27.5+ Vs. 29er - Which Is Fastest?

[@SLAMTRON]

I'm quite impressed by the comprehensive level of testing and broad-based testing methods. You left little or nothing to chance & question. Helped me decide to pull the trigger on a 27.5" Plus machine and I'm glad I did. Now enjoying parts of my favorite trails that I used to dread on the 29er.

[@onemanmob6756]

finally! someone, in a very very compet way compared 27.5+ to 29 inch tyres (rather than 27.5+ and the regular 27.5) because their outer diameter and bike compatibility makes them direct competitirs. thanks very much for this! I agree,it may not be a definitive verdict and look forward to seeing other, similar tests carried out by others, maybe using a different bike and different tyre combos - then we will know more... Interesting, that the riders in EWS seem to be uneasy to use the 27.5+ tyres...

[@Nicroh]

Thanks for the feed back! This video made my decision one which hardtail to buy as a beginner MT biker.

[@fundip2010]

THANK YOU for having a sample size greater than 1 for each tire!!! Severely lacking in most bike related "youtube science"

[@1ndomitus]

*THANK YOU!!* Excellent video, love your comparison technique and you've helped me decide since I've been vacillating back & forth between the two, I just hope the Plus are as much FUN!

[@Elevenbike11]

I really like your understated, data driven approach. Great work, thank you.

[@wiiplayerify1]

great test, awesome how you repeated the test multiple times, really makes the results more accurate. good job!

[@karlosxzy]

Great comparison. Coming from a road background I have always ridden 29ers, but have been playing around with 27.5+ setups recently and have really enjoyed the extra volume and playfulness of the 27.5+.

[@DamirSpanic]

Great test. Thank you!

[@bikeradar]

+Damir Spanic Thanks!

[@PeterDiCapua]

Thank you for doing such a well thought out video! I just bought a 29er last year but im still very thankful!

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

I've been doing my own testing and have found my plus bike(s) to be faster in almost all conditions. It has been somewhat to my surprise. After getting some faster times on climbs I thought my fitness must have improved so I took out my carbon 29er hardtail to get some good Strava times but couldn't match the speed of my heavy, long, slack DMR Trailstar with 2.8 Nobby NIc tires... I have had non-stop PRs on Strava for the last week now that I'm on a Rocky Mountain Pipeline. This is exciting stuff!

[@theadventurebiker]

Very interesting!

[@RobDavis1966]

This is a brilliant write-up! Certainly the most "scientific" I've seen. I also watched your followup and thought maybe the Santa Cruz Hightower might be a good test bike as it is longer, lower slacker than the 6Fattie, but not as much as the Pole Evolink. Plus the Hightower is on my shortlist and I'd love your opinion. :)

[@bruin4937]

Great episode that required a great deal of work and analysis! Thanks for making it and posting it! Cheers!

[@SurlyintheKootenay]

Thank you. I appreciate the effort you put into this test, and I like the scientific method. The rolling resistance tests were a surprise to me but you proved out the rougher ground favours the wider tires. That makes the rest of the testing less surprising I guess. Damn maybe I want a + bike instead/too. Please keep on testing!

[@KC93SE]

What about this: There were, when 29ers came about, a few bikes with a 29er front, and a 26er in the rear. Motorcycles typically do not have the same wheel and tire sizes front to rear, so when it comes to quick, and reasonably compatible swaps (with minimal fuss), what about a 29er front and a 27.5+ rear? I can see this as being something rather interesting for the likes of a hardtail, taking the sting out of some edges at the rear while maintaining potentially the same steering feel at the front. Thoughts?

[@Vanadium]

there are also bikes like this, a German brand provide their bikes with more diamater up front and lower diamater on the rear. those bikes are really good. the size of the wheels depends on the frame size for this brand. I am not sure if the bigger 27+ tire on the rear with a 29 on the front will help a hardtail to compensate the ridgid rear. I try to use less and less pressure on the rear to find the perfect spot to absorb bumps like he faced in this video but only on 29". I think that you will face the same problem that you will pretty often hit your rim before you know whats good pressure. Procore is the right thing to use for a ridgid rear and if you want to hit trails hard and not that slow like a normal hardtail.

