27.5" Vs 29" Mountain Bike Wheels | The MTB Wheel Size Debate

27.5” Vs 29”, the debate that never dies, everyone seems to have something to say about which is fastest, or just which they like best. Neil offers up his thoughts on the matter and how both wheel sizes measure up against the clock.
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Neil takes the Scott Genius, which is designed to take 27.5” and 29” wheels, on a timed run with both wheel sizes to see which is faster and feels the best over different terrain.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@jannisbulow2307]

doesnt matter what u ride so long as you are stoked everytime you come home to look at your beautiful bike

[@PSNragglefraggle1]

Got my old dream bike last year, a 2011 26` AM bike. It ain't the fastest but I f**king love riding it!

[@danmiller7709]

Fuel EX 8 27.5 and it’s amazing! Just so curious about what 29ers would feel like on the trail

[@SuperKingoct]

Daniel Miller I ride a fuel ex 7 2017 and it converts I like 29ers but I’d like a 27.5 set because I like to do jumps.

[@greenbow7888]

Fall in love with bike more each day.

[@ezrabegin8234]

Same with me

[@willmockel2914]

It's funny how the vid is about 27.5 vs 29 but the whole comment section is people defending 26

[@gmbn]

Just so you remember it's not dead! 😉

[@laneshirley3706]

Maybe Becuase it's the most playful feeling where size I own 26 inch and 27.5 and have riden 29er and I like 26 inch the best they are lighter stiffer and it makes tight stuff great they all have pros and cons but if I had too pick one wheel size it would be 27.5 plus

[@SolidxSnakexDuke]

i have 3x26"bikes and 3x27,5" bikes and i like ride all of this but 29" bikes don´t fitt white me. iI have test 5 diverent bikes but its´t have a Feeling about i ride a trekking bike 4 me ..... i am 1.93m tall

[@cooperalsop2228]

Will Mockel ahaha ikr

[@mjs1231]

26 is and was always the best size. Playful, stiff, durable, lighter, oh wait try our 29 and oh ya you need a new bike lol. So here is a guy that 5 foot 2 on a small with 29 in wheels lol wut????

[@l.voelker7519]

Two years ago the debate was '26vs27,5'. Soon we will be sending on penny farthings😂

[@angeledduirbonesu1989]

Next debate will be 29" vs 36"

[@noonehere4332]

Loi Angelo 36” vs penny farthing

[@keirfarnum6811]

L. Voelker Dude! My buds were throwing huge airs on the penny farthings! It was MASSIVE! You haven’t table topped until you have table topped with a 92” front wheel!

[@earthlungs3163]

ummm, my name is earthlungs, not farthings...

[@faizfarouk1139]

B

[@exactpeak5995]

Everybody gangsta till the 26" shows up.

[@McRemmyBaby]

Lmao

[@Egir53]

i have a 28"

[@schinagldaniel7752]

@@Egir53 And you fucking love it, right?! LOL

[@jmw708]

What about the 6'4" guy who comes in whipping around a 20" bmx? 🤣

[@lapdheadquarters762]

@@jmw708 You should be in prison for solicitation of murder.

[@davidmithen9223]

As a 6’4” sized human, 29ers feel more normal, so wheel size is somewhat proportional to rider size. On 26” I feel like a circus bear!

[@gmbn]

Great point David (we'd love to see that)!

[@tuetis]

I like how you had to qualify yourself as a human. Like we were going to think you were a lizard or something hahaha

[@trailrunnah8886]

I'm 5'9 and love my 29er. I demoed a 27.5 and felt like I was on a kids bike. I haven't totally discounted them, perhaps a Large with a longer reach would have felt. Gotta say though, I'm excited that we now have 150, 160mm travel 29er choices.

[@thorthor6257]

Michael Smith i'm 6'2 and 27.5 still fits me😂😂

[@trailrunnah8886]

I just need to demo one again. The one I rode was maybe too small, I'm 5'9 so on the cusp of Large from Medium. I had rented a Medium, then we hit Captain Ahab in Moab. It was a Giant Trance, which was 150mil travel IIRC. It was great for the descents, but didn't feel like it climbed as well as my 29er. Plus I kept pedal striking like crazy. Just gotta get used to it, I guess. There are two newer 27.5 bikes out that I REALLY like.

