Would you buy a new mountain bike with 27.5" wheels?

Would you buy a new mountain bike with 27.5″ wheels?

The mountain bike wheel wars are over. Now we're hoping to survey the damage.

By Jeff Barber
May 26, 2024 Last Updated: August 7, 2024

45 comments

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Thankfully, the mountain bike wheel wars are over. In this time of peace, we’re curious if you’d consider buying a bike with 27.5″ wheels (not that we have one to sell). We’re also asking for your bike size to see if there’s any correlation, and plan to include the data from this survey in an upcoming article.

If you said you would consider buying a mountain bike with 27.5″ wheels today, tell us which one in the comments below!

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45 Comments

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TCFlowClyde Arizona // 2017
May 26, 2024

E-mtb yes, especially 27.5 + with thicker sidewalls like Schwabe Eddy Currents! No with analog mixed or 29er depending on style/terrain. Power with maneuverability is inherent using PAS 27.5+ setup, otherwise mixed is awesome on an E-mtb for Enduro/trail applications for my needs.👊

3 reply

ironhead700 Ontario // 2009
May 29, 2024

Yes! Both my e-mtb's (fs & ht) are 27.5+ and I run Eddy Currents on both also.

0 reply

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
May 27, 2024

Hmmm. my 27.5 plussers are all set up with fairly light casing tires and 12 psi for traction. I used the Cancer Weight Loss program, going on 2 years ago. It worked swimmingly at getting me down to 115 from 165. Currently, at 130. I have an extensive trials background so no need to run heavy, stiff tires. There is much to be said of 27.5 in terms of nimble, maneuverable, etc. which is what made my descision, going plus back a few years before the pandemic was invented. One bike is an RSD Middlechild. A pithy, punkass 4130 singlespeed that is part of my cancer treatment's success as well as my therapist and physical therapist. Recovery is going to be a long road travelled.

2 reply

OhioFatBiker Ohio // 2016
May 26, 2024

If the bike feels good and is a good deal, I’d ride it.

CHRi5T Germany // 2024
May 27, 2024

Absolutely! My next big buy will be a Foes Ridgeback.
But I am still on the 26" train as well. Just recently I bought a Ghost Nirvana 4X. It became a favourite of mine after the first test ride and its a keeper. A modern DS/4X hardcore hardtail with internal cable routing? LETS GO!
But I also feel like this will be my last 26" bike I buy as I am lusting for some modern frames that I've tried and think its time for something new.

I am 187cm, 90legs and +100kg (ex athlete) and I dont see my size as an issue or a reason to opt for 29ers. Ive tested plenty of 29ers but I never felt that magical "wow, this is all I ever wanted" moment that many of the "big riders" describe, after the first years of 29er hype. For me its all about how a bike feels under my hands and I like it playfull and agile.

Some might say that there is no real difference between 650b and 29" but for me it feels like there is a difference. For decades now the industry is throwing toys at me that I dont need. Look at them: "electronic dampers", "cable assisted steering", "magical tire inserts"....what a clown circus...and then I take my bike into the woods, having the time of my life.

RamjetOrganism Spain // 2024
Jul 31, 2024

So true.

wil040764 Texas // 2023
May 27, 2024

First I wasn't aware of a war, just thought it was a simple matter of preference.

Stabone33 2010
May 26, 2024

I currently ride a Banshee Rune v2 (2014...and I still consider it my "new" bike...). It's perfect for me. 29ers make me feel like I'm riding between the wheels rather than on the bike. 27.5 is maneuverable, and with 2.5" front and 2.4" rear tires I get fantastic traction over pretty much anything I want to ride.

I'd probably update it with another Rune v3.2 - I'm 5'10" and my ride weight is around 190 depending on where I'm riding (local trails - no pack, more like 185). I don't need to climb fast, I just tuck in and grind, but I want something that slices and dices on the downhills and is robust enough to take some drops and some good sized rocks.

jgirl3003 Michigan // 2023
May 26, 2024

I'm 5'3" and have a Banshee Spitfire with 27.5 in the front, 26 in the back and I love it. I've ridden 29's and am not a fan. I like the maneuverability of my mullet. As a smaller person I don't like the bigger wheels, they feel like too much to move around. I do like a larger tire in front, but 27.5 is big enough for me.

mtbiz84 Pennsylvania // 2024
May 26, 2024

Yes, but as a mullet
I'm 5ft 7 ..tall enough to ride a large and short enough to ride a small.