[@fabrizioc3315]

see the Liteville 301 and its descendants... apparently a different philosophy with several unusual solutions. but looks interesting.

[@ZUnit80]

Foes mixer

[@feldybikes]

The bikes others have mentioned with mismatched wheel sizes generally use the same width tires. Adam Wisniewski talks about using a 27.5+ with a skinnier 29" tire. So, different than what's been tried with mountain bikes (that I know of). This is like motorcycles, however, who have a smaller diameter rear rim with a fatter tire that results in about even tire outer diameters front and rear. There's a simple reason why this makes sense for motorcycles ad not mountain bikes: Motorcycles have 10s of horsepower. They need a wider tire in the back to keep the tire from slipping when the throttle is twisted. Mountain bikes have a motor that produces a fraction of a horsepower most of the time. There's just not the same need for a fat rear tire when a relatively skinny front tire will do.

[@yetti423]

i have no problems in mixing sizes, most riders tend to get brands and ideas set by the manufacturers and brand snobs, my bikes a modded to suit me, my front mudguards are 5 litre plastic containers painted black, rear ones fixed to frames, im just hoping that in 5 years the manufacturers dont change the frame gaps to boost plus or boost plus plus platyplus.......

[@thecakeisalie7070]

Very much appreciate the attention to detail in your tests like the rolling resistance over different terrains. I do recommend against using arrow icons that look like the greater-than and less-than signs. :)

[@imranbecks]

Currently on a X-Caliber 8. My first 29er. Been riding 26er wheels for over a decade before this. Don't regret the change. 29er feels so much better!

[@pla2win255]

This is awesome as it has helped me to make my decision on which option to purchase.

[@fayney62]

As most consumers are still on 26" it would be interesting to see if there is a big improvement to switching to +size wheels?

[@RickP2012]

Not the results I was expecting, but some examples of climbs would be interesting.

[@MrRumBacardi]

Really interesting tests. Fantastically done! A lot of hard work went into this ! I still don't understant why people put so much importance in this. It always come down to personal preference and terrain type. As an avid rider (not pro what so ever) i really don't mind that a tire can save me 30 seconds on my run. But.... That is just me! Thanks for the great vid!!!

[@Vanadium]

true but like he said they give you the feeling of being more safe because of the prediction. I am also into that:" being faster every time" but I would choose anytime the more saver option first. To bad that I am looking for a good second hand FS but 27+ is just to new to get one. Also to bad that my 29" don't support the wider tires on the rear.

[@Tay675]

seb stott did an incredible job showing his experimental settings and explaining his results and experience. so detailed and spelled out, one of my favorite reviewers from now on.

[@bikeradar]

+Tay Thanks, we'll pass your comments on to the man himself.

[@mogulhopper]

thats the best and most comprehensive yes I have seen yet, very well explained too ...... great work guys

[@downundermtb4744]

Interesting to see this I’m so sticking to my +tires I have more fun on them and a better level of comfort as to 29ers I don’t race so don’t see the need more so I ride to keep fit and works for me 👍

[@cess916]

Just bought an Airborne Cycles Griffin 25.7+ 3in back & 3.25in front and just loving the way it rides, just seems to giddy up and Go 😍 👍

[@bbarker5766]

Excellent comparison!! I've wondered about the plus sized bikes. I have 29er now and the first time I took it to some trails I was shocked at how much speed I carried over my old Haro Extreme but the question now is would a be better off with 27.5+ or just about the same as my 29er.... UGH... this will never end!!! LOL

[@GLOCKATTACK40]

The 27.5 tire personally made me a substantially better rider! I have intermediate skills and ride a mid range price($2500) hardtail. I love them!

[@thesjkexperience]

Thanks for all of your testing. I was looking at the plus tires hoping they would smooth the smallest bumps that some efficient shock setups do not react to. Metal rods in your back means you look for anything that takes the hits from your body.

[@newhampshirebound8551]

Damn good test, appreciate your efforts.

[@Hardcaslte]

The rolling test is pretty interesting. I have 2.8" Maxxis DHF/DHR tires on my hardtail and when I'm riding to the trail from my house I've noticed it's harder to pedal the bike on the pavement vs pedaling on the bricks. I've noticed it's because on the bricks the tires are skipping and bouncing which creates less friction and it's easier to go faster. It surprised me the first time I experienced it.

