How Does Wheel/Tire Size Change the Way a Hardtail Rides? 29 vs 27.5 vs 27.5+

[@hardtailparty]

Do you need help deciding which bike to purchase next? I offer a one-on-one bike consultation service through patreon. It's how I put food on the table for my family, and how I'm able to provide custom bike advice for my vieewrs. Become a patron today for access: sign up for the monthly bike consultation tier, and cancel at any time. Most people sign up for a month or two, and we work together to discuss their needs, riding style, etc. to narrow down the list of all the great hardtails out there. When they get the info they need and they no longer have any questions, they cancel. Become a patron today: patreon.com/hardtailparty. If my videos have saved you time or money, consider supporting this channel for as little as $5/month. Support individual content creators over garbage tv or sponsored content disguised as reviews. What did you learn from this video?

[@mountainlessmtb9940]

I love running bigger tires on my bike always have I don't care if they are slower because they monster truck over stuff🤘

[@shyam4898]

I learned i need more wheels T_T

[@gr8fulride]

Well done. Thicker thread on 60 tpi. Solid new info. Great for when I stock up on tires. Thanks for the educational video.

[@chawkins45ify]

I learned gangster rap makes the world go round, the bigger the round the faster, the smaller round is mo fun, plus size for that chunky monkey

[@mguzikowski]

I learned that....it depends lol Are you looking for funner or faster. Also depends of what you consider funner or faster on different types of trails.

[@gumbi8989]

Dude..... in a world cluttered with FS bikes, this channel is gold.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks gunbi. I love the simplicity of a good hardtail.

[@rustyshackleford9498]

Gotta echo this one. I love riding but I don't have the time or energy to get into the maintenance required of a squishy bike. I get so frustrated when I see a $5k fs at a trail center that is all flow.

Agreed, how could I have missed this one!

[@ArmTheCreative]

YES!!!!!

[@StaggerLee68]

In a world cluttered with E"Mountainbikes", this channel is heaven!

[@andresperez5387]

This channel came out of nowhere for me. Best MTB channel on the internet in my opinion (helps that I love hardtails!) Straight up, honest facts, great tech content and no BS advice. Such a relief for those of us who are utterly fatigued by hackneyed phrase generators reviewing $10,000 bikes. Completely hooked!

[@hardtailparty]

Thank you so much for the kind words. Intrt really hard to avoid click sit titles, marketing fluff, and empty videos.

[@KK-up3pq]

"we're all riding bikes, we're all having fun. We're not curing cancer here" earned my subscription

[@bennytn5518]

Such a breeze of fresh air compared to the marketing BS of mainstream bike journalism. Very practical and useful info.

[@NorthSeaWisdom]

I’m going back to a hardtail with my next bike..glad I found your channel

[@hardtailparty]

I'm glad you found it too. Welcome to the party.

[@SneakerKoenig]

Me too... After 10 years fs Banshee i just ordered a Pole Taival Frame. As a full-time nurse and dad I need more time on the trail an less in the maintenance shed!

[@ArmTheCreative]

27.5 PLUS for me!! Im a TECHY TRAIL guy and I absolutely love the PLUS cushioning

[@wizaxed]

Yep, I just got a Kona Big Honzo and I am loving the 27.5 plus tires. Really helps soften the hard tail!!

[@valeraanovsk1468]

How tall are you?

[@ArmTheCreative]

@@valeraanovsk1468 5 foot 7 inches

[@fkncarl9302]

Anyone else still rock a 26” hardtail...?

[@angel-leonhontiveros4816]

I did a couple of years back when i got back into biking. Loads of fun lol a 26er middlechild would be nostalgia with modern love

[@michaelbuckley5138]

26 Inch On One Scandal circa 2009 here running Maxxis 2.3 High Roller II's. Currently my only bike. Planning to build a new HT this year.

[@martinpetricek239]

I have 26" xc hardtail rebuild by last years to trail bike. 2,3 DHF front and 2,25 nobby nic rear. Only thing on bike what is bugging me is too big seat tube.

[@fkncarl9302]

@@andrisvelmeris I ride a DJ bike as my only bike.

[@sd3457]

Yup. Has about 75mm travel up front and it's single speed as well.

[@benbranham8759]

Yes finally someone that gets plus tires. Awesome video

[@krolsky4608]

Your single video educated me more on the wheels than 25 other videos I watched. Thank you!