[@andybrown141]

Had a 29 for 7 years. Now have 27.5 for 2 years, still loving and riding it much more than I ever did 29er. But I ride strictly for fun, no racing.

[@steves186]

Imagine how much fun you'd have with a 26 🤣

[@brathersadda9436]

@@steves186 hahahhaha

[@djzrobzombie2813]

@@brathersadda9436 that's a good one mate

[@god-of-jokes]

How tall are you?

[@snacc9118]

Can't wait for the 50" vs 54.5"

[@TheJofrica]

All the comments will be about the 49”

[@crackedcookies]

Isn't that a penny-farthing?

[@michelmadaire257]

How about the 6 inch !!!! lol.

[@rex9003]

fuck you 544" is the best, you get the highest rollover

[@Random-sx5rm]

@@rex9003 🤣😂

[@francoisglemot7584]

Between 1.87kgs for the 27.5" and the 2.12kgs for the 29", it's not a 25g difference as you said but 250g

[@d4rkside_europe564]

And the 29" wheel set used a smaller tire too

[@PixiiGER]

oh boy, that bugged me too!

[@murrijuana2842]

@@d4rkside_europe564 I don't think a bigger 29er tyre would fit on that bike. I don't think it was a great comparison.

[@mafakka2]

He's American

[@deficator750]

I don’t even have a bike why am i watching this

[@yi-vanstudenov464]

Snicker Doodle you can get a entry level hardtail for under 1000$

[@Rob-ed8zk]

@@yi-vanstudenov464 I lol when I hear 1000 b/c I grew up with walmart bikes and never imagined a bike would cost that much...

[@yi-vanstudenov464]

Rob Shala proper full suspension bikes cost around 2500$-10000+ dollars

[@kevinsantoso7430]

@@yi-vanstudenov464 or a really cheap bike if you just want to ride your bike (by no means crazy dh or tricks), but if you just want to ride your bike on a small hill, or that gravely road, or just start riding, a $500 bike will serve you well. If you live in aussie, maybe try to look for a polygon bike online. I've seen some decent bikes with good reviews there, no promotion, just a suggestion :D Of course if you can spend more, maybe you should get a Giant or GT bike. In some place you can get diamondback's bike and they are a pretty good option too ;)

[@yi-vanstudenov464]

Illya Laurette yeah gt bikes are a serious bang for the buck.

[@src248]

I've discovered from this comment section that a good portion of your audience haven't bought a new bike in many years

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

Steven Chabot Some new bikes are built for 26 and 650b such as the Banshee Rune and a lot of hardtails. Shows that people here dont buy into marketing bullshit

[@src248]

Of course there's no NEED but If you were to buy an new bike there's no reason not to get a 27.5 or 29.

[@M1keBLR]

My Spark LTD 08" (under 9 kilo) still fast as hell.

[@OneWheelLess]

😂😂 very true, and this is certainly more a video for those considering a bike

[@thePavuk]

I throw over $2000 to my 26 inch carbon bike with racing wheels. If I sell it, I will get may be 1/4th of price now. And 27.5 or 29 of that class will cost at least $3000.

[@thomasgilleran8960]

I just realized that the whole world, despite being metric, uses the American standard for wheels. Interesting how industry works...

[@oz0912]

British imperial standard mate 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@bruceli9094]

Also phone display size. 6.4 inch smartphone.

[@The44kGaming]

And TVs

[@bruceli9094]

@@The44kGaming And cocks. Mines 10 inch monster

[@The44kGaming]

@@bruceli9094 So what are you going to about it?

[@oogilyboogily9595]

I’m 7’4” and 24 inch wheels are perfect for me

[@Potato-gn4di]

What the, your 7’4’’ that’s awesome

[@oogilyboogily9595]

@@Potato-gn4di I’ve actually just grown 2 feet in the past 2 weeks now I am 9’4 and I have moved down to 20 inch wheels

[@joyalpatel6000]

haha liying.

[@oogilyboogily9595]

@@joyalpatel6000 I’m not

[@seraphim3454]

bruh how could you say your 9'4 when the tallest man in the world is 8'11?