[@xMrKnightleyx]

This is how a test should be carried out. Good job!

[@JesseKellys]

Just seeing this. Great stuff. I think that most of the result is really that you're able to run much lower tire pressure. It is the opposite of the road in that the larger volume lower pressure is actually less rolling resistance over rough trail. I for one run my 2.1" XC Tubeless specific tires (bit more sidewall) at 19lb and 21lb on an XC bike. I wish I could go lower but then I'm risking the rim and getting too squirrely. The draw back on the 27+ for XC of course is the uphill with extra weight, but can be nullified on a techy uphill. But it all makes me like the idea of a 29+! The greatest thing about the wider tires is as you said, more forgiving, more predictability, along with the lower rolling resistance of the lower pressure. Side note, on cobbles tests found Cancellara was faster at 60lb on a road bike! The more they lowered the pressure the faster he got; until he'd be breaking the rims. My aim with tires and suspension is to turn the trail into the velodrome :)

[@1ndomitus]

Awesome Video, just awesome!

[@bikeradar]

Great to hear you liked it and thanks for watching!

[@braydenjones1]

Great in depth test and review! Thanks! Curious to see the same test with the enduro (when they release the 6 fattie version)

[@arselihp]

This was thoughtfully done. Interesting to see it now, 1.5 years after the fact--seems like non-plus tires have become a little wider now in response to the plus "threat," which has taken the steam out of the plus movement/trend/fad/whatever. I wonder if wheels and tires will keep gradually getting wider as materials (for rims and tires) improve--accepting a certain, fixed amount of weight/rolling resistance and effort on the ups, and spending the extra tech advantage on the downs.

[@marcinjonczyk6180]

Nice test. Not just talking, but so much has been done.

[@KetzalSterling]

Absolutely superb video. Fascinating stuff. I'd love to see many more videos like this. Using science rather than opinion is always the best option. How bout a video comparing the 5 top XC tires for racing? Timed etc. Also, the same test you just did including flat terrain of various XC tire widths to see which is fastest. Keep em coming.

[@bikeradar]

+Ketzal Sterling Thanks! We're working on something that you'll enjoy. Can't say too much about it but keep an eye on the channel.

[@tamasvarga67]

Great test! I never run this high pressure with my 27.5+ hardtail. I'm 80kg and running max 13-14psi with Maxxis Chronicle tyres anything higher (15-16) felt too bouncy but I might give a try and go up to 18,5-19,5.

[@dasi0r]

damn good test, I needed it so bad, thank you!

[@AA_OnTheEdge]

the comparison seems legit, no excessive acting like BikeRadar did few years back comparing 26 vs 29.

[@ABH313]

Ppl dog me sometimes for running 27.5+ but I'm gonna show them this video! I love bigger rubber! Way more grip and comfort which is more fun...to find out they're faster is icing on the cake

[@damo010]

Excellent review with great info, well done and thanks for this :-)

[@hirschmj]

Outstanding video, and pretty decent scientific method! Subscribed.

[@isaks3243]

I'm running 27,5x2.6 and it feels good for me

[@josh33172]

So if I'm understanding this correctly, every course, every run was downhill with limited climbing in the test? Most of us ride up and then down. I understand the limits of one person doing the test, but this is the 2nd video comparing 27.5+ to 29ers along with other sizes that were perpetually downhill. Most of us ride up and down, and I imagine the results would be different with significant climbing like 610m up 610m down.

[@michaelstewart9308]

This video is from an enduro point of view not cross country. Hence why he was on a trail/enduro bike. The idea is to able to make it up the hill not race it up the hill, for xc you want to be on a 29er no doubt

[@JoelTGM]

He did a simple roll test to show how the tires handle the terrain differently. This involved no high-speed cornering or agility. It showed that the thinner 29er tires resisted rolling over rough terrain more than the plus tires. If you are climbing a rough rocky trail, a 29er will still resist rolling over that terrain more than the plus tires. It doesn't matter if gravity is propelling the bike down the rough trail, or if your legs are propelling the bike up. Do this on pavement and the thinner 29er tires are faster. Put on some skinny road tires and go even faster. Put those skinny road tires on gravel and go slower. It's not as complicated when you don't have to think about a downhill bike versus cross country bike or whatever. He compared only the rolling resistances of the tires.

