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will I notice a considerable difference dropping down a wheel size? I’m in a Transition Smuggler at the moment but a new 160mm Bike has caught my eye, But it’s 27.5. I notice the size of the frame more than the wheels so any demos are onboard smaller bikes not the XL I’d want.
Many thoughts?
Unless you are comparing the same bike between 2 wheel sizes (so probably the Spec Enduro) I'd say you will notice differences, some will be down to the wheels but most will be down to the bike itself.
#PeopleNeedLessHangupsOnWheelSize
A bit
but youd adapt pretty quickly
I swap between 29/650/700/26 bikes its all good
I had a 29, it got stolen, went to a 27.5 and I could tell the difference. In the end I sacked it off and went back to a 29er and am much happier. It's not huge differences it's just niggly things that add up.
Yes. It will spin up faster and turn better.
chilled76
Member
Yes. It will spin up faster and turn better.
is there really that much difference??
I can definitely tell the difference. I prefer 29 but whether it's better...
I switch between 26 and 29 bikes and there's quite a big difference, not ridden 27 though but would like to try one
It’s very bike dependent. My 29er is more nimble and better controlled than the 27.5 it replaced whilst also having the benefit of 29er wheels rolling better over tech. Pretty sure it’s more draggy on climbs though, but that could just be down to the minions.
I have both and yes, you will notice a difference. Up to you if the difference is good or bad.
IMO 29” is best most of the time but when 27.5” hits the sweet spot it rips. Wouldn’t like to choose one or the other.
I Went from 26" to 29" recently and TBH the difference, while noticeable, isn't all that massive the bike carries speed a little better, rolls a shade easier and seems to turn about as well, you can maybe feel a little bit more effort needed to muscle into tight turns but it's marginal... Can't say I'm missing 26" really and hence I'm not really bothered about 27.5" (which is barely any different really). ..
27Plus might be an interesting experiment, but I'm not sure I could be arsed with another wheelset really... So I'm a 29" fanboi by default now...
not ridden 27 though but would like to try one
You know your 26? It's like that. 🙂
And you know how we found out over years that 2 different 26" bikes rode differently....
Thanks all!
would your wife notice an inch & half?
Sure, you can notice a difference. But neither is better or worse. It's kinda horses for courses.
Fast long Ridgeway, i'll have my 29er please.
Afan/TCenter, i'll take the T-130
But of course a chunk of that is down to geometry too and riding position, not just wheel size
I wouldn't claim to be any more than average as a rider (if that!) but i noticed a difference going from a Whyte T129 to a T130 which is a pretty close comparison other than wheelsize and a smidge of travel. I didn't think i would notice a change but it just seemed more eager to do everything (accelerate, turn, generally move about) but slightly slower rolling on the smoother tracks.
I wouldn't say either was 'better' though.
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mahalo
Subscriber
would your wife notice an inch & half?
I bloody would...that’s twice the current size in this weather.....