Anyone gone back to 27.5 from 29er ?

I mean, your gonna do it any way! 😉

Yeah I have. Not convinced I did the right thing.

The reason you like the DH bike is more likely to be because of the geo and extra travel rather than the wheel size.
I regularly ride a combo of different wheel sizes on different bikes.
I notice geo/travel/different suspension components more than wheel size.
Comparing an xc/trail bike to a DH bike is a bit pointless.

Yes, and the smaller front wheel got me into a few scrapes, changed back pretty quickly. But a Torque should be a riot. Basically... big forks or big front wheel (but ideally both). Now, if you were looking at a short travel fork 27.5... the alarm bells would be going off.

Yeah and very happy with it, but think it could be the additional bounce/skill compensator.
Gone from a Fuel Ex to a Remedy. My hardtail is also 27.5, I went from a Procal 29er to an Orange Crush.
But I am now looking at deals for a Slash 29er. Don’t really know why, but thinking I’d like to go back to a larger wheel.
I do like the 27.5 Remedy as it just has a certain nimbleness to it, especially in tight corners and fast flowy runs. But there is no doubt that the 29er is better through the more standard rocky, rooty areas.
I probably care less about race type speed than you, so got a similar quandary to you but not sure my answer will be the same as yours.

Borrow or buy some 27'5 wheels and rubber for the Trek?

Bit more travel, bit tighter handling… maybe

I cant see the torque having tighter handling than the fuel ,but I guess it depends on your definition of tighter.

There's no right or wrong with this stuff, just what you prefer. There are strengths and weaknesses of both wheels types. But those two bikes (torque and fuel) are so different in many other areas not just wheel size that the comparison is almost meaningless.

The reason you like the DH bike is more likely to be because of the geo

I dunno about that bit.... part of my thinks i like the DH despite the Geo. It's a tricky bugger to ride with such a slack head angle and a stupidly low seat without a dropper.... But it does 'work' at times too and the bit that works is on front end feel. Along of course with the longer travel meaning you can not really notice things that affect you at other times. But again that's 2 different aspects rather than the actual wheel size.
It's hard to equate whether it's just the wheel, or the geo or the travel.

I do like and enjoy the Trek as i've said in other posts... But i also do have a few issues in my head 😉

Borrow or buy some 27’5 wheels and rubber for the Trek?

I've got wheels that would fit from the purple GT Fury to the Trek for the day, but i don't know if that would really answer much would it ? (apart from the cassette, i'm not sure it'd fit a 12sp, but that's OK )
With the forks being 29er isn't it going to sit 'wrong' with 27.5s even if i do it on both ends ?

Think more about the reach and geometry between the 2 bikes.

My Sentinel 29er is more nimble than the Bird 145LT I had. Yet the Sentinel is 29er, slacker HA and longer chainstays.

However, the Sentinel is effectively a size down so shorter reach by 30mm.

The Bird would truck through fast rocky stuff a touch quicker than the Sentinel - but everywhere else I prefer the Sentinel. I’ve just got more confidence in it.

And there’s the crux of the thing - sometimes a bike just feels right to you.

But i also do have a few issues in my head

You're not wrong there.
Just buy whatever you like that's appropriate to what you want to ride it on and this is the important bit.
Ride the ****ing thing and stop worrying about it.

And there’s the crux of the thing – sometimes a bike just feels right to you.

That's very much a concern as the Trek did and does still 'feel right' but i just wonder if 'bigger is better' ... Yes i know 8 months ago i had 'bigger' in the G-170... but then i thought "shall i go lighter and faster" LOL.

And yes, i know the answer is 'get some coaching and get better'.... which is already booked for multiple sessions (before we go there in that discussion).

So just some ponderings from the day as this potential swap deal has come up.

And yes, i know the answer is ‘get some coaching and get better’…. which is already booked for multiple sessions (before we go there in that discussion).

Thats only part of the discussion. You seem to spend quite a lot of your time on the Trek doing fairly gentle rides, big bikes could well be soul destroying for that kind of stuff

You seem to spend quite a lot of your time on the Trek doing fairly gentle rides

Less than i used to, but part of that is due to time constraints... I guess more of my rides these days are me riding places and speeds that are at/outside of my comfort zone, i used to do lots of local XC stuff... but with being away with the boy, this happens less than it used to now.