[@williammorris6097]

Please do a test between wider and narrower tires for xc racing, for instance, 2.10 vs 2,3, or 2,25 vs 2.4 over a course that includes both climbing and flatter terrain like a cross country course has.

[@bestinspections]

Very informative, Thank you!

[@ShashwatShukla10]

How do they compare for climbing.....?

[@lidarman2]

Sssssssssh. Not supposed to ask that! ;)

[@blacksheep706]

haha yeah might piss off the 29er fans .

[@certifiedlawnpros]

Exactly! I can shave off 2 seconds off my downhill, but will I gain 15 seconds climbing?

[@jeffk464]

yup a lot of these new trends look like a world of pain on climbs.

[@jeffk464]

lets see what the cross country bikes look in the Rio olympics

[@tamasvarga67]

OK, I tried the 18,5/19,5psi pressure - as in this test - on my 27,5+ hardtail and it was unrideable so back to 13/14psi.

[@randroid123]

Right?! I thought they were nuts when I saw this.. I am running 14/16 on some 2.8's and I definitely don't weigh less than this guy. I would be running at least 13/14 on the 3.0 tires!

[@TedKidd]

agreed.

[@smallercopter3582]

+ran yehushua yup I agree. I am running his exact tires on 38mm internal carbons. Traverse 38sl and am running 14 front and 16 rear. Anymore and the grip goes away.

[@Tiss17979]

really good vid and exactly what i experienced since i got my 6fattie.

[@bikeradar]

+Tiss17979 Thanks, great to hear that our results mirror real-world riding!

[@BruceBusby]

It's interesting on the slow motion shots how much fork bracket flex was visible

[@pgbmxrler]

Definetely need to try different tire profiles. Rim profiles play a role also, I have found.

[@SkeleTele]

I have been riding plus for over a year now...I out climb my buddies on the normal width tires....I just have more grip and I don't spin out while my buddies do on certain climbs.

[@chris27gea58]

I would support the comment that tread differences must be kept to a minimum (i.e. the similarity of tread is a control condition) for the results of the tests to be compelling. Thankfully, there are some tests in this comparison that do compare like for like. Also, even if not strictly necessary, there are arguments for conducting tests where weight differences are minimised, as happened here. This should really have been done by attaching weights to the lighter bike rather than by changing tyres for the sake of weight comparability. Still, a subset of these tests do help in answering several important questions around 27.5+ and 29 in tyre performance. If anyone was expecting 27.5+ tyre performance to be rubbish support for that intuition can't be found in the test results. Quite the opposite, use of a wider tyre tread and wheel rim seems to offer performance advantages especially where trails are rough or demanding or ungroomed. What the tests can't answer is whether a wider low profile 29 in tyre (not 29+ but standard 29 diameter) with a wide wheel rim (i.e. a combination that doesn't exist at this time) might not perform better than an otherwise similar 27.5+ tyre. I raise this possibility because low profile tyres with lots of effort going into sidewall design have usually worked out as the best option for performance tyres e.g. in MX and elsewhere. But we won't know for sure until we see some company make that tyre.

[@yetti423]

bought a specialised fuse which was my first 3 inch tyre, was surprised that they were only 1mph slower over 40 miles(lot of canal and tarmac to get to good stuff)...... the only issue i had was that through slimy mud it did float more than anticipated which did mean a strava segment was finished going backwards still on the bike

[@guzziben]

I'm a little surprised by the +Tire pressures. I've got the Spec Fuse 6Fattie and the Ground Control tire has a max pressure of 20 psi. I've run as low as 7 psi in loose snow, 11 psi on packed snow, and typically 14-15 on clear fast trail. The biggest issue I see with "high" pressures is effective rebound, being that the tire tends to bounce off obstacles. Still, a great story- I think these tires are the future of mountain biking. Seen any 1.95's around?

