Watch: 2017 Fuji Rakan 27.5+/29er Review

Fuji really knocked it out of the park with the 2017 Rakan.  Most importantly they have changed the frame to handle both 27.5+ and 29er wheelsets which, in my opinion, is going to be the hottest trend of 2017 (and I love it!). Fuji specced the Rakan 3.1 with excellent components.  This rig is sporting a …

Fuji really knocked it out of the park with the 2017 Rakan.  Most importantly they have changed the frame to handle both 27.5+ and 29er wheelsets which, in my opinion, is going to be the hottest trend of 2017 (and I love it!).

Fuji specced the Rakan 3.1 with excellent components.  This rig is sporting a SRAM X1 1×11 drivetrain, SRAM RS 180mm hydraulic disc brakes, and Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires (29×2.35″ or 27.5×2.8″) on DT Swiss M1700s.  Fox handles the squish on this bike with a 120mm Fox 24 up front and 120mm EVOL in the rear.  This setup also includes the new Fox Transfer Stealth dropper post in the same gold kashima coating as the suspension.

If you look closely at the chainstay you will notice a pivot smack dab in the middle.  This is Fuji’s MLink or “Midlink” suspension system. The idea behind this is that it offers the best of both long and short link systems. They added two bars to connect the rear triangle making for a nice stiff swing arm.  I found this suspension to be very efficient in the climbs with very little pedal bob. That being said, I did not find it to be extremely plush BUT a 27.5+ wheelset would make up for that quite a bit.

The frame of the Rakan 3.1 seen here is made out of Fuji’s A6-SL aluminum and this build weighs in at 29.4lbs. The Rakan 3.1 29 retails at $4,949, but you can get into an entry level model at $2,099.  If you are interested in the 27.5+ model the 3.1 version retails for $4,999.

Fuji did a great job with the Rakan.  27.5+/29 conversion bikes are a blast to ride, the MLink suspension was super efficient, and the components spec’d on this rig are stellar.  If you haven’t given a 27.5+ bike a whirl yet I highly recommend it.  They are a BLAST!

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