The good thing in that context above though is that none of my rides are timed, i don't have Strava on my phone and install it a couple of times a year for specific trips, so whether a ride takes me 55 mins or 58 mins, is of little importance. The local stuff is simply to get outside and enjoy the countryside, not to push myself.

I've been pretty much exclusively riding a long travel (170mm) 29er ebike for the last couple of years, but last weekend I went to molini in italy and took the old fashioned bike ( a 2018 yt capra, 170mm travel with 27.5 wheels).

Guess what , ignoring the obvious motor differences, I found the 27.5 capra was better at some things and worse than others compared to the 29er ebike. To try and sum it up in a single sentence : The 29er was better over really rough stuff, the 27.5er was better in the flowy stuff.

To try and sum it up in a single sentence : The 29er was better over really rough stuff, the 27.5er was better in the flowy stuff.

I guess the question is.... in a mix of terrain... which would you now pick based upon that 🙂

It does make sense though as that's kinda what both sets of wheels logically would do better.

I went back to a 27.5 Ibis Mojo 4 from a 29 Ripley. I loved the Mojo3 on chubbies and I expected the 4 to be like that, only better. But it wasn't - for me at least. I swapped wheels/tyres/shock etc but eventually realised I just didn't feel as confident on it as my 29ers. I was also riding another 29er at the time so switching between them didn't help.

I swap between a 29 HT and 27.5 FS, ( a Scandal and a Spesh Enduro) and apart from a few pedal strokes on the Scandal each time, there's little difference between them - that is solely down to the wheel size. Put lighter lower tread tyres on, they both roll faster and the opposite equally true.

I've recently had a couple of days on a MX SC V10 and a 29er Hightower. The wheels size was the least interesting thing about either of those two bikes. The MX wheel size especially was indistinguishable.

I guess the question is…. in a mix of terrain… which would you now pick based upon that

depends on the mix - probably the 29er because most of what I normally ride is quite rough/rocky - if I was just doing bike park stuff then probably the 27.5

I can't imagine that a 27 Canyon would be a better bike for Southern Enduro's than the 29 Fuel EX.

I can’t imagine that a 27 Canyon would be a better bike for Southern Enduro’s than the 29 Fuel EX.

I think that may in some part come down to the riders skill levels. Mine are not that high, so maybe more bounce and slacker rather than more pedally and fast, is kinda where my thoughts are.

However, i did initially buy the Trek with Southerns in mind for 2022 season, but then the boy went all DH crazy. Whereas next year i'm 100% doing the Southerns (assuming no clash with DH dates)

Weeksy, the Turbo Levo I have accommodates 29 or 27.5.... but maybe teh geometry is making it feel different too.

But i also do have a few issues in my head 😉

I think you need to work on this first! No offence. I don't think any bike is going to fix what you have.

I think you need to work on this first! No offence. I don’t think any bike is going to fix what you have.

If i was swapping wives and children, i'd agree... but it's just a bike 🙂 Bikes to me are like socks.... use them, wear them, get new socks.. It doesn't need to be life defining like some are with bikes...
Sometimes i have pizza, sometimes i have pasta.... sometimes i have bike X, sometimes i have bike Y...

Doesn't need to be deep 🙂

I like new things, changes, swapping, adventures.

In that case you should definitely buy the Torque and let us know how you get on with it. Hopefully it gives you the speed and confidence you're after. If not, swap it for something else.

Bikes to me are like socks…. use them, wear them, get new socks.. It doesn’t need to be life defining like some are with bikes…
Sometimes i have pizza, sometimes i have pasta…. sometimes i have bike X, sometimes i have bike Y…

Doesn’t need to be deep 🙂

agree, so there is no point over analysing the bikes. Its just like pizza is different to pasta, but you like both, you dont analyse and ask people whether they have gone back to pizza after having pasta.

The torque will be different to the fuel. Just swap the bikes and stop the analysis.;-)

But do give us your views on the torque after you have tried it for a while - if you dont like it then you change your socks again, no big deal.