[@sbsb4995]

I have the 26, the 27.5, and 29. In my humble opinion, the 26 inches is the best . Can you do a new review on that please?

[@BryceLovesTech]

I love my Specialized 6Fattie 27.5+ it's an amazing bike, ride one and you will see.

[@Kdiscus]

So does that mean a 29r with fat tires would be even faster?

[@jimoflh5773]

fat tyres have alot of drag so it just depends on the trail

[@donotbelieve90percent]

umm so did you watch the video's...apparently not as much drag as skinny tires LOL

[@RubyByte]

this was so scientific and well vetted, good job

[@GiantRiderRob]

Awesome vid, thanks for sharing.

[@derektaylor2845]

One test to add is to do a timed uphill(one version smooth and the other rocky and rooty) with a power meter see if the only arguement is valid that plus tires dont climb well.

[@Alltheway531]

In the video(1:41) he seams to be using the Rockshox digital shock pump for tire pressure readings. Is this accurate? I am looking for a digital tire pressure gauge, and a more accurate shox pump. Can I kill 2 birds with one stone?

[@tuacatom]

For an old weekend rider, my 2016 Specialized Fuse Pro 6Fattie 27.5 hardtail (3.0 Plus) kills my previous bike (stolen) 2014 Giant XTC 27.5 2 (2.6 front, 2.4 rear) by miles: downhill, uphill, flat, sand, rocks, hard packed.

[@tonysako]

27.5 + vs 29+

[@milespearce2030]

26+ might become a thing for 27.5 frames

[@OsellaSquadraCorse]

+Miles Pearce Has been for a while now. I've been running 2.5"/2.6" tyres for 4 years (in 26er frames) and found exactly the same things that this video shows in terms of cornering, predictability and rolling resistance - for rigid and full sus bikes! In my limited experience of using these wheels in a 27.5 frame though; the lower BB height and longer chainstays just made the bike feel very sluggish and hard to drag around (particularly when climbing!) - but that's just based on one sample. I'd like to try newer 2.8"-3" 26er tyres for the greater volume some point soon; which would have to be in a 650b frame - finding 26er frames which take even a 2.5" tyre is not easy when looking at non-DH-anvils... But a full-rigid 26er with 2.6" sticky rubber is some of the most fun you can have on a bike!

[@mountainbiking1659]

Agreed, That would make sense

[@theadventurebiker]

Nice. I still ride 26" (full-sus), but the largest tire that will still clear the rear end is a 2.4"

[@gillenzfluff8380]

+OsellaSquadraCorse I had a month of really good fun on maxxis soft compound tyres but they wore out fast but wow what grip, I need 2 buy another set.

[@tammysalyer]

Great review. Thanks!

[@tablatom]

Excellent review. I wonder for Gravel rides, would a wider tyre be faster? Going by your first rolling test i think so. So maybe light 2.1 tyres like Thunder Burts would be faster than say 700 x 40c tyres?

[@jesterarts8082]

Great video! Looks like I will be going 27.5+ next year... :)

[@K1989L]

9:31 Didn't you just describe Jones? Anyway it would be interesting to see a same test done with fully rigid bike.

[@scottcunningham5270]

I'm really surprised about the results. I would have loved to seen comparisons to how they test climbing

[@tywin1]

+Scott C Extra rotational weight going up = slower would be my guess. You're not going quick enough to benefit from big wide tyres for grip...maybe they'll test them.

[@alexanderdefender]

+tywin1 That seems to be a good physic type scenario however I've heard these tires climb like billy goats. The added traction improves high torque situations and obviously low grip. But yes the added weight should seem to slow them down on tarmac.

[@fetB]

how are you surprised. A bigger tyre with less pressure, is obviously slower than a harder and slimmer tyre. This test is complete BS

[@deanemberley2333]

fetB because you say so? Why not do a test of your own and prove this guy wrong?

[@TedKidd]

Nice review. We came to all the same conclusions, though not as scientifically. Would love some numbers on climbing with these bikes! The 29 wheels seem only better on the canal path. We also concluded the Specialized is a failure, mostly due to suspension and bottom bracket height, and really poor climbing characteristics. The Scott is a MUCH better all around experience, not just fun downhill. Can't wait for xc versions of these bikes.