[@latuman]

27,5 for me. It matches my low skill level better. Keep it light, small, nimble and simple.

[@themagicillusions]

Neil... 1870g is not 50g lighter than 2120g it’s 250g lighter so 500g total!!!

[@TheGinGuy]

r/neildidmath

[@simonrook5743]

How did that even get through editing?

[@wojciechgregorkiewicz2415]

Clearly much effort was put into making of this video. I can't believe you let a slip up like this through quality control.

[@tgfedi]

Because he's British :) . Trying to use both imperial and metric systems, they get a bit confused sometimes.

[@themagicillusions]

tgfedi maths is neither imperial nor metric, maths is just maths :)

[@thomasdc2439]

@Neil you should make a movie showing you on the trails. Your style is so silky smooth when you are shredding the trails. It looks so effortless and makes it extremely enjoyable to watch.

[@invictus3598]

Terrific 27.5" and 29" side-by-side wheel comparison review video. Great information! Thank you!

[@richpotatothebestg.m.ovegg2599]

500 grams heavier, not 50grams

[@florihupf]

Metric is hard. :)

[@leedove7255]

Abcd you need a maths lesson

[@TomWhitchurch]

Rip my boy rich :'(

[@OliverBatchelor]

I did immediately, but yet another spot the mistake comment probably isn't useful!

[@robertwilke1208]

Give him a break; he's had a British education!

[@slopez2246]

Great video. I'm 5ft 8in, a smaller rider, and I've purchased a 29er. The 29er was too cumbersome for me, and switched out to the 27.5. I think it may depend on the rider height and having control on the bike. On the 27.5 I pick speed better, and pull jumps better. The 29er did have faster pick up. Thanks for your comparison.

[@Jrlddfriod]

How tf 5'8 small?

[@notbob6922]

​@Geraldevo it's below average for a man

[@Iwo26]

100% agreed. I'm 5'9 and 29er just feels too large. 27.5 makes me a racer Lol

[@enam98]

I love my 29" Feels so great to ride on (roads) Socks up vibration and can't feel most pot holes as bad, the handling feels more sturdy didn't think all this could change going from 27" to 29" 🤯

[@marcmg4234]

29" work best for me. I'm never afraid of pot holes and it grips really well.

[@bknoid]

This is one of the best videos I've seen on KZbin very well done.

[@tamaskg]

Editing was on point!

[@MinecraftMagpie]

Oh no......You just started WW3

[@HakunaMattatata]

quick everyone hide your 26"

[@grebo121]

Hide? We're here to fight!

[@Badatti2de]

It's as bad as water bottle vs camel pac

[@szczur03]

Coca-cola is better

[@Nicool333]

I love my steel 26 hardtail!

[@jonnyd_vids]

2011 Norco Bigfoot 26 is the favourite out of my 3 mountain bikes.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

Hard tail is much better than full suspension imo

[@BalatonOZ]

I have 26. Love it. And just ordered new raceking 2.2 folding.

[@46zhp]

This seems like the perfect setup to dive in to mixing wheel sizes a la liteville. 29 in the front for approach angle and a longer contact patch for steering, and 27+ in the rear (within .3" or so) for clearance and a fatter contact patch to land on. With all the options in tire sizes these days ive been thinking of trying a mildly moto setup for a while...

[@orringejuice6511]

This is a sick video, possibly my favorite by you guys

[@danielravenstar4442]

This video is one of the best tech dissections I have seen so far... You're personal body size geometry..... determines what tire size you are best suited for,,, you don't have to buy a whole different bike, And cheat on a faithful friend, The variety on this planet is awesome !!!

[@leahhelen6168]

Thanks for this. I just bought a genius. I’m very new to riding so all this is good info. Glad to know I can swap wheels. Overall I love this bike on rocky terrain.

[@grizzlydenn5629]

Incredible video GMBN! Congrats to all who worked on it .The edit was great, the music was even better, Neil's riding was on another level ( not that it wasn't before...it just seemed much more better). The bike is fantastic but too expensive for my taste and the idea of swapping wheel set's is even more. Appreciate the effort u've put in the video...keep up the great work guys :)

[@gmbn]

Cheers Grizzly! We're glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Titot182]

Gotta to love new upper line on Corkcrew at FOD. I did this experiment on my 2014 Specialized Enduro. I ran 2.8 nobby nics on halo 35mm 650bs but certainly preferred it with magic mary & hans dampf on halo 35 29ers. FOD in the wet is especially sloppy, so much preferred the traction on the 29ers as well.