I currently just built a custom TI geo bike based around a 170mm 27.5F 26erR or in short travel mode an 29er front/26er rear

I have.l both 27.5 and 29er bikes I've mulleted for the extra lively and maneuverability.

jfr027 Pennsylvania // 2021
May 26, 2024

Currently have a Bronson v3 and love it. If I could afford it I would buy a Revel Rail 275 to compliment my Rail 29

1 reply

Thuban Colorado // 2024
May 26, 2024

I have a 2015 27.5er carbon hardtail that I ride for XC or hill climbs. I also have a dual-suspension 27.5+ that I picked up 2 years ago as well as a 29er eMTB. Each bike has its pros and cons but the hardtail has a level of lightweight nimbleness that's hard to find nowadays. Love it. I'm 5'9" (175cm) w/ 32" inseam.

JBird Ohio // 2013
May 30, 2024

I have a Bingham custom titanium and I would do it again.

astroidb612 Pennsylvania // 2024
May 27, 2024

I have an Ibis Ripley AF, and at 5’0 and 114 lb, it’s just way too much bike for me. I demo’d an xsmall Pivot Shadowcat a few weeks ago, and it was the first time i have had fun on a mountain bike. Everything fit, and I felt confident and nimble on the trails. It was a revelation.

Zoso 2016
May 26, 2024

I would get a full 27 if I had $ for N+1. Fun and playful.

Trialsy is at the top of my list, so 27.5 is hired for the position. 29 has its place but is a bugger for too many situations where a trials move is appropriate. For a straight up trials session, my KOXX Red Sky has a PhD in that subject!

desmoben Ireland // 2024
May 27, 2024

When I went to 29er from 27.5 I remember saying I would never go back. Now I’ve 29ers and mixed wheel bikes in my stable - I do prefer the mixed variety. But recently, I got the opportunity to buy 2 RAGLEY hardtail frames from the CRC sale. One 29er …one 27.5. I built them up with virtually identical forks and components - it didn’t take me long to realise that I much prefer the 27.5 one. It’s a lot more fun! Thinking about it, my fitness and ability as a rider has improved a lot since I started mtb’ing and things that phased me back in the day (which, I guess the larger wheeled bikes maybe compensated for) are no longer relevant.

Chaosdrum Victoria // 2024
May 26, 2024

im still riding my specialized rockhopper 2008...
It a 26inch , but i mulletted it with a new 27.5 front suspension and wheel.
i only realy use it for downhill at the skislopes in summer, at the dh parks.
its still an awesome ride. very small and manoverable.
i beefed up the back wheel with a solid dh rear wheel, and supersized mavic tyre.
i just love the surpised look of other riders when they see what im riding.

BMX27529 Massachusetts // 2024
May 26, 2024

27.5 is just as rad as 29". I've got both, and a DH mullet. I notice very little diff between them to be honest...27.5 a little more nimble, 29 a little more stable...but they both rip hard!

Gregory Nichols Massachusetts // 2022
May 26, 2024

Been riding a Poseidon Norton for the past year and while I was unsure about the wheel size, I really like it for jumps and smoother trails. I would happily get another one, and I definitely took advantage of the switch to 29 by buying a helm mk2 in 27.5 for a steal. I still prefer 29 for my XC climbing bike.

ga.kr12 Slovenia // 2016
Jun 1, 2024

Bought one half year ago. 27,5 “ Yt Jeffsy, a lot of fun!! 😁

Shad Holland 2019
May 26, 2024

I absolutely would

FRANKLYN1963 California // 2024
May 26, 2024

I am 5'3"

rickswim California // 2023
Jun 16, 2024

I bought a used Ghost Kate and sold it, but regret getting rid o fit. It was older w nice parts and 27.5 inch wheels

J.A.M. Colorado // 2017
May 27, 2024

I currently ride a Breezer Repack with 27.5 and love it! No space for a water bottle is my only complaint.

dlawson 2018
May 27, 2024

I demoed an SB120 last weekend. It was great on a 6 mile climb, but half way back down I wished I was on my Mojo 3.
I think 29ers are better bikes all-around, but 27.5 wheels are a bit more fun.