[@doctajuice]

When I went from 2.3 to 2.5 on both ends I got about a 3000% increase in grip and like 40% more rolling resistance. Made a huge difference in the feel of the bike

[@johnmartin227]

I've been in love with my '16 Scott Scale 710 plus for some time. I have 29 and 27.5+ Stans wheel sets and sometimes run mullet. Everything I'm hearing here totally bears our with my experience. Just did a tight, twisty, rocky run on new 29 tires today and came home wanting to put my plusses back on...which I think I will.

[@rossimessi1]

thats a great frame. Can you fit 29 2.6 in this frame? What size are your 29ers? Thanks.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

When I was bike shopping 5 years ago...the bike shop was very much anti-27.5. I was actually looking for another 26'r. I bought a 29'r for its components but am still riding it nearly everyday. I am looking for a 27.5 at present. Maybe a plus bike. I do more technical that fast riding. Thanks for the video. Subbed.

[@Galactico42]

I'm dipping my toe back into mountain biking for the first time since the early 90s when I was a lad. Seriously, I've just been taking my rigid 26er out and calling it good. Your channel has been amazing in getting me up to speed on the tech advances as I navigate what I might even possibly want out of a new bike. Thanks, man.

[@hardtailparty]

Awesome. That's exactly why I'm making these videos. Glad they help.

[@matrix311]

I agree 100%. I have a Pivot Les hardtail that I built to have fun! Got the dropper post, short stem and both wheelsets 29 and 27.5+. I keep my 27.5+ wheels on my hardtail about 98% of the time. Its just an absolute blast here in Arizona! 27.5+ FTW!!!

[@cschuetta]

So ture. Even though I ride 29 now, Ive had so much fun on my 27.5plus hardtail. Sad they get a bad rep...awesome tire size.

[@back40canoe]

Great breakdown. I love 27.5+. I run 40mm rims and some of my favourite tires are WTB Tough Vigilante and Ranger and the Schwalbe Super Trail Nobby Nic’s all in 2.8. I use TPU tubes to keep the weight down and improve rolling resistance.

[@iWatchization]

Best explanation of tpi I’ve heard. Love your stuff man!

[@martinbergeron389]

Steve, I would love to see a video specifically about 2.8 or 3.0 tires. Everyone is moving away from those tires (for 29 x 2.5 or 2.6) for the reason that the sidewalls can be flimsy on plus tires. The problem that I see is : so few plus tires are offered in sturdier casings. For the back wheel I would be temped by Maxxis DoubleDown casings (60tpi), my understanding is 2.8 are offered in a few Maxxis tires (HiRoller ; Rekon or DHR) but for the back wheel I would look for fast rolling thread (Rekon+ or WTB Trail Boss 3.0) or something somewhat equivalent in other brands. But once looking at the actual offerings, there doesn't seem to be lots of offerings. For a front tire, I would go for a 2.8 or 3.0 somewhat lighter casing (Maxxis Exo or Exo+ 60 or 120tpi casings) but somewhat more agressive thread (DHR, DHF, Assegai). In my humble opinion, the reason why people turn away form plus tires is the puncture / flank problem. I would solve that with -stronger casing -fast rolling -harder compound tire in the back ; and - lighter casing -grippier blocks -medium compound. Any thoughts and suggestions or specific tires that fit those bills ? I think this is the heart of the battle for all those who would like to ride plus tires but hesitate because they are told the tires are flimsy and will pinch or squirm in turns. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication.

[@TheNik604]

...and I'm still on my 26 inch wheels ( Schwalbe Muddy Mary 2.5 DH EVO) on my beloved Scott Voltage LTD ...soon I'll have Voltage FR 27.5 . The 29 ' are an absurd for Freeride/DH but that's me of course ... thanks for the great videos. Long live the HT

[@sbsb4995]

Watching this video made me wanna look for a 26" MTB. I miss it so much.

[@oscarwitvliet9139]

This is a really good channel . I have tried so many wheels tires forks stems and other stuf . I have mullet my canyon stoic bike. It was a little long for me and low stack hight . now it feels great . Also shorter cranks and more backsweep steer .

[@chrisbourguet657]

27.5x2.8 all day, everyday on my Timberjack. Sold my 29er wheelset.

[@kmazzanti]

Chris Bourguet YES, Timberjack!! Bought a 27.5+ Timberjack because of this channel, could not be happier!! THANKS HTP!!!

[@bulkfiction7687]

2.8 both in the front and back?