[@trumpcenaandanal6147]

please will you tell me where all of these trails were? i wouldn't mind visiting them. thanks! Amazing video btw

[@bikeradar]

As far as we know they're all at the Forest of Dean or Bike Park Wales.

[@trumpcenaandanal6147]

+BikeRadar thank you so much. Love the vids bro.

[@joeray8868]

I'm approx 192 Ibs, 47 years young, rented the Specialized SJ 650B 6fattie bike because I'm in the market of getting a new mtn bike. I've been riding a 29er hardtail for over 3+ years. I did almost the same comparison not with changing out wheels, but my bike vs the 6fattie. I rode my hardtail first, then the 6fattie bike - same distance and track. The + Bike was amazingly faster in the rough stuff and good on climbs at one of the local singleracks close to Austin, TX. Very rough terrain, lots of sharp loose rocks during climbs and descents, big rock step downs and ups, etc. Not only was your video right on, but with me I had way more energy after riding the + bike. I did however, hit the crank/bottom out more often than with my hardtail. You hit it right on the head with the bottom bracket was lower you said only by 4mm, but with extra cushion of the tire it had to more. It could have been I was tired since it was the second effort. If you're in market it's definitely worth trying out

[@martytid60]

Take a look at the Santa Cruz Hightower 27+ version. I just got mine a week ago. Great bike. Also a great value.

[@TheOfficialKC]

Good test but sadly it is only focused on DH. Would have liked to see more pedaling section comparisons as that is the main use of a 29er. Is the weight noticeable on the 27.5+ vs 29er for acceleration? What wears you out more? This is really the time I would be considering + over 29er and that wasn't really tested here.

[@spiral99able]

Top stuff mate!!!!!! Thanks.

[@Rushdie01]

I tested a 6 fattie, interesting what you say about its geometry. I found grip predictable but outright covering not quiet there with my mondraker dune. However when my dune bites, it bites hard :)

[@IsraelMagalit]

Good job. Will be even better with larger sample sets (more runs for each test)

[@Gornflyin]

interesting test, but how about climbing? After all, a 29er is most often designed for CC type riding. Whats the weight difference running a bigger tyre? If you sprint on the flats, which gains speed faster?

[@KarolisBorkertas]

That was interesting.

[@uncopino]

Why don’t you experiment with 27.5+ on the rear and the 29 on the front? Like in a motocross style

[@jonathanhowson6420]

Great review, but if the 27.5 plus is faster then why aren't they being used in enduro races etc?

[@MyThinkin]

Pressures seem a bit high on the 29er, i use 22/24 with no squirm. I have used higher pressures 26/28, considerably less traction, and bounce.

[@JamesCox]

Awesome video!

[@letsgocamping88]

Seems to me that being able to run the lower pressures is helping with traction and rolling resistance.

[@heinzketchup3323]

+Benjamin Harvey Low pressures don't improve rolling resistance, it's the other way around...

[@letsgocamping88]

+Heinz Ketchup a tyre needs to be able to deform in order to roll most efficiently, this applies most over rough ground. velonews.competitor.com/2014/12/bikes-and-tech/resistance-futile-tire-pressure-width-affect-rolling-resistance_355085 Note mainly the section on inflation pressure and rolling resistance. www.mtbonline.co.za/info/mtb-tyre-rolling-resistance.htm Another test. I have no doubt that if the test were repeated on a smooth road not a gravel fire road then the higher pressure 29er tyres would have rolled faster From what I have read it's due to energy not being wasted by bouncing off the rough ground against the direction of travel with a higher pressure tyre, whereas a lower pressure tyre deforms and allows momentum to be conserved. Move to smooth ground and the friction from the tyre deforming and the larger contact patch will make the low pressure tyre run slower.

[@vesocsm]

how about for XC? 29ers are best for XC, so how does the + size compare when there are long climbs, steep uphills, flats and so on?

[@jtaraiza2480]

check out GMBN they did a climb test with multiple bikes including a 29'er and a 27.5+

[@bikeradar]

+vesocsm We'd guess that the extra weight would cost more on the climbs than you could hope to get back on the way down. As Seb found, the + seem to give the most speed on rougher trails, so there will probably be more benefit in Enduro than in XC. We'll have think, and if it looks like it's worth testing properly we'll bring you a video at some point in the future.

