Scottish Elises

Buying a mountain bike and there's two ways to go. 29ers or 27.5s. Looking at the intermaweb it looks to be about manoeuvrability. I'm maybe more about technical than speeding across bumps, but I suspect at my skill level it matters less. Any other reason to go either way?

(First post in a long long time, I had login issues then just fell out the habit)


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A lot of opinion out there on wheel sizes for mountain bikes... is it a bike for cross country, all-mountain or downhill?

I ride a 29er full suss that is my 'do it all' bike. I tried it out of curiosity as my first 29er and it just fitted me really well so a lot is to do with the finding a bike with the right geometry that fits you. Larger wheeled bikes do tend to fit taller folks better so that may be a consideration but my 29er works great for me and I'm 5'8''. That said I also have a hardtail 26 inch Whyte which is noticeably more 'chuckable' and manoeuvrable in the tight twisty stuff.

So I'd recommend any bike you're interested in make sure you have a test ride first. You'll know if it feels right. If mainly xc then hardtail 29ers are difficult to beat for efficiency and lapping up the miles. They just roll so well and can be quite 'chuckable' too even in full suss spec like my Transition.

Good luck!

I'd recommend test riding both wheel sizes as a lot can be down to personal preference.

I ride a 27.5 full sus as I like the manoeuvrability especially on steep/rough, but I ride a 29 hard tail as the bigger wheels do roll better over the bumps which helps the ride quality when there's no rear suspension.

If you are looking at a hardtail I would suggest the 29er route.

Good luck, Paul

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Ferg wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 27, 2020 11:34 am

(First post in a long long time, I had login issues then just fell out the habit)


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You have a PM since November.


Steve.

Ps. I prefer the faster rolling and the way that 29” wheels take big bumps in their stride.

Best give both a demo and good luck with your choice and maybe give Clarky a shout too.

i also just bought a 29" hardtail off Clarkie.

Thanks for the input.

Decided to go 27.5 as I do like the precision of my old bike and worried going directly to 29 might feel too damped as an experience. However I'm maybe over estimating my skill/ability to tell.

The geometry of modern mountain bikes is streets ahead of the rather old one I own so it's going to be a massive change anyway. I also found one available which can be harder than it sounds at the moment.


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