[@PaulJagger]

Excellent comparison that helps the experienced and novice alike, thanks for sharing

[@kn7x802]

I have my 26” carbon Specialized Epic full XTR for the past 15 years and very happy with the 23 pounder.

[@ravynx]

Bang on riding and video production, thanks Neil & team. I would love to see a comparison with the shorter riders to see if 29" hinders them much. Being 5'6" (167cm) I've always wondered if 29" would be too much of a hindrance for me on small-frame bikes (hitting my toes on the front wheel perhaps).

[@sohaibyounus]

I really like Neil's style! its really interesting that what he felt didn't reflected in the time, it was the other way around!

[@Azraltarux]

It's all about you taste and likeness. I've been driving 24s ans 26s all my life. Recently a friend of mine gave me a 29er for our morning rides. Combined terrain from concrete, asphalt, dry mud, sand, and river beds. It felt soo good for me that i ordered a new bike with 29ers. Bottom line - do what you like , life is short anyway )

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

I'm 6' 5" so obviously the choice is easy 24" for lyfe!!!🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@n3tfury]

Walk?

[@dunnotck1]

XD

[@Thegaoat]

😂

[@CheeseOnEverything]

I think u should go for 3"

[@danielchristopherwright7831]

great cinematography and music !

[@santosj2274]

Still riding my 26" Lapierre after more than 8 years ..

[@rocky7232]

Was ridding 26” for years, love my 29” would never go down wheel size, too easy to roll over stuff.

[@LucasGoncalves-sp5nh]

I use 29er on the downhill and 27.5 on the enduro, the enduro stages in my region have a lot of tight corners and line changes, I think the 29er is clumsy, while on the downhill the 29er is perfect because it goes over everything.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

There's no law sayings you can only have one bike you know

[@HackebeilHarry1]

Great test, helps me with my decision. Thanks for that

[@guibat97]

Nice video quality guys! Always nice to watch your content :)

[@marcinjonczyk6180]

Good job GMBN. Your vids look nicer. better shots, cemera movement, color grading. It makes watching it not only informative and fun, but pleasant too!

[@gmbn]

Cheers for the feedback Marcin!

[@chicobicalho5621]

Way back, when 29 wheels were first introduced, I saw a prototype Trek with a 26 rear, and 29 front; a configuration I believe was too extreme, but I have never seen an attempt of engineering 27.5 rear 29 front, which seems more logical then the 26/29. Like dirt motorbikes, perhaps the smaller wheel on the rear would give more peddling response (torque), and the larger one in the front more stability for turns, or ground irregularities. I would guess a configuration like this may be more effective for trail bikes with our without rear suspension, or maybe even a fully rigid deal. Since the same frame was used for this test, and wheels swapped, it would be interesting to see a trial with both sizes on the same frame. Just a thought.

[@augustlandmesser1520]

www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/beauty-or-the-beast-trek-69er-single-speed/

[@SpicySpokes]

really interesting, thank you guys for this vid and the second part with different wheelsizes, too. i am standing between the genius and the ransom... btw great riding tech ique in the wet, best greetings from Danny Hart at champery! ride on

[@kblean45]

I still ride on 26, but have been looking to change it up, and I'm still undecided between a 27.5 and 29. I like the idea of a bike being able to handle both wheel sizes.

[@BobButtafruco01]

Hi there, Actually, question to Neil: In this video you have focused on the time and speed adventages of using different wheel sizes, but what are your impressions in case of agility and maneuverability on steep and narrow technical sections, hairpins etc. I'll be grateful for your opinion Regards Mateusz

[@GT-cx8vd]

Hey there friend, for all these ride attributes which add the whole fun, you need a 26!

[@zeroa69]

Damn after reading the comments apparently I'm a relic still rocking 26 on my trek 6500.

[@wallygoots]

Me too: Trek 7000 But ready for modern trail bike.

