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Have been looking for a new all mountain/enduro bike. Previous bikes were 27.5 but interested in a 29, since they are becoming more popular.
Does anyone have any experience with them riding on some of the steep off piste stuff such as innerleithen and the golfie? Slightly concerned with how the big wheels would handle some of the steep tight turns in the woods, especially compared to 27.5 wheels.
Any comments appreciated.
Try 27.5 wheel size - but with 2.6 inch rubber (Magic Mary front and back).
If grip and cornering is key...
Geo makes more difference than wheel size in my golfie experiences.
Not massive experience over there but did much better on slacker bikes 29 and 27.5
Due to logistics I've been riding a 29er Enduro for most of the Summer instead of my 650b. My concerns were that I would struggle with some of the tight steep turns that that Alps throw at you. Best Summers riding I've ever had. Probably going to strip the S Works and sell it on as I can't see it been my first choice now.
Paging Rickon, his wife rides an Orbea Rallon in that very area and loves it.
Thanks for the comments so far
Already run wt maxxis tyres, so don't think a 2.6 would make much of a difference.
Bikes I'm looking at do have aggresive geometry and decent travel- bird AM9, Trek slash etc
Good to hear 29 is decent on switchbacks, as that is one of my main concerns
Yep! I'm here!
A lot of folk here run 29ers, and a lot run 27.5. Either are a good option, as SS says - geometry is more important than wheel size, and more travel isn't necessary. A 140mm 29er is more than enough for everything in the valley.
If you're 29er curious, then go get a demo of a 29er that you like the look of. Are you Scotland based? If so... drop James at Pedals a line and see if you can get a demo of one of his demo bikes in the shop. He did have Orbea Rallons, and Transition Sentinels.
Geo over wheel size, always both can handle more than you can throw at them
Depends on how tall you are, and your riding style. I've ridden steep tight stuff (including golfie) on a 29er with no problems. It really does come down to personal preference.
It honestly doesn't matter.
Every single trail in the entire area is absolutely fine on a 26" 69deg 100mm hardtail with a worn out rear tyre.
Choose the bike YOU prefer the handling of. Not what folk on the internet tell you they prefer. (or even the guys at Pedals)
Well it looks like it doesn't matter what wheel size works, as long as the bike has decent geometry. I'm only 5'7, so maybe 27.5 might be a better fit.
To be honest the whole reason we have and can get demo bikes is because we don't really like telling people what to ride, much better to test things and figure it out for yourself.
You can't pigeon hole bikes by wheelsize, I personally like 29ers, but a lot of people prefer 27.5.
Great bikes are great bikes regardless. The Rallon is a great bike, so is the Sentinel, but so is the Patrol. Horses for courses, giddy up.
Lots of love, pedals x
Lots of golfie regulars ride 29" wheels, especially the really cool ones like me and rickon's wife
As above the overall package has to be considered.
Saying one factor of one thing like wheel dimension is an impossible question to answer.
Frame clearance for bigger tyres if it's a narrow frame and rim width are equally as important and that's just the wheels.
I heard bigjim couldn't actually handle the golfies and moved somewhere flat, until he can get a bike with more reaches 😀