[@louvega8414]

My RM Growler with 27.5+ tyres (no, not electric) is the most fun bike I've ever owned. Love it! Good vid, thanks.

[@patricemehandzhiev8089]

6’3 and 27.5 for life

[@Rafael-vu2xn]

I'm getting back in to biking and I'm looking something like Kona unit single speed to commute, bikebacking and cruise around mostly gravel and little trail. And then I remember how I used to ride a 26" bike with slicks, wider on front and just throwing 30 yard skids sideways blasting trough the city, the bike did gravel and paved so well and was nimble and fast and 29" just don't have the same feeling. Sure where and how I want to drive these days have changed but the fun factor with smaller set's is kinda hard to ignore.

[@cokebottles6919]

I loved the stability of my 27.5 plus bike, it helped me learn and had sooo much grip. My new 29 hard tail is significantly faster, lighter (10lb lighter), and suits the type of riding I do much better. But I do miss the soft glide of the plus and its crazy grip. I wish I had both.

[@eniojurko]

Well it is an easy fix, just get one bike more, with that specific wheel size! Cant have too many bikes, they can always double as a backup..

[@BrianVaughn]

This my exact opinion on these wheel sizes as well. I'm a bit larger than you but have found I prefer wider tires on my bike. My trails are not enduro and I'm not an XC race guy so I prefer the mid-plus setup of 2.6 tires on 27.5 rims. This is my fun setup and that's more important to me. I have been trying cushcore with a 2.8 tire in the rear this winter and have found that setup help with the 120tpi Rekon. I'm riding on snow at a low PSI so the cushcore helps that rear from getting too squirmy.

[@hardtailparty]

I love cushcore, especially in a plus tire. I'll be doing a video about cushcore soon.

[@jeffneisler1405]

Steve - Very informative & tpi info. was new to me & I will definitely take that info. into considering when buying my next tire. My current tire size on my Chromag Wideangle hardtail is 27.5 x 2.6 on both front & rear. 2.6 is probably max size that will work on rear of my bike. Thinking I might try 2.5 in rear for my next tire for a little more mud clearance. Loving this set up and suits my preferred riding style of FUN ....being outdoors trying to pick my way through a rocky rooty technical section of trail at probably close to a snails pace : )

[@francmeister420]

i went from a 2.8 rear to a 2.6 and it made a huge difference in handling

[@doomsmith]

I love your mentality about riding what you want, or what works best for you. I'm 6'6" and pretty heavy, so I have to ride something pretty big or else I feel super cramped, or look like I'm on a kids bike. So I have a L frame and 29" tires. But when I was younger I rode BMX and I got tall fast, so I have ridden some bikes that were insanely small for me and it worked out alright. My knees got totally mauled though over the years. So I gotta stick to the bigger stuff these days.

[@AlessandroBergomi]

That’s a lot of great info. I learned a lot today. Thanks Steve!

[@OtRatsaphong]

Just discovered your channel. Great discussion!! I’m a beginner with a hard tail running 29 x 2.25. Love the speed of the 29”. Agree with you about just having fun with your friends 🤩

[@or2k910]

I came across this channel a few weeks ago and cannot stop watching. There is so much valuable information shared here its worth watching every second of it. Looking to upgrade from my 2021 vitus sentier vrs to a new hardtail so I will be watching a lot more vids to make my decision. So far considering a ragley big al or a nukeproof scout. I might just go for the scout 275 pro because its in stock at the moment and available on 27.5 wheels. I think it would be a good mix of both worlds having my vitus sentier vrs 29r and a nukeproof scout 275. Anyways, keep up the good work hardtail bro lol

[@angel-leonhontiveros4816]

Subbing to your channel has been the best. Affirms the fun on 2 wheels and just keep doing you!

[@TNW84]

29 3.0 front and rear

[@giuseppes1943]

Well...i went 29" 2.6 front and 27.5+ 2.8 rear...and it works perfect for almost everything...I use 27.5+ front too just for very narrow trails with a lot of switch-backs...otherwise mullet configuration works great!

[@unplannedadventure2289]

I'm a new Ryder I just purchased 27.5+ hardtail.

[@mguzikowski]

Great review for tires and wheel size, as my delema of choosing a bike comes to this specific decision. 27.5+ is a blast to ride for fun factor and it surprises me that it gets hate because after I rented one, it blew me away cause it was so fun.

[@brianyates2978]

Thread count likes sheets 😂 Learn something new every day, thanks man!

