool lol
What is more fun to ride in general? 🙂🤔
@@loveistheanswer5924 I grew up riding 26" so I prefer 27.5 bikes because they feel more playful and nimble...29" climb better to me and on average feel a tad faster on long straights because they carry momentum better, pick your poison
@@MMK86 Great comment! 🙂
I love it to ride really fast and long so 29 would be better for that. But at the same time I love it also to accelerate fast and a fun and playful feeling is for me important. I will try 29 and then I will decide but I think I would rather like to go with 27,5. Just have to find one.
🙂
Anyone else still rockin’ 26? 🤙
My enduro ebike is 27.5 and I was always a fan of the size. But I am currently building a 29er aggressive carbon hardtail! So I’m joining the Blake crew!
Fantastic riding, great video. Me too, I've never liked dually's, both your bikes are beautiful...Subbed!
I think it depends a lot on height. If your under 5'6", you should probably be riding a 27.5
If your over 6', you probably ought to ride a 29
Yup
what if you are under 5’6” but want something more XC - there’s nothing out there in 27.5…?
@@julesberrry Trek and Polygon small bikes are offered in 27.5". I'm sure there are others.
XC is probably worth going for 29" mind, even for us shorter people.
I'm 5'7 and 29er is ok with me depends on the frame tho
@Sean Florian I agree 100%. I’m 6’3 195 20 years old and fit and the 29 to me feels natural. I couldn’t image riding a smaller bike it wouldn’t be very comfortable..
I bought my first 29 last week.. Honestly I miss the playfulness of the 27.5. 29 does roll over things better.
After riding 26” my entire mtn bike life I added a 29er this past weekend. Got a Rocky Mountain Vertex. Now I have to wait for spring to see what all the hype is about as I live in Canada and we currently have a couple of feet of snow out the front window….🇨🇦
totally agree, i came up with the same conclusions, kewl!! thanks for the great video!
The climbing is a lot different on the 27.5 from the 29 because of your large forks on the front puts you further back.
For the nostalgic reasons, I still have my felt virtue one 26er. I love dusting it off and taking it for a ride here and there. When I get on my HT 27.5 it feels like a different world. very surprised what a difference 1.5" makes. I am going to have to do 29 next.
I skipped the 27.5 and went 26 to 29, I did ride a few 27.5 bikes but they really seemed to combine the disadvantages of not being fast and not being as manoeuvrable in the techy stuff. Try a good 29er, you won't regret it.
I've been riding 26" forever. I'm already planning on a 29er for my next bike. At 6'2" and 250#, its time to upgrade to a bike that fits me better. Thanks for the great reviews!
27.5 all day
The best wheel size for hardtail is a plus size tire, specially 27.5+
I have a 29er hardtail but once you ride the plus size bike you will never go back
I hear ya, but I still miss the outright speed of the 29er. Especially over long rides…
Same here, gonna get 29 as my friend suggest. Got my Salsa timberjack in 27.5plus during sales(30% discount). Plan was spend the saved CAD$900 to get 29 wheelset. Dumped the idea after the fist few rides. Now I am the one to tell my friend try the plus size first.
(The bike it replace was 2014 Giant XTC27.5)
@@martintin250 Yeah 29er is a faster option and i run it with 2.6 tiers and i absolutely love it bit 27.5+ tires are more comfortable for hardtail
@@bensonc627 plus size tiers are so comfortable on hardtail
@@mkhitarkhodaverdian7159 yes, and more capable on rough surface. I actually try not going too fast by stay riding hard tail. I am old enough to concern more about going home safe than an kom.