26 vs 27.5 vs 29- EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT MTB WHEEL SIZES

Vishnu Sharma
6-3-2021
Know your Bicycle

MTB wheel size is one of the most interesting topics for Cyclists. If you are new to Cycling, the whole subject can be quite confusing. There are three sizes of wheels predominantly in use in mountain biking; 26 inch, 27.5 inch which is sometimes called 650B, and 29 inch, and put simply, the size of wheel you choose will alter everything from your riding position to your riding style and how you feel on the bicycle.

26” WHEELS

26" have for decades been the standard size for most Mountain Bicycle wheels. Like 29er & 27.5" bikes, 26" bikes offer their own unique advantages & disadvantages. Generally speaking, 26" bicycles are great for fast edgy type terrain that requires the rider to be able to react quickly. On the flip side, 26" bicycles tend to have a slower top speed, and their smaller wheels are less forgiving when going over bumps, roots, rocks, etc. If you're upgrading from a 26" MTB bicycle, you may feel more comfortable sticking with what you are familiar with; however we do suggest that you consider some of the advantages of 29er & 27.5" bicycles before making your decision.

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26 vs 27.5 vs 29- Everything to know about MTB wheel sizes 26 wheels

27.5” WHEELS

27.5" Mountain Bicycles attempt to meld the advantages and disadvantages of 26" & 29" bicycles into a nice sweet spot that provides riders with the best of both Bicycle designs. Essentially speaking, many riders like the faster speeds and more forgiving ride of a 29er, but couldn't accept the trade off in terms of responsiveness on quick edgy style terrains. The theory behind 27.5" bicycle is to meet in the middle.

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29” WHEELS

29er Mountain Bicycles became a popular alternative as they offered multiple advantages over the then standard 26" Mountain Bicycle. The larger wheels on a 29er gives the rider the ability to reach a higher top end speed. They also improve overall traction with their larger footprint and they roll over objects such as rocks, roots, etc; much easier than smaller wheels. Because 29er wheels roll over obstacles much easier than 26" wheels, many 29er riders quickly notice that they no longer avoid roots, ruts, rocks, stumps, etc; that they once used to on their 26" bicycle. All of this combines into a bicycle that's generally more stable and adds to the rider’s level of confidence.

To view all 29” Bicycles, Click Here.

26 vs 27.5 vs 29- Everything to know about MTB wheel sizes 29 Wheels

Conclusion

The size of your wheel determines the level of rolling resistance you will get on the trails. Having a bigger wheel base allows you to overcome bigger obstacles. The science behind this is called the angle of attack, and revolves around the point at which the tire will strike the obstacle in question, and the angle at which that strike will occur. There is a 26", 27.5", 29er among a whole other list of options, and we know that making the right choice can be a rather difficult and confusing decision. We hope this straightforward, easy to understand wheel size guide will make that deciding process a little bit easier.

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26 vs 27.5 vs 29- EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT MTB WHEEL SIZES

26” WHEELS

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