[@reln72]

Hey. I also got a Trek 6500. Thinking about upgrading though to full suspension and 27.5

[@zeroa69]

@@wallygoots I moved on to a new 2019 reliegh talus 4 29er. I've given it a bunch of upgrades but I love the bike

[@wallygoots]

I too moved to a Turner 5.spot with 1x10 GX drive train and so far it is great! My first full suspension. It seems like more maintinence than mybold Trek, but I'm riding harder so...

[@zeroa69]

@@wallygoots I'll be upgrading my drivetrain by the end of the year. They cancled the 48 mile ore 2 shore bike race id been training for so I'm no longer in a rush to swap out yet its gonna cost me a pretty penny so I figure I'll just wear down the stock. What sucks is I cant use my wolf tooth remote cause I have the left shifters and the bontrager that fit sucks hard in comparison.

[@wlouisharris]

Just went from 27.5 to 29. For me it was a great transition. I like the ability to roll over obstacles with more ease and overall improve my speed/lap times.. There is a pretty big reduction in the ability to shred through corners. Just had a wreck last week trying to handle corners the same way I did 26.5 wheels. I've seen the guys that really like to shred sticking with 27.5.. So if you prefer XC, touring, moderate trail riding I think 29 inch wheels will go a long way to help improve your experience like it did for me.

[@francisorate6037]

Love the videos guys! SHOOTOUT TO THE EDITORS! The color grade, the zoom and edit was on point! more vids guys!

[@gmbn]

Cheers Francis! Loving the feedback :)

[@MW-ud8zp]

Francis Orate Agreed. It was awesome.

[@JCinAZ87]

I love the way this video was shot. It looks like it has been filtered? maybe a new lens. I don't know but I like it

[@gmbn]

Cheers Jesus!

[@mojaverc1585]

Colour grading

[@petermac6245]

great vid I've been out of the bike seen for a while, & getting my head around the need for different sizes as Im looking for a new ride. I'm still rocking my old big hit with 24 on the rear & 26 up front ;)

[@okrc6389]

A very interesting video. I was interested in mountain bike recently and it is very helpful.

[@lukew5555]

Great vid guys. I'm definitely a 27.5" sort of guy. Can't help but notice a difference in colour grading and look of this video? It looks good!

[@gmbn]

Cheers for the feedback Luke :)

[@aarongornalle29]

It all depends on what type of trails you're into aswell as riding style. Having a downhill bike I do like the 26'' wheels due to making it lighter and easier to throw around. And yes, I know this vid had nothing to do with 26 wheels. It just goes to show that everyone has their own personal preference.

[@Windband1]

You need to use the same tire size for a true comparison test!

[@philipsquire9056]

Still riding my 15 year old Orange Sub Five on 26". It works. I rode a brand new Specialized FSR (?) in Whistler this summer. On the valley trails it was fantastic. Everything seemed easier. That had 27,5. I'd love to ride one back to back with my Orange.

[@MrJonas2255]

Comment section: I am irrationally attached to the wheel size I happen to own!

[@gmbn]

😂

[@icejunki]

Exactly....we are creatures of habit.....big beautiful creatures of habit.

[@tedclev]

Dude! I ride BMX down Mont Saint Anne. Where's your check for my whip? Lol.

[@DepakoteMeister]

Well aren't you silly. I'm attached because that's the size of all my spare wheels and tyres.

[@ezrakainz]

We all know My Wheel Size is the best...

[@niberdoom]

90% of the test on this channel is about going downhill, what about how the bikes does feel going upwards or flat. We do not all live in the hilly places of this world... Please start a XC channel, or do more stuff about XC. Otherwise great work.

[@tedclev]

29 crushes on climbs, especially with flip chip geometry.

[@morninguvnuh4769]

That's a really good point. The inertia to counter to get a 26" going is less.

[@benevolentdictator2315]

niberdoom, you now have found your opportunity to start your xc channel. Why wait when you can start now?

[@user-nd1vh4re1g]

That's couse XC sucks!

