Is it worth going for a 27.5" mtb?

[.Adam.]

I've been riding an Orange 5 for the past 13 years, and feel it might be time to start looking for a new bike. With out having ridden either, I feel I would prefer a 27.5 bike, but seeing a few brands have dropped these are are focusing on 29", I'm wondering if it's worth considering the smaller wheeled bike?
I don't want to be in the same position I'm in with my 26" bike in a couple of years time!

[firemunki]

Depends on what you want to ride. I'm on a 2016 27.5 and since I've moved towards long days out then 29er is where XC and fast trail is at now, but if you're spending ages playing at bike parks a 27.5 is more nimble.

I can't see 27.5 going away, my advice would be to think about where you ride and what sort of riding you enjoy and go from there.

[Lordbenny]

I bought a 29’ Giant Stance 1 today. I had a 29’ hardtail until today. Been researching a LOT over the last few days. I’d say that the general consensus is that 27.5’ bikes have had their day…it’s 29ers all the way now even for park trail bikes.

[Bathroom_Security]

Ive got 2 mixed wheel bikes plus 1 27.5 bike Prefer the nimble snappy feeling of a 27.5 but prefer the rollover and traction of a 29.

If I was riding xc I'd probably go 29er.

Trail/enduro I like mixed wheel a lot.

Parks would be 275 or mixed.

[OutInTheShed]

It's not actually a monstrous difference.
Depends a little on frame size too.

If you're worried about future proofing and all that, hub sizes may be the bigger thing?
I don't think the tyre sizes will go obsolete any time soon.

[m_cozzy]

You are off trend if not riding a mullet these days.

[LasseV]

I drive 27.5 Intense Tracer. Yes, it is worth it.

[BaronVonVaderham]

Yes definitely, and especially if you grew up on 26”.

Bought a Bird Zero 27.5 hard tail last year and loving it.

27.5 wheels and bikes are lighter than 29, handle better and just look right.

All 29 bikes just look inherently wrong - the wheels are far too big in proportion to the rest.

The rest, as usual is just marketing

[emicen]

I think it’s gonna be personal.

I rode a lot in the late nineties then stopped completely. Bought a 29er hardtail on Aug-20 to get back out riding and truth be told, I just don’t think I get along with it very well. It just feels a bit big and awkward, despite being a small frame size.

Kinda wish I had gone 27.5 instead, but then I’ve never ridden one of those to know for sure

[.Adam.]

I would quite like a 5 Evo, which is a 27.5, but don't know if I can justify the extra cost, so am looking at a Bird Aether 9 or 7.

[keith2.2]

I Still ride all three.

It depends why you want to ‘upgrade’.

The larger wheels are faster over a given surface and frankly the larger wheels make things rideable that a 26” would struggle with.

But if you’re not finding you can’t ride things and you’re not looking for Strava times, honestly I wouldn’t bother.

My go-to is a 27.5 for general duties, though. I find it the best for me) blend of fun and speed.

[missing the VR6]

I went from a 2012 Orange 5, to a 2017 Orange Alpine 6 with 27.5 wheels and it's a step worth making. I've now got an Orange Switch 6 and some days it's incredible, other days it sucks. The big front wheel is the culprit, I think. My Ragley hard tail is 27.5 and is amazing. So I guess I've gone from being 26 for life, to 27.5 for life, haha.

[Vocht]

Go for a mullet. Best of both worlds...

[LankyFreak]

27.5 can still be done. Tyres are still available and custom wheels are ruinous. Shame the same can't be said for 26

[OliilO]

.Adam. said:

I would quite like a 5 Evo, which is a 27.5, but don't know if I can justify the extra cost, so am looking at a Bird Aether 9 or 7.

I’m selling a brand new Aether 7 frame (warranty replacement for an older model); send me a message if you’re interested.