Discussion
I've decided to get up to date and replace my trusty Commencal Meta full sus MTB which must be at least 15 years old now.
I also have a 650B hardtail but have never ridden back to back with a 29 - what are the respective benefits/disbenefits of each?
I ride mostly natural XC in the Lakes with occasional forays to 7 Staines and other manmade trails.
I like the look of Lapierre but am looking more for views on wheel size rather than make. Not ready for leccy just yet so 100% human powered to the extent that is relevant.
I also have a 650B hardtail but have never ridden back to back with a 29 - what are the respective benefits/disbenefits of each?
I ride mostly natural XC in the Lakes with occasional forays to 7 Staines and other manmade trails.
I like the look of Lapierre but am looking more for views on wheel size rather than make. Not ready for leccy just yet so 100% human powered to the extent that is relevant.
My son went from 26" to 29" then down to 650b. I got the "cast off" 29er. I prefer the 29er, he prefers the 650b.
For me, the 29er is so much easier to ride and more comfortable. My son much prefers the 650b as it's a good compromise between comfort/ease and manoeuvrability on the tricky stuff.
I don't (intentionally) do tricky stuff any more.
I'm 6'4" and he's 6'5", neither of us would go back to 26" now.
For me, the 29er is so much easier to ride and more comfortable. My son much prefers the 650b as it's a good compromise between comfort/ease and manoeuvrability on the tricky stuff.
I don't (intentionally) do tricky stuff any more.
I'm 6'4" and he's 6'5", neither of us would go back to 26" now.
TT1138 said:
If you’re doing jump/ freeride/ flow stuff then definitely 27.5, but I really do think for most riders 29 is better.
Out of interest, what the reasoning for preferring 27.5 on flow trails? I know people prefer smaller wheels for big jumps and tricks as they can move the bike around in the air more easily. But 29 carries speed so well on flow trails.I went straight from 26 to 29 and have no regrets with 29, but haven't spent enough time on 27.5 for a properly informed opinion. From my limited 27.5 experience I found it slightly more agile in slow tight stuff, but noticeably slower rolling especially on faster trails - a rental Trek Remedy at a bike park felt so slow rolling down the access road from the lift to the trails on the first lap that I wondered if the brakes were rubbing!
GravelBen said:
Out of interest, what the reasoning for preferring 27.5 on flow trails? I know people prefer smaller wheels for big jumps and tricks as they can move the bike around in the air more easily. But 29 carries speed so well on flow trails.
I went straight from 26 to 29 and have no regrets with 29, but haven't spent enough time on 27.5 for a properly informed opinion. From my limited 27.5 experience I found it slightly more agile in slow tight stuff, but noticeably slower rolling especially on faster trails - a rental Trek Remedy at a bike park felt so slow rolling down the access road from the lift to the trails on the first lap that I wondered if the brakes were rubbing!
Apologies, I meant flow as in the jump/ freeride context, rather than the ‘trail’ way. I went straight from 26 to 29 and have no regrets with 29, but haven't spent enough time on 27.5 for a properly informed opinion. From my limited 27.5 experience I found it slightly more agile in slow tight stuff, but noticeably slower rolling especially on faster trails - a rental Trek Remedy at a bike park felt so slow rolling down the access road from the lift to the trails on the first lap that I wondered if the brakes were rubbing!
I've 3 bikes, a 27.5 fully, a 27.5 hard-tail and a 29'er hard-tail.
The 27.5's are more fun and chuckable whereas the 29'er just motors through stuff and climbs much easier.
For what you say you ride i'd def go 29, only reason to go or stick with 27.5 these days is if you're riding more downhilly techy stuff IMO.
The 27.5's are more fun and chuckable whereas the 29'er just motors through stuff and climbs much easier.
For what you say you ride i'd def go 29, only reason to go or stick with 27.5 these days is if you're riding more downhilly techy stuff IMO.
I've got a 26, and 29 hardtail and a 27.5 full sus.
The jump from 26 to 27.5 is much bigger than 27.5 to 29. Especially as the wider tyres on the 27.5 bring the overall diameter closer to the 29 I have.
I'd like to try the same bike on 27.5 vs 29 to see how much difference I could tell. Not sure I'm good enough to notice.
I only got the 27.5 as it was available!
For cross country though, don't see why you wouldn't get a 29.
The jump from 26 to 27.5 is much bigger than 27.5 to 29. Especially as the wider tyres on the 27.5 bring the overall diameter closer to the 29 I have.
I'd like to try the same bike on 27.5 vs 29 to see how much difference I could tell. Not sure I'm good enough to notice.
I only got the 27.5 as it was available!
For cross country though, don't see why you wouldn't get a 29.
ts and giggles.missing the VR6 said:
Assuming you want a full sus, I've had a 27.5 and now a mullet. The mullet seem to be the best of both worlds, tried a few 29's before ending up with the mullet, 29 just seemed a bit dead/inert in terms of feel.
Going from my 26er to my lads 29er those are my impressions too, not full sus though. The 26er is just so much livelier, more responsive & FUN!
Good comments here chaps, really insightful - thanks!
I'm leaning towards a 650b but as I intend to buy used the reality is I will take whatever the best bike is that comes along.
...so if anyone is thinking of parting with a good XC type full sus, Fox bits preferred, in large then feel free to PM me. Budget up to £1.5k for the right bike - a Lapierre Zesty would be ideal
I'm leaning towards a 650b but as I intend to buy used the reality is I will take whatever the best bike is that comes along.
...so if anyone is thinking of parting with a good XC type full sus, Fox bits preferred, in large then feel free to PM me. Budget up to £1.5k for the right bike - a Lapierre Zesty would be ideal
https://singletrackworld.com/classifieds/advert/or...
https://singletrackworld.com/classifieds/advert/bi...
These are around your budget and might give you some ideas on what to look for.
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