Just out of interest, Whats the longest you have kept a bike for?

@weeksy if you will accept C2W voucher I'll take the Trek off you and solve one of your conundrums 😋😂

The torque will be different to the fuel. Just swap the bikes and stop the analysis.;-)

There's a couple of things that'll need to fall into place for the deal to happen. It doesn't just require swapping the Torque for the Trek.... which would be fairly simple. The Torque is a swap for the older light blue GT Fury, then there's a swap for the Trek>newer GT Fury, then there's a further incoming Enduro for the boy lol.... So a lot potentially going on.

But this was as much a 27.5 > 29 > 27.5 as it was about the Torque.

agree, so there is no point over analysing the bikes. Its just like pizza is different to pasta, but you like both, you dont analyse and ask people whether they have gone back to pizza after having pasta.

That's what I was thinking. There's no point stressing over tiny differences. Any well rounded, versatile bike will do almost anything you ask of it. I doubt you're pushing any of them to the limits so it makes no difference anyway.

I was forced onto my bike by a burglary and post lockdown stock shortages. It's too small, too heavy and too ugly. It still goes out and works perfectly all day long. I'll buy something else eventually. Maybe. I just know that a few millimetres here, a few grams there, makes no difference to my confidence or ability so I'm not constantly chasing improvements, replacements, upgrades etc. It's just going round in circles.

I think that may in some part come down to the riders skill levels. Mine are not that high, so maybe more bounce and slacker rather than more pedally and fast, is kinda where my thoughts are.

However, i did initially buy the Trek with Southerns in mind for 2022 season, but then the boy went all DH crazy. Whereas next year i’m 100% doing the Southerns (assuming no clash with DH dates)

Given the level of trails for a Southern Enduro (pretty low/grass roots) as someone who has raced them on & off since they started, I would say the Fuel is pretty much the ideal bike. Most of my best results were on 130mm bikes.

If you were talking Scottish Enduro Series level of trails, then yes, something bigger would be my choice.

As for original question, I can’t really think of any scenario I would want to ride a 650b bike over a 29er.

Given the level of trails for a Southern Enduro (pretty low/grass roots)

You're a LOT more skilled than me though fella... Of that there's very little doubt.

Hmmmm, that sounds a convoluted route to swap out.

For me I wouldn’t swap from 29er to 27.5 because for the full suss I’m enjoying my 29er more. But also, if you switch to the torque and don’t like it you’re then stuck with a 27.5” wheel bike which is a wheel size on its way out gradually and you might struggle to trade back into a 29er.

You’ve got a Fox 36 and decent components I think - I’d consider doing a frame swap instead of it were me. Stick a longer air shaft in the fork and away you go. Only thing you might struggle with is the bb standard - not sure what you’ve got on the Trek - although if it’s a dub crank they work with multiple bb standards I think so you might be alright.

Bird Aeris 9 / Privateer 161 / Nukeproof Mega / Vitus Sommet are among a few longer travel 29er a you can usually get frame only at a decent price. Sommet frameset on offer at the moment actually for £1500…..

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/vitus-sommet-29-mountain-bike-frame/rp-prod207438?gs=1&sku=sku844239&istCompanyId=8d42cf00-fc35-44ce-8770-97ae3ffd4c16&istFeedId=a666a676-d0df-464f-9680-4b27a5e29874&istItemId=pmriwqmil&istBid=t

Could you put a 29er front wheel & fork on the Torque and get the best of both worlds?

Slack the head angle even more with an angleset and/or reduce the fork travel and you'd probably manage to keep the rest of the geometry about the same.

Obvious answer would be a mullet, 29" front and 27.5 rear?

Do what you normally do - do the swap, and if you don't like it (or even if you do) do another swap in a few weeks time! 😆

I've gone from 29er full sus to mullet hardtail and really like it. Didn't initially, but its great now. No idea if that's cos of the wheel sizes, but once I got a nice fat 2.6 tyre on the rear it felt superb. I did have a full 27.5 but it felt too small, but that's cos the frame was erm, too small. Sold that now.

Obvious answer would be a mullet, 29″ front and 27.5 rear?