[@hardmtnbiker]

Perfect analysis of 29 v/s 27.5 with various tire choices. I absolutely go wider tire in front, not just tire but also a wider rim. I have 29” on my hardtail’s now. My single speed is fully rigid and I’ve been able to go i35 rims and 2.5” tires and of course my fork can handle i40 with 2.8-3” tires. Wider rims are critical for high volume tires with lower pressure. I haven’t tried 27.5 plus wheels yet but my Esker Hayduke has super wide spacing and can easily fit a 27.5 plus, so my plan is to build up a super wide rim set for that hardtail with i40-i45 rims and 2.8-3” tires first. Then on my SS 37.5 plus I’ll go with and i40 and 2.6-2.8” combo. The crazy thing is my gravel bike now has 700c so I’ll eventually put a 650b with i27-i30 rims and nice high volume gravel tires. One thing that you didn’t cover was the tire bead and rim bead channel interface, and similar but different topic. In my experience, a few rim companies do a great job of making your tire “bead lock” and that makes the tire handle various air pressure and remain sealed better. This is especially true for my gravel bike that gets inflated to 60psi on road then 30psi on dirt. But also help my i40 rims with 3” tires get deflated to 10psi. Anyway thanks for the video, I can’t wait to try my 27.5 plus shoes on my bikes, I’m totally about having fun in the mountains and we all know that fat tires= fun!

[@mattlesiecki5449]

What are your top choices for 27.5+ tires? You say you like an aggressive tire in the front and will run up to a 3.0. I feel like I've seen you riding Maxxis, but most aggressive Maxxis tires like the DHF, DHR, etc., only seem to go up to 2.8. It'd be great to see a video where you talk about specific tire choices for hardtails, expecially for plus sizes. It seems like folks on youtube are starting to talk more and more about bigger tires (GMBN, Worldwide Cyclery, and the like), but they still only ever address up to 2.5-2.6, and just say "and then you get into plus sizes". Is it true that it's better to run less aggressive/better rolling tires on plus bikes because the extra volume works to increase traction? Do things like the DHF, DHR and Vigilante run as good as 2.8's as they do as 2.4-2.5's? Sorry for the long and dense comment, I'm just excited that I finally found a channel hosted by someone that doesn't just tell people they need a $5000 carbon full-squish 29er to have fun and still be able to shred!

[@hardtailparty]

There's no one tire that will be best for everyone. The trail will dictate the best tire. For my trails I enjoy a 27.5x3.0 HR2 (that's what I usually run up front), but I also like the 2.8 dhr2 for aggressive stuff. I also love the 2.8 vigilante on my salsa timberjack. In back I like the specialized ground control grid casing and the wtb ranger tough casing. I'm curious to try the 2.8 ikon+, as i love the 2.35 ikon on my trail bike.

[@MrBig617]

I have an aluminum chameleon plus on the way. I haven't had a hardtail in almost 10 years, and I've never tried plus tires before. I'm excited for the experience!

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats, that's a fantastic bike.

[@RayHowrad]

As always, great content! A cool follow up vid would be a rolling test like Vital MTB, bus on a slightly rough trail, not street. You could take the exact same line and compare time/distance. That’d be interesting!

[@hardtailparty]

That's an excellent idea. Thanks for the suggestion. I may have to try that one of these days.

[@tomtripptree5079]

U mention the stache when you do back packing. Why not for trail riding with rocks and so fourth has a wider tire and a shorter chain. I am asking more your opinion because I was thinking about the stache for that mid size fat bike I have a XC trek and a trek fatbike and I think I like the Farley better then my Excalibur for trail riding But like you said about other people saying the 29 are better bike. can comment more on the stache over the Roscoe or Farley

[@hardtailparty]

The stache has a steep head angle and a short reach by today's standards. Short reach bikes are better for exploration rather than aggressive trail riding. You're more likely to go otb on a short reach bike when the terrain gets steep. I love the short chainstay and the plus tires though. If they'd update the geo on the stache to be more modern, I'd be thrilled to own one.

[@devin4560]

"we're non curing cancer here" - Love that!! What about weight difference between each wheel/tire?

[@philthyphil3324]

I recently picked a trek x caliber. At first i was loving the 29" wheels it rode over things easier than my 26, but its way harder to corner, and its much harder for me to get the front end up. Not sure if thats mostly the geo of this bike. But i find myself riding the old 26er more often and enjoying it more that the 29er.