[@jsv438]

Right-0n niberdoom! That's where skills and joys of dirt biking go unnoticed and unappreciated. Sometimes I think it's because showing 'video' of the runs LOOKS better showing downhill riders. Just a better attraction and visual. You're so right; we need to see more than downhill show-off. ~JSV

[@gm2256]

Interesting how the results of the 29 were the opposite of your perception (slower at the top, faster on the bottom techy stuff). I guess that's why we measure! Thanks for the in-depth video of 27.5 vs 29.

[@jimbote1968]

standup grinder here and rode 29'r for around eight years....now three years into a 27.5+... love it, never. going. back.

[@themostwantedeh7493]

I'm still using 26 🤘

[@filippolaino]

Choosing tires is a personal choice because it depends for your ride style and your tastes, if you prefer have big wheels or small ones. It is very choice. I have 26 but I love 27.5, for me 29 are too much bigger. I don't like them.

[@THEDTSMAN]

Nice video, answered my questions. Thanks

[@macktaylor4389]

That is a fantastic color combo! Wish I could afford a new one.

[@junsambrano6796]

I stick to 26 " just upgrade parts and it depend on knee and enjoy more fun!

[@chavoxo50]

I’ve ridden 26, 27.5, and 29. When I bought my 29 at the shop they told me I wouldn’t do any one section of trail faster on 29 vrs smaller wheels but overall my entire loop would be faster. This has turned out to be accurate and the best way in my opinion to describe 29 wheels

[@neilsonchain1526]

If no sections of the trail are faster, how do you have a faster time.....

[@michaelinglis567]

Lol that's some grade A marketing nonsense. If your going through each section at the same rate as a 27.5 inch tire on 29 inch tires then your time couldnt possibly be faster.

[@teecee4459]

​@@neilsonchain1526exactly 😂 math don't lie.

[@eeriklilles9323]

Great production value.

[@axelkarlsson515]

Awesome videoedit and soundtrack 🤩

[@crazy-_-Beard]

my Mnt bike has 27.5+ and I love it. Super smooth ride. I don't care if its popular or not .....

[@philwise3541]

My 26 Scott is great, an old bruiser, but great. However, I’ve just bought a YT Jeffsy 29er and now the 26 is my winter/salty road-to-the-trails bike....so it’s semi retired...sort of.

[@ShawnSavageTeachings]

Thinking about buying a it jeffsey! How do you like yours?

[@philwise3541]

Shawn Z Savage at the time I found it to be the best value bike with the highest spec for the money that I had and also the highest rated trail bike within the price bracket I was looking at. Also, at the time it had the steepest head angle for tackling the downhill sections to the local trails. Nowadays the head angle debate rages but the new Jeffsy has a steeper angle than the one I have, so presumably it’s better for the downhill sections. I’d definitely recommend it without hesitation and I can tell you that I’ve found myself wanting to go riding a hell of a lot more often!

[@ShawnSavageTeachings]

Phil Wise wow thanks man for the info! I was thinking the same thing, a huge part is they are such a good value for the money and it’s a really nice looking bike! Appreciate the info 👌🏻👍🏻🙏🏻 take care! Happy riding

[@philwise3541]

Shawn Z Savage thanks, I’ll do my best! 👀😂 Hope you get all you hope for in your new bike, whatever it turns out to be. Top tip if you want it - take your time when looking. It took me 2yes to save for the bike and in that time I looked around at different possibilities a hell of a lot, still settled on the YT. Good luck.

[@ShawnSavageTeachings]

Phil Wise for sure it will take me about the same time to save up. Have a mongoose right now so it’s going to be a huge difference once I get that! Definitely will keep looking 👍🏻 hoping to get into racing at some point. Sub to my channel and you’ll see in the future 😁

[@rebeccamclaren97]

I just got a Cube MTB 29er, it's naturally heavier than most bikes but rides like an absolute dream and has much more grip than most mtbs. I dont mind the extra weight as I like a good fitness challenge, and use my bike more for leisure and endurance/long distance trails rather than for technical routes, jumps etc.

[@jonathanmascagni9515]

Great video and comparrison. It would have been awesome if you had also compared a mullet style with a 29" up front and a 27.5 in the rear. But looking at the date it's getting there in age. But I always love watching your vids. Nice dig on Blake lol.