[@vesocsm]

BikeRadar thanks guys :) that's what i was also wondering, what will the weight penalty be uphill :)

[@OsellaSquadraCorse]

+vesocsm I believe BikeRadar did a similar test with hardtail vs full-suspension for xc and found that the comfort (anti-fatigue), bump absorption and line selection of the full-sus gave a faster overall result per lap, even with the weight penalty on the climbs; but required more effort, so tiring you out quicker.. It depends on the nature of the course/trail/are you ride, but I would think that the same philosophy would apply to the larger tyres.. Another Velo-based News site in a similar test came out with very similar results; short rides a full-sus, or perhaps larger tyre bike is 'better', go longer and lighter is better. Keep going longer however, and when tired & fatigued; comfort and predictability shine through.

[@vesocsm]

OsellaSquadraCorse yup. i can kind of comfirm comparing with my friends with full sus XC bikes. But i've already invested enough in my hardtail so probably further down the road/trail :)

[@rennovattio7818]

So a Ripley with a 150mm fork and 27.5"+ x 3" (will they fit!?!) so the BB will be raised (half the 10mm difference from the 140mm forks the guys at Ibis have been riding) kicking back the head angle a hair and maybe get the climbing of the Ripley with the stability of the Ripmo? Probably a moot point if the + tires won't squeeze in there.

[@SLAMTRON]

Ibis are so concerned about breaking their ultra-lite finesse-type Ripley frame that longer than a 140mm fork voids the warranty - lol!

[@SamSoMite421]

Nice video. Can you share your climbing experience with us?

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

1:26 were can i get that caveman kickstand? i want one! :-)

[@bikeradar]

+Ronald Tartaglia They literally grow on trees, though it's more environmentally responsible to pick one up from the ground.

[@waynewalton4635]

+BikeRadar so I'm getting a Carrera sulcata limited edition do you think it's a good bike I use it to ride around and go on bike rides what's ur opinion on it

[@SteezyG]

if I'm going on a 100+ mile ride that involves a mixture of mud, bumpy back roads some road riding what would be the best? I want to go quick on the roads so I can spend more time in the dirt....

[@Dryb1as]

Hi. What size of frame is? And how tall are You? Thx.

[@MySatora]

Great article but I think that the tyre pressures were far too much for the 27+. I've done loads of testing from 10psi to 20psi. I've settled on 13F 15R. If it's really rocky to avoid rim strikes I'd go to 14F 16R max. Anything more and the bike is bouncing all over the place. 20psi in my opinion is virtually unrideable in hard off road conditions. If the pressures are too high, the tyres will get into a fight with the suspension. BTW I'm around 80kg bike is Scott Genius. Love to see this again with lower pressures.

[@diverbelow27]

Fantastic video thanks ! Anyone has an advise between getting a Roscoe 7 or a specialized comp 29 2020 ? I am torn between the two !

[@Derbear247]

Very good video! What tire size do you use mostly for competitive races?

[@chrisorr3919]

love to see a 26 v 27.5 v 27.5+ v 29 in one test.

[@JuniperAndClive]

Is any racer in world cups 27.5+? If so, which discipline? XC? downhill? enduro?

[@madevilts]

In enduro, some racers use 27.5+ frames ... with 29er wheels (Remy Absalon... But for advertising and interviews, he rolls with 27.5+)

[@pjyamaturtle]

Would a 29 wheel off the shelf fit a 27.5 plus bike or were these 29s built using plus size hubs.? Want to get a Scott plus bike and would love to have 29s for longer roady sections but wonder about that... And clearance of the tyres. Any thoughts?

[@Andy-qp7eq]

im still on a 150mm travel full sus from 2010, 26" wheels and 2.1" tyres.... I could go 2.3-2.5 but I do lots of climbs and long rides haha.. that said I really want a 27+ :)

[@kanegoldsworthy416]

Can you do a video with a plus on the front and 29er back and see if it is quicker

[@gogomtb1]

awesome content! thx!

[@ehyouman]

That compression @ 8:58 tho