[@JanPippel]

29“ 2.5 front and 2.35 rear (with a cushcore installed) on a 30mm inner rim, not so rocky. Wider tires are skipping much faster here at fast cornering in the woods... More chunky, rocky terrain I would go with a plus tire in the rear to. Great explanation, many thanks for that!

[@cjones7854]

Very interesting video. I've been running 27.5x2.4 on my hardtail and I'm about to try 2.8! I personally use a use a tougher casing for bike packing and a more supple one for short fun rides.

[@sepultubob]

I would have liked a 27.5+ but you can't find any in our LBS in France !! I've just ordered a Orbea Laufey, I'm scared due to wheels size I'm gonna loose the fun a have throwing my old 26" bike around in the woods. I hope that the modern confort and downhill pleasure will be there !

[@jeromevincent8723]

Bonjour, du coup c'est quoi votre retour après 1 an svp?

[@sepultubob]

@@jeromevincent8723 Nikel. Venant du 26 pouces les gros pneus et grandent roue avalent tout. la fourche bomber Z2 est super agréable. velo stable, tient super bien en courbes et l'accroche est super bonne on grimpe partout. forcément plus lourd mais ça s'oublie vite et comme on gagne accroche on gagne en efficacité en montée.

[@Vikturus2k6]

I’m a 6’7” rider. Around 220lbs dry. I’m going to be building a custom HT, still on the fence about 27.5+ vs 29x2.5 vs 29+. Currently on 27.5+, works great but feels a bit smaller. Frame will do all.

[@joelsherlin-fd6fj]

Have you tried a 29x2.35 front with 27.5x2.8 rear. Seems to me that would be a great combo for a Hardtail.

[@enzoluciano1990]

I have a xc bike 27.5x2.20 and i love it. Nice video greatings from Argentina!!

[@hardtailparty]

Saludos amigo!

[@jemmgillies]

Just found this video now, but this has been super helpful with some upcoming wheel size choices 🙏

[@jbor4663]

Very well explained and great Video! It helps me to keep my 27.5 plus tires hahaha 🤣 Thank you brother! God bless

[@anitatombreach7801]

Building a Banshee Paradox v3, M frame. Not sure if I made a mistake with wheel/tire combo. 27.5 - 35iw rims and 2.5 rear tire. Still deciding on front tire 2.5 or 2.6. I went slightly small on the rims for 27.5+ (2.8-3.0). My terrain is not too rocky, rolling hills. I've seen the pedal strike comments. My BB height will be about 12", but I have165 cranks.

[@hardtailparty]

The shorter cranks will definitely help. It all depends on where you ride.

[@anitatombreach7801]

@@hardtailparty Mid-Atlantic Piedmont and weekends in the ridges. Log rollovers are common. Not super flowy nor rocky. Way more mellow than the S. Rockies but diverse none the less. I leaning toward saving the build and running 2.8 front and rear. Says 2.8 is just within spec for the 35mm rims. Gotta get the BB height back up to OEM height. Everything (1 tire, 2 rims) is in transit and can be returned. Really like the HP hoodie I got last week, BTW. Recommend to viewers, pick up some HP swag!

[@anitatombreach7801]

Ah, crap. I'm learning. The WT and Plus tires have the same ETRTO tire diameter code. The plus likely isn't going to raise the BB after all. How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Build. A really cool white/purple/orange truck is pulling up on NBD!

[@thunderdogproductions]

i love my fat bike wheels, its a 26 and i got 4.8" on there, but I am really excited to get a new wheelset that is either a 27.5 plus or even a 29 plus, as my bike will fit any and all of those. thanks for the video!

[@d.r.penkert1429]

Have a Specialized Fatboy with 4.5 tires. What did you go with 27.5 or 29+? Trying to decide 40mm or 50mm width. Where did you get your wheels?

[@TrailBreaker]

Yeah, 27.5+ was all the rage a few years ago but haven’t really caught on. Not sure why😐

[@hardtailparty]

It's not "enduro" enough. Or maybe it's because plus tires were awful when they first came out, and all the reviews hated them, and nobody gave them a second chance.