I'd happily swap the Trek for a new/immaculate Specialized Status.... Just a question of needing someone to want either to buy the Trek or swap ... Currently neither is happening... but it'd be something i'd take in a heartbeat.

I’d happily swap the Trek for a new/immaculate Specialized Status…. Just a question of needing someone to want either to buy the Trek or swap … Currently neither is happening… but it’d be something i’d take in a heartbeat.

You could mullet the Torque with a 29er front though?

do the swap, love it for a couple of weeks, then get a whyte 29er. the world keeps spinning on its axis.   Good luck Weeksy!

You could mullet the Torque with a 29er front though?

Mulleting ain't quite that simple when starting with a 27.5 base. I did try it with a G170 and was terrible.... but that was because the front was too tall, i don't think the Torque has the ability to go straight to a 29 front, although i believe they did offer it in both flavours, but not sure how it was facilitated.

Due to a Flipchip, i could do the reverse though and mullet the Trek... but would still leave it with a 130mm back end.

I'm a huge 29er fan... I just think it's the perfect wheel size when coupled with the right bike/geo...

TBH mate, why don't you make yourself a promise to keep hold of a bike for 3 months, and learn to love/ride the thing as well as you can...
I don't think your idea of 'buying skill' is going to pay off in the long run!!!

Also... we should find some dates for another STW Rogate fun-run! Get you and the lad along...

DrP

TBH mate, why don’t you make yourself a promise to keep hold of a bike for 3 months, and learn to love/ride the thing as well as you can…
I don’t think your idea of ‘buying skill’ is going to pay off in the long run!!!

Also… we should find some dates for another STW Rogate fun-run! Get you and the lad along…

I've owned the Trek for 9 months.

I'm not attempting to buy skill... i'm also getting coaching for buying skill.

We're at Tidworth this Sat, Rogate the Sat after for Halloween and then the 6th at Tidworth for racing... Would be more than happy to meet you at any of those 🙂

I’ve owned the Trek for 9 months.

Eek... my apologies!! i redact my statement!!!

DrP

I alternate between both wheel sizes and feel that it’s more about the bike as a whole than the wheel size. My brother-in-law’s 2016 Capra is still ace fun and very capable and I’d happily ride that as my only bike, my HCHT is 29er and is great. I’ve regularly ridden Whyte e-bikes in both wheel sizes and they’re great, I’d happily own either.

And if I bought a 275 bike I could always mullet it if I felt the need.

Itms more about the geometry than the wheel size (regardless of what the companies tell you).

I do think 275 suits a longer travel bike though.

And the Torque’s extra travel will help compensate for any skills deficit.

PA you still have 2 1/2 months so I’m expecting at least 2 more bike changes by New Year 😜.

Buy the bike and have fun riding it. Your previous posts have never been 100% positive about the Trek.

Life’s too short to not have the right bike (if it exists).

I’ve owned the Trek for 9 months.

Wow! that's like [i]f o r e v e r ![/i] 😆

I would agree with the comments that it's the bike not the wheel size. Geometry will make more of a difference. I think the only time a smaller wheel is outright a better option is if you're very short or solely doing tricks.

I think the Canyon is a more gravity focused bike so is less likely to be playful. Even the suspension will make a big difference, coil Vs air and how progressive the suspension is.

2 1/2 years on a 29”
eBike
Now on 27.5 and loving it,More playful and poppy,Defo enjoying it

I sort of am. Used to have a 29er fs and 27.5 ht. Both were ace but I decided to sell one due to lack of use and that ended up being the ht as imo 29ers are better 95% of the time.

Problem is, the 5% is really fun so am in the process of building another 27.5 ht and sacrificed a 29er xc ht for it. Still have a 29" fs though and still think that would be the bike I'd keep if I had to slim the fleet.

Have both as 160/150mm travel bikes, although 27.5 is ebike. Harder to compare directly given the small wheels are on a bike that's 10kg heavier, but I prefer 29er. I had a Santa Cruz 5010 V2 before, which handled like a big bmx. My 29er Sentinel has longer reach, wheelbase, 20mm more travel and is 3deg slacker, yet is just as nimble but far more stable at speed and way better on steep stuff. As with everything to do with bikes, it comes down to far more than one thing in isolation.