timbertom Ontario // 2024
May 26, 2024

I have 27.5 " wheels. They are Industry Nine on my Revel Rail.
The trails I ride have lots of rocks with twisty turns. I just find 27.5 wheels more responsive in these conditions

pvsullivan2003 North Carolina // 2020
May 26, 2024

I have a 27.5 bike now. It's a hardtail I picked from REI during covid. It got me back in the saddle after 25 years of no riding and I am glad it did!! The whole sport has evolved so much from the early to mid 90s. Bikes are way more comfortable and able to handle a lot more terrain and are overall easier and much more enjoyable to ride. I plan to upgrade to a polygon, Marin or maybe even a rocky mountain. I would consider another 27.5 but will probably go to a 29er to try something different. I love the quick response and agility of 27.5 wheels, it comes in real handy on really tight single track. As far as speed, I haven't ridden enough on 29s really be able to compare. The only time I really rode on 29s, I was visiting the Seattle area and HAD to get a ride in while I was out there. I rented a really nice Orbea Occam and went for a ride at Duthie Park. The difference from riding 27.5 to 29 was very noticeable, the handling was drastically different. The Orbea was like steering a boat compared to my little 27.5 REI bike. After a few runs and just riding around for a bit, the bike became much more fun and I was able to really open up more on some of the trails. I do suggest exercising some caution and judgment when riding unfamiliar terrain. There are pluses and minuses to both size wheels and both are very fun. The 29s I think would make someone a more controlled rider which is indispensable, while the 27.5s are better suited for more aggressive riding that requires quicker action and handling. I hope to have one of each sized bike to use depending on the location.

HardCorps88 Kansas // 2024
May 26, 2024

I have both in Hardtail. 29er speed 27.5 maneuverability and handling. I’m 6’5”

[email protected] Florida // 2023
May 26, 2024

I love 27.5, that's what I started with and what my kids ride, but it's only 29 from here on. The reason why is the selection of the best wheels, forks, and tires is so much better for 29s. Doesn't seem to be much new coming out for 27.5, and you really have to search to find anything at all for 26. That said, if a 27.5 has everything you need already, then why not?

EarthyBiker28 British Columbia // 2023
Nov 5, 2024

I ride a Pivot Mach 6 (27.5 f & r) and have ZERO interest in a 29er - ever. I do not understand the obsession with bigger wheels (not a mullet fan, either) - oh wait, unless you count all the newbs plowing down trails they have no business riding, abolity-wise. 29s give too much false confidence on steeper tech, IMO. 27.5s are much more nimble and playful; sure, it makes tech harder; gotta learn to pick the right line. Sounds right to me.

87vr6 2016
May 27, 2024

I want a pivot shadowcat, but the large (which is their largest) Is just slightly too small for me, enough that it's not a fit 😪

George William England // 2024
May 26, 2024

I'd buy a 27.5 bike for jump parks/fun riding as a second bike

Wind blue day Spain // 2024
May 31, 2024

I'm 5'1' really petit so the only mtb that fits me is the 2019 liv obsess 1. I use it for mtb Marathon and I haven't find any difference with other riders in 29". Because of my size it has been difficult to find a full suspension bike for me. They are 29ers and big for me, the one that fits me is the 27.5 but they are for Enduro or all mountain and too much heavy for me. 11.5kg my weight is 49kg. So yes , I prefer 27.5 but there is not one lighter to do mtb marathon. Do you know any brand ?

Matt Dunn Colorado // 2022
Aug 2, 2024

You are right, there are not many options!!! I would recommend the Pivot Shadowcat.

dschof Oregon // 2016
May 30, 2024

I'm 5ft 10in and road a Specialized 29er until I bought my new bike last summer. 27.5 F&R, Pivot Shadowcat! Freakin love it!

Wind blue day Spain // 2024
Jun 19, 2024

Weight? Is it heavy?

JTBA Connecticut // 2023
May 29, 2024

I’m 5’6” so with a medium frame size bike it’s recommended a 27.5 for my bike frame with my height.

avandy Scotland // 2024
May 27, 2024

Just recently bought a Canyon neuron CF WMN 27.5 in xsmall after lots of discussion and trying different bikes I ruled out a 29 as I find it way too cumbersome for tight corners and my frame is tiny, at 5ft3 a 27.5 is perfect but whet a job I had finding one! I had to Liv intrigues previously and they were out the question this time around as only available in a 29 at the spec I wanted.

Mountain biking for me is about fun rather than being fast. I prefer to enjoy the trail rather than get it done with quickly - it's a long grind back up again!

So, I have zero interest in 29" wheels even though I'm over 6ft.

I have a 26" hard-tale for under-biking and a 27.5" trail bike for the gnarr.