[@toooldfortwowheels2048]

WTB scraper with a 45mm internal width on Rekon+ tyres 👌🏻

[@69sound81]

Okay, so, I am about to buy a new Giant Fathom 29. In my mind, the obvious setup is to go 27.5 x 2.8 in the rear and leave the 29x2.5 front that comes already there. I'm not sure if it is gona be what I'm thinking, but in my mind, the plus tire in the back will make it softer (like a soft tail or something like that) and running the plus size will compensate a bit the diameter difference. I'm also gonna use my bike as a commuter (yeah, I'm that guy that uses one bike for everything) so I plan to get a cheap set of 29" wheels with a narrow 27 or 25mm inner space to fit some chubby slicks like the WTB thickslick tires for everyday and just build them exactly the same (same cassete, same disc, same boost axle). Any thoughts people? I ride a very wide variety of terrains... commuting in the city, gravel, XC, Trail, dirt jump bike parks and some ocassional light enduro trails. I don't compete anymore, I used to compete XC as a child 18 years ago and my current bike is the one I used back then. A Norco Mountaineer 26er hardtail with 100mm front travel, V-brakes, Maxxis Icon tires (great, but lack grip), 67 degree headtube angle and modern parts I've been updating as the years go by (currently a 1x10 deore group with an 11-46 cassete is the biggest I could go due to the wheel size).

[@Potz4pizza]

Really great talk - Succinctly reviewed what took me weeks of google research to learn and guess at.

[@breakandrun70]

Great video Steve, Lots of information. I have not driven a 29er yet, I would like to try one. They seem to roll quite a bit faster than my 27.5 x2.6. I have taken them off and put 27.5 x 2.35 on. A lot less rolling resistance on the gravel trails. Be safe and party hard in the mountains.

[@L4J20]

I love 27.5 x 2.6 for me 🤘

[@rustyshackleford9498]

It's only a matter of time before 36" wheels and 29x4 are a thing. Not sure if you e done one yet, but maybe do a video comparing all the different frame materials? Carbon/ti/Alloy/STEEL. Pros and cons and differences between different steels and alloys

[@hardtailparty]

Just 2 weeks ago I did a video comparing frame materials.

[@MangoJim90]

After 11 years of trying different wheel sizes and widths on my hardtails I feel like every size and width is OK; Its a matter of getting used to it. Except going downhill really fast or road racing =)

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed. The riding experience is more similar than different between these.

[@danfresca8033]

29 rides so smooth. I’d choose it every time. Currently running 2.3 tyre tubeless and they’re very comfortable. I don’t think I’ll go wider cause it’s a good all rounder imo if paired with a tyre that’s not too draggy, like an xr3 or similar. I’m 5ft4 so a short rider too.

[@jennifersdustyktm4679]

Great video Steve, my Salsa Timberjack came with 27.5 X 2.8, but it will accommodate a 29" as well. I stayed with that setup for a year and this year I switched to 29X2.6" with Spank 30 mm rims, I like my new setup because it gave me a bit more clearance, thus less pedal strikes, rolling over rocks seems a little better, faster, yes but not a big deal for me, I'm tall so the big wheels are no problem. On the down side, the 29X2.6" tires are not as forgiving if you get off your line and they are harder to navigate tight turns but otherwise I think I prefer them over the 27.5 and I can still run 12 psi without issues.

[@ericjonpo]

PLUS TIRES ALL THE WAY! Thanks for validating my choice. Also not a tall dude here.

[@themtchannel2110]

I like my 27.5 x 2.8, but in terms of cush vs vagueness/dragginess - how different do you perceive the feel and the worthwhile of 2.8 vs 3.0 for moderate sandy conds,... for kitty litter over hard,.. for jittery rooty/rocky? In other words, given appropriate tread and sidewall choices - which of 2.8 vs 3.0 would you choose for each of those 3 cond's???

[@Philoniousmonk]

My Stanton Ti Switchback (hardtail) in 27.5 is the bees knees...maxxis DHF wide trail 2.6 (f/b)...favorite ride and I have a full on Yeti DH and a Titus double squish. I’d take my Stanton as my one quiver every time.

[@Black_Onyx]

This video helped me a lot to make the decision on which wheel size to chose on the Nuke Scout 275 and 290. Thanks !!!

[@YavorM-Yash]

275 with 2.6 here. 🙂

[@dmtb4455]

Hey Pascal, which do you have, the 290 or 275? Can you get a 29" wheel on the 275? I have the option of a 275 right now, or a 29er in a few weeks. Struggling to make a decision...

[@GokkunGuru]

So I got a 2005 Devinci running 26 x 2.25 and a 2021 Specialized running 29 x 2.25. I can certainly confirm the smaller wheel bike is more nimble and easier to handle and turn. However the bigger wheel bike is faster on the straightaway.