[@kittykat632]

Love them both depending on the type of ride I'm doing. Having 2 pairs is smart!😉

[@Atreyufolife]

I got a used 27.5 but I'm getting a 29 error in a month. I think my 27.5 might have a 26er on the back. rip

[@lNappa]

Kitty kat is back to attack

[@KurtSarioPh]

Looking forward to start my biking life someday but not financially stable this is one of my dreams 😊 This is really helpful 💖

[@richardberends7792]

honestly a bike from Walmart is better than no bike, just tune it the best it can be. I'm searching for the best $1000 bike for myself at the moment but currently ride a $150 full suspension walmart 29er (coil spring obv), and I go out and ride it about 3 times a week. Also, a good brand for budget is usually schwinn. There's a bike for all situations and budgets.

[@sless6928]

The whole video I was trying to work out how the geometry could be different by changing wheels, but then you mentioned "flip the chip". Would have loved you to explain that a bit more.

[@adventure_always]

Thanks for the great video!

[@mainzman7239]

Ohhhh, flip the chip. I was wondering how the 29" wheels with a 20mm larger radius didn't raise the BB by 10 mm. Interesting that the parts of the run where you felt faster and slower on the 29ers was actually the reverse. Good job done though, great to see a very direct comparison like that.

[@Pillokun]

26" for life!

[@hamdaniabdulsamad766]

Nice!!

[@AdityaPandey-ow2yu]

27.5" for life!

[@ronronpagala910]

20 for life🤣🤣🤣

[@alestbest]

This is by far the best comparison I have ever seen. Thank you. I think I go for 29"

[@sspringbok]

Hi since you have the two sets, you could try 27back, 29front. On enduro motorbikes diff wherlsize is almost a standard. Would be interesting to compare. less weight, more grip on the back, advantage on the front on rough terrain.

[@95thRiflesOCI]

26 inchers have been at the top of the class even till this time. Nothing beats the weight to performance ratio. You don't need to roll over obstacles if you can just fly over them on 26 inch because of the power and responsive nature of smaller wheels. Theres a reason why a 10 year old XC bike is still lighter then a 2018 top tier bike.

[@michaelinglis567]

Lap times dont lie. They also control where the industry goes. If people werent riding larger wheels with faster times in comps then youd never see them at the consumer level to this degree. So for us regular consumers it just depends on what type of riding you do and what you want out of your bike.

[@Klik47]

27.5 i started on 27.5 and when i tried 29 it just felt heavy and im not used to it. So im staying with 27.5

[@PHAM_mtb]

Heya, beautiful nature! Good luck growing this channel! Anyway, I liked your video. Enjoy the week! All the best, Philipp from PHAM

[@jameslopez5371]

Nice bike I just got the 2019 scott aspect and I love it.

[@ericthatcher]

I would be interested to see how you think it feels with a 29er on the front and a 27.5 on the back

[@jorimgentiloso5388]

I have a bike that has a 29er on the front and 27.5 on the back and oh boy.... It's so hard especially on the mountainous parts but on the flats, it's so amazing.

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

@@jorimgentiloso5388 why do you have bigger wheels on the front?

[@jorimgentiloso5388]

@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess don't know I already had the bigger wheels when I bought the bike ahahahaahah

[@mellasio3911]

@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess specially on down hill push the bike on back giving you more lighter front and control on the back it change the frame geometry is like you do claiming and you want a 26 on front with a 29 ....you get push over the handlebar and change the body position ...something like that....plus a 29 in front will roll faster over minor bumps because of bigger wheel and dont get dip in to holes like 27.5,26 and the list continue, back wheel is a follower so if is smaller and quick will go better in cornering ....bla bla bla long theory .....bet thing is try :)))))

[@Paolo-qe7lc]

@@jorimgentiloso5388 I never get why they do 29 on the front. I rode my friends 29 and the cornering was terrible and he even told me he wished he had a 27.5

[@wyatth6824]

I was trying so hard to figure out why wheel size would change so much in the bikes geometry, then I made it to 5:00 minutes and then it made sense

[@themarksmanABP]

That bike looks sick! Love the colours

[@M3PH11]

My XC bike is a 29er and my trail bike is 27.5. XC bike is a hard tail. Trail bike is full squish. And I have got to admit that I wouldn't have it any other way atm. The next trail bike might get bigger wheels and my next XC bike will probably have a short travel rear shock but as we are all aware I am recovering from a serious, nearly life changing, injury and having the 2 very different bikes has helped loads because one is all about the pedalling and the other is all about moving around on it.

