For many years, most mountain bikers did not consider wheel size when buying bicycles. That's because all mountain bikes are equipped with standard 26-inch wheels.

Then, two wheel sizes appeared, which surpassed the 26-inch wheels to a large extent. First appeared 29-inch wheels (29ers), and a few years later 27.5-inch (also known as 650b) wheels appeared.

The size that suits you largely depends on what you want from a mountain bike and the type of terrain you like to ride.

Comparison of 27.5er and 29er mountain bikes:

Test drive: When you consider 27.5 and 29-inch wheels, remember that the best way to understand the difference is to feel them for yourself. Pass by your local bike shop and take everyone on a trail ride.

Acceleration

27.5-inch wheels have faster acceleration, while 29-inch wheels are more efficient when riding long distances.

Smaller wheels accelerate faster than larger wheels. This is mainly due to where the weight of the wheels is distributed. Larger wheels move the weight of the spokes, rim, inner tube, and tire away from the center of the wheel, resulting in higher rotating mass and slower acceleration. When you reduce the rotation quality of a rolling object, it will roll faster and easier.

27.5 inches: Compared with 29-inch wheels, one of the biggest advantages of 27.5-inch wheels is usually faster acceleration. The faster-accelerating wheels give the bike the lively and sensitive feeling that many riders desire.

29": Wheels with slower acceleration take longer to reach speed, which may give the bike a sense of unresponsiveness. However, once larger wheels reach top speed, they are actually more effective than smaller wheels Take long-distance rides because they require less effort to stay motivated.

Weight

The 27.5-inch wheels are lighter.

There is no way to solve it; bigger wheels are heavier. A bicycle with 29-inch wheels can weigh about 2 pounds. Due to more wheel materials and more tire rubber, it exceeds that of bicycles with 27.5-inch wheels.

Depending on the type of riding you are riding, the weight of the bike may or may not be important.

If you are a casual rider: The weight difference between 27.5-inch wheels and 29-inch wheels may not be your biggest concern. You may be more concerned about traction and angle of attack.

If you are competitive or go on long-distance off-road cycling: you may be looking for ways to reduce weight. Using smaller wheels is one way to reduce weight, but it is not the only way. You can also view ultra-light carbon fiber frames, handlebars, seatposts and rims.

Setting your wheels to be tubeless is another great way to reduce weight. Tubeless wheels not only reduce the overall weight of the bicycle, but they can also accelerate faster due to the reduced rotating mass, and they have an additional benefit of being able to drive under lower tire pressure for better Traction.

Mobility (Frame Flex)

The 27.5-inch bicycle is more maneuverable.

A 29-inch bicycle is more flexible because the larger wheel size will extend the frame. This may cause the bicycle to feel more difficult to handle when making sharp turns.

If you often ride on narrow and winding trails, you may prefer the feel of a 27.5-inch bike. The 27.5-inch wheels retain many of the lively feel of the original 26-inch size, while retaining many of the advantages of larger wheels.

29ers are easier to climb over obstacles, so you may find that you don't miss the lively feel of smaller wheels because you can roll over rocks and tree roots instead of trying to get around them quickly.

Fit

29ers are generally more suitable for taller riders.

Compared with 27.5-inch wheels, larger 29-inch wheels have a greater impact on the overall geometry of the bicycle frame. This can make it difficult for short riders (especially those who are less than 5 feet 6 inches tall) to find a suitable 29er. If possible, test drive two wheel sizes.

Tall riders, especially those over 6 feet tall, may prefer the feel of a bicycle with 29-inch wheels. However, a bike with 27.5-inch wheels can also be a good fit for tall riders, so first determine your priorities related to acceleration, traction, angle of attack, and weight.

If you have your own ideas, please contact us(sales@top-fire.com) to discuss and provide you with customized services.