[@jackpittens796]

My favourite is 29+, which didn't make the list. Unfortunately not a ton of frame and fork options though.

[@hardtailparty]

I'm a big fan of 29+ too. The new RockShox stuff is compatible with 29x3.0. wren makes an interesting fork too.

[@jackpittens796]

@@hardtailparty I'm running a Manitou fork. I have a Trek Farley that I run rigid and full fat in the winter, but run in 29+ with the Manitou fork on it for the spring/summer/fall. With the Slack-R and 29+ it's pretty nice for the local riding I do.

[@Oper8or]

I just got my bike. I ordered it with 27.5+ tires and they are a LOT bigger than I expected. They are cushy as heck though. I just wasnt expecting a tire that wide and big.

[@loganlauffenburger2613]

Just got my 2020 roscoe 7 27.5 plus is so much fun and cushioning

[@michaelstewart9308]

Not a fan of the plus tyres especially up front, I found they washed out easy on loose over hard and don't provide a noticeable improvement in "suspension" I'm currently running a 29x2.5 assegai front and 27.5x2.6 dhr2 rear. When I build up my Honzo ESD I'll go 29x2.5 assegai front and 29x2.4 dissector rear

[@lucafrica74]

And 29 plus? What do you think if the pressure is not too low, not only for bike pack.

[@hardtailparty]

I like 29+. I have short legs, so it won't be my choice for my everyday bike, but I wish we saw more 29+ bikes out there.

[@sanjinred]

Thing I'm gonna try, 29 2.6 in the front, 27.5 plus in the back!

[@hardtailparty]

Cool let me know how you like it

[@fra93ilgrande]

I finally switched to a 29er after 16 years with a 26er, all I can say is 29er forever 💪🏻😎🔝 (for xc) specially since I still had very narrow Id rims before, only 17 and 2.2 tires, now I've 30 id wheels with 2.4 semi slick tires (Pirelli RC)

[@micahwilliams6554]

Jus picked up 2020 trek Roscoe 7 27.5 plus size tire! So far so good, I like the feel of the plus

[@hardtailparty]

congrats on a fun hardtail!

[@TheBlocGod]

Hey dude just found your channel and you've locked me in on my choice of going for a plus size 27.5 as my first decent bike.

[@hardtailparty]

Excellent choice. My other piece of advice is to avoid a bike with a quick release rear axle. You want to make sure it has a 12mm thru axle

[@abel2cycle989]

Great video man, the tpi, I never thought about. I'm still shopping for tires lol. I just got some 2.4 wt, but they're too wide for my rims, so sending them back and back to the drawing board. So far this is the hottest video of the week in my opinion. I can geek out on this video and its simple. Thanks for your help man😎🤙

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for watching. Glad you learned something. I try to make complex topics simple to understand. There's a lot of marketing mumbo jumbo in the mtb world, and it's only confusing people.

[@magnumllama400]

What's tpi?

[@abel2cycle989]

@@magnumllama400 threads per inch

[@teoandrew5620]

Thanks for this video (and many others if yours!) Im recently getting back into trail riding and looking to replace my '98 RMB Fusion but no one has anything to test these days. I was stuck on wanting a 29" since im 6'3 and seemed like it was a good choice for my style but I guess I will give the 27.5+ a closer look? So much choice these days and thanks for the education!

[@eclecticaro]

Hello. What suspension forks are best to use with 27.5+" and 29" boost wheels. Should I buy 27.5+" forks, 29", or 29+" forks to be on a safe side with tyre clearance? I want to run 27.5"x3.0" and 29"x2.4" tyres on my bike and looking to get Rockshox Pike..just don't know what size to get. Many thanks for any help:)

[@boybusilakbikes]

Another super informative post! Thank you for the awesome content!

[@user-lc2mu9jk2b]

Nice video. You talk a lot about supple hardtail bikes. It would be nice if you could have a video just about that😊 Then, have a talk that combines everything- bike material, tire size and width, rims, and more. They all interact...

[@hardtailparty]

Check out my precious videos. I did that exact topic 2 weeks back.

[@user-lc2mu9jk2b]

hardtail party Thanks. Have seen that, it was about frame materials and it was great! I am talking more about what makes a bike more supple, besides the frame material, geometry, and the interaction between the parts.

[@douglastuck3736]

Hey, just found you, nice. I ride a Cannondale Beast of the East2 Hardtail, 27.5+x3" It's lots of fun when it's working. Unfortunately lots of propriety components makes for long delays for sourcing parts, and it's been giving me way too many of those.