[@markobremb3493]

Any 26 inch riders?

[@Sumallagamesperter]

MarkoBre MB heree😂🙋

[@newttella1043]

Some good deals on 26ers with modern geometry. Look for some 2012 Intense, Santa Cruz or any 125mm full suspension bikes.

[@Furious_TomTom]

MarkoBre MB yep I ride a slalom bike 26 inch ftw

[@lukasradzimski1033]

MarkoBre MB Yess

[@Flavio_Ceratti]

Here

[@Docterozlo]

What about keeping the rear a 650b and the front a 29er would be interesting to see where it fits in with those times!

[@woopertrooper4151]

Trek made the 69er (26" rear, 29" front) a decade or so ago. Bad naming or not, it wasn't really popular. Would be interesting to see who comes out with the modern version

[@src248]

It's been shown to be very effective but it's against UCI rules to run two different sized wheels, I assume other series have similar rules. Foes Mixer is a modern 29/27.5 bike and it's damn good

[@maniac0303]

Bulls Copperhead Duro and Copperhead Max. (29" front 650b rear)...

[@Vanadium]

Looks like some of you guys never heard of Liteville then because they produce all kind of MTBs with exactly that. They also do 26 rear and 27.5front for shorter people...

[@Toastybear1]

Steven Chabot happily though- the downhill world champs I don't BELIEVE is UCI, the World Cup is I think, but not the whole season. I could have got that totally wrong though

[@Pahaadi]

It's been more than a year I haven't ridden...I miss my bike watching this video.!!

[@realbladerunner]

Just bought a huffy 27.5 as my first mountain bike and it’s so fun

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Very cool test. Interesting that the clock showed the exact opposite of what the rider felt...... Neil was hauling azz!!

[@leonrubensobotta5818]

#AskGMBN Wouldn't it be more accurate to choose the same tire width for the test?

[@benjaminhoff5004]

No, 27.5 main use nowadays is to fit wider tires.

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

I switched over to 27.5 back in 2007 with purchase of Giant Trance 27.5 2. Just bought Santa Cruz Tallboy 29 and sold by 27.5 to a friend who was on a 26 Santa Cruz Blur LT. He took my 27.5 on our usual trail ride and immediately felt the difference. We have noticed his improvement in the last two months. I am loving the way my 29er rolls over obstacles and carries speed. I would never go back to a 26 wheel. The 27.5 does handle tight turns and is quicker to maneuver but I am faster on the decent and on the flats on my 29er. Being a full suspension I can lock it and ride and climb like a hard tail. My only regret is not keeping the 27.5 so I could switch depending on where I happen to be riding. I wonder how many of those people making negative comments have actually trail ridden a 27.5 or 29er?. I talking about really putting it through test on advanced trails like those in this video. Just Saying!

[@filosophyonliestore]

Great video. Keep kicking ass. Thank you for the input and time! It is mind blowing how negative and critic people are in the comment section.

[@thomaskositzki9424]

You don't know what negative comment sections are then. XD

[@mattdidisheim2211]

can you do a video comparing the climbing capability of 27.5 vs 29?

[@technicalbreakdown1484]

26 is best in climbing but slower than a 27.5 in speed. 27.5 is better in climbing than a 29 and faster than a 26. smaller circmuference = faster rotation. 29 is faster in flat surfaces poor in climbing. more circumference = faster speed. In the end the difference is not that noticeable anyway, choose what you like and enjoy the bike.

[@paulahner2101]

26 or 650B for me. Give em 29ers to the racers, 27.5 is more versitile and 26 oc the most fun.

[@nonymouserawr]

Hey Neil, have you been riding the 29 or a while now? How do you find they compare after some time with the 29s? I'd love to see another vid on it! I'm debating whether to go 27.5 or 29 for my new bike. Thanks, love the channel, keep up the good work!

[@raincntry2657]

Good video with a clear, factual explanation.