If I need another I'm supposing that it will be second hand.

The current trend of big wheels and multiple ways to change geometry runs against my 'Get out and ride' mentality.

landrew04 Utah // 2018
May 26, 2024

This is a tricky question. I think size matters from a couple of different aspects. Myself and my 3 boys all ride. I am 5'3. All my boys are 5'5" and under. I am in the market for another bike now and I still can't decide which way to go with wheel size. How much is of the tech is hype? How much only benefits riders pushing the extremes? How much is just terrain type? I got into mountain biking in the early 90's. I went from a rigid fork, to a specialized carbon suspension fork with 75mm of travel, to Rockshox Judy superlight with100mm travel. Each improvement was well worth it. Circa 2000 life and family took me away and to road riding. Circa 2016 /2017 with a tweener in tow I came back to mountain biking. Everything was changing. Standard, Boost, Super Boost, 9mm QR, 15 X 100 through axle, 26", 27.5", 29", fork stanchion size and travel length, bike length, BB height. It was hard to sort out, not sure I ever did. I settled on 27.5, 34mm stanchion, 150mm front, 140 mm back, 67 HT angle. Today I ride 29, 36mm stanchion, 160mm front, 150mm back, 64.5mm HT. I started my 3 boys on 26" hard tail , 32mm stanchion. Then I moved a one of the boys to 27.5, 34mm stanchion, 150mm / 140mm. Moved one boy to 27.5, 35mm stanchion, 150mm / 140mm. I moved the last boy to 27.5, 34mm stanchion, 160m front, 150mm back. We have Specialized, Rocky Mountain, Giant. I still ride all of these bikes. I have let the boys ride and try all the bikes. 29in, 36mm stanchion, 160mm/150mm is like a monster truck... just go fast and run over it... super stable...turns super well, climbs slow but well... feels muted. 27.5, 34mm or 35mm stanchion, 150mm/140mm... not quite as stable at high speed but it doesn't slow you down... climbs are more punchy but some rollover loss on technical chunk... turns better going up and down.. feels lively. The boys gravitate to the 27.5, 150mm / 140mm. I gravitate to the 27.5, 150mm/140mm but I am a little more careful on the down. It just feel more fun and lively. It depends on what terrain you ride. In a large number of terrain cases I think 27.5, 140mm / 130mm is going to be great. But, will you still have long term support for rims, tires, and parts? Verdict... 27.5 is more fun until you go big chunder, fast down. Above 140m front, 35mm or 36mm stanchion is nicer. 29in, 160/150mm, has the most range of trail type but you have to really push to get the same feel. Demo same category bike in both 27.5 and 29 before you buy. I hope 27.5 stays around as a choice.

gwill74 Pennsylvania // 2019
May 30, 2024

Yes. Currently ride a 27.5 bike (both front and rear). Everyone I ride with has 29” wheels front and rear. I keep up in all conditions but do admit I seem to have to work harder in the bigger rock gardens. Other than that, I do not see any downfall compared to the 29” bikes my buddy’s ride. I actually ride faster on the downhills, even with my 130/120 suspension compared to others 160/150 29” bikes, than most of my buddy’s. I notice I accelerate much faster as well, especially in tight areas. I know 29” bikes have a greater rollover but I don’t think it’s enough of a difference to make me want to change from a 27.5” bike. However, I would entertain a mullet setup but I have not had the chance to ride one to see how they ride. ✌🏻

mattham0263 2019
May 27, 2024

Living in New England, the trails are tight! 27.5 fits the bill. I've tried (and own a 29er) it's too slow to respond, especially at speed. Ex hare- scramble & Enduro rider tought me too much is too much ( big bore doesn't work well around here, out west sure but more trophies on my 200 than my 500. Bigger is not always better, but I've yet try a mullet.

-1 reply

motodog Oregon // 2024
May 30, 2024

My 20 year old dual suspension mtn. bike is a Kona Coiler Deluxe. I still love that bike and ride it occasionally. I bought a new Kona Fire Mountain with 27.5 wheels to assist me in my recovery from a skiing accident in which I had to have a titanium plate put in my right knee to hold it all together. I love the Fire Mountain and fee that it was the best choice for my healing and also to be used as a touring bike. I'm 67 and I have to have suspension even if it is only on the front. Soon, I will splurge for a 29 inch dual suspension but a 27.5 would suffice if the deal was right.

Lee Lau 2018
May 26, 2024

Pivot Firebird, Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt

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