[@douglastuck3736]

Melbourne, Australia. When the Cannondale is out of action, I ride a 2005 Giant Trance X1 26" still pretty good, and reliable.

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed. Too much proprietary stuff on connandales, but that's a cool bike. My buddy has one.

[@BurgerKing-m3s]

Отличный канал! Какое у Вас мнение сейчас, вы перешли на 29 колеса?

[@dirkP38448]

That helps a lot, thanks! I like the 2.8 at the front of My Trek Roscoe. But i dont like the 2.8 Nobby Nic in the rear. I‘ll Switch to a 2.6 and give it a test

[@coltc1588]

Have you already switched to 2.6 rear and how does it feel? Is the lesser rolling resistance worth getting rid of a bit extra "suspension"?

[@dirkP38448]

@@coltc1588 yeah, i‘ve switched to Schwalbe Hans Dampf 2.6, it feels good so far. But I have not tested it on rougher trails yet...sorry

[@dirkP38448]

@@coltc1588 After several lockdowns and some broken bones, today was the day I was back on the hardtail and rode it in a Trailcenter. The conbination of 2.8 front and 2.6 rear felt very nice. The 2.6 was more stable in berms than the 2.8 rear tire, but still has that damping on roots and stones.

[@SprSonik13]

Mullet for the win/compromise IF your frame can take it. 29x2.6 front, 27.5x2.6 rear on my Chameleon. It's the fastest mix I've found. This set up allows me to play in the tech but still bomb descents.

I really want to try a mullet. Sadly I don't think my frame can take very wide tires in the back...

[@SprSonik13]

@ you don't have to run wide to run mullet.

[@JohnM-p5r]

Okay a week after watching the video I ordered up the DHR 2 for the rear 60 TPI and a dhf 120 TPI for the front both in 2.8 with and I have a 40 mm wide rim internal hopefully they're better than these Nobby nics because they're nothing but problems I'm on my fifth flat already and I've only had the bike a couple of weeks thanks for the info hopefully these tires work out well for me

[@hardtailparty]

Nobby nics are one of my least favorite tires for where I ride. Hopefully your new maxxis dhr and dhf do the trick for you.

[@n22pdf]

Awesome channel :) many thanks for putting these vids together.. trying to decide between cotic and a stanton hmm decisions

[@blainewalker713]

Great channel. Something you didn’t touch on. I’ve got a 2019 chameleon that’s 27.5 + that I’ve been trail riding with on nice chunky trails and it’s fantastic. I’m converting to SS with a new wheel set and 142 hubs for fun urban riding and pump track/jump days. Am I going 29 or sticking with 27.5 and maybe 2.6 instead of the 2.8? Keep putting out great content!

[@dirtycommtroop]

The 2.8s on my syncr are at the end of their life. Thinking about 2.6s but worried It'll be too rough.

[@chameleonpogono]

Like you said, depends. Every person is different. I remember riding 26" on my rigid and hardtails. I know they are not hardtails, but I had my GPS data going when I demo rode an HD4 and Ripmo. I had a higher top speed on the Ripmo, but higher average speed on the HD4. I thought that was fun data. Just my difference between a 29rr and a 27.5.

[@dennismiller1602]

Great info Steve! Been thinking about trying 27.5x3"out back on my Trek Stache with the 29x3" up front. I'm 5'6" so the reach on my medium frame is great but a little short on ground contact(;

[@dtheopha]

great info. The hate on 2.8 is so stupid. People like 2.6 instead of 2.8 simply because it isn't called a plus tire. I can carve my 2.8's just the same. I'm running the same tire in 27.5 and 29 and if I was blindfolded, I couldn't tell you which one I just crashed on : )

[@danydanzer5509]

Would you recommend or whats your opinion for a rim with 30mm inner width and a 2.8 maxxis rekon on it? is it still working well?

[@shopan1547]

Its way too narrow rim, plus tire would burp at low pressures. For 2,8 use 35 to 45 inner width.

[@kaiserdd6623]

What's your thoughts about running a 27.5" front wheel with a 2.8 tire and a 27.5" back wheel with a 2.6" tire? I have 40 mm rims. Thinking I would get a great grip on the front and a bit faster on the rear. I am in the midwest btw, very different from Sedona! Thank you so much!

[@alphaomega788]

What is the better size tyre for a beginner, and going up hill and feeling more confident on bumps

[@hardtailparty]

Any size really