Is 27.5 Too Small?

[@koltonbellamy3777]

Series name: "VanCan convinces himself 27.5 is better to justify buying another new bike" I support this endeavour though!

[@shredditsbiking]

I'm telling u man. He's gonna get a knolly warden.

[@matevasas]

Try mullet! It will be the best for you and the north shore i think

[@digbysirchickentf2315]

Yup, stick the front end from your other bike on there.

[@slademcinerney332]

This proves the best bike for you is the one you own. Spend time on your skills and have more fun!

[@NiklasWa99]

except if you own a road bike. Sell it and get an MTB

[@mtbjon3587]

Whens the 26" video coming?

[@rileygray195]

26 ain't dead

[@MessieuxLion]

my friend with 26 can t follow me up the mountain it s great for dh but for enduro you need to be in shape

[@yeetyeetpotatoskeet5263]

We need to make a 28.25 wheel size for vancan

[@aeip-p7g]

They should make a 28.25

[@diegovillacrez8349]

They should make a 30.5"

[@valentinvas6454]

I think he should try a 27.5x2.8 or 3.0 plus bike. That would be around a 28.25x2.4 diameter I think.

[@zjdj100]

But then there wouldnt be as many companion videos of his to watch. Soon we will have anti gravity hover bikes to ride anyways.

[@darrinkulyk9560]

I Measured My Front Wheel On My Warden Last Nite And It Was 28.5 in . At 22psi 😎

[@diegovillacrez8349]

Just purchased a 27.5" this video made me feel better about my purchase. Can't wait for her to arrive.

[@lewisjones7153]

Perfect wheel size then is 28.25 :)

[@fergussandilands7757]

I love 29ers once you get up to speed nothing can stop you and thay roll over stuff so well!!

[@adventuresona700dollarhard5]

"Nothing can stop you..." *laughs in 90 degree turn onto wooden bridge*

[@Tiger24kicks]

I love the 29ers got my first bike a month and a half ago and it's a 29er, so happy with my choice.

[@mtb_noobie1230]

Who would have ever thought buying a bike would raise so many questions and debate. I go with 29 simply because of what and where I ride. Helps me with the technical climbing. Which I do a lot of. As far as going downhill I have fun no matter what I'm riding.

[@122Music1]

Bought a Santa Cruz Hightower. 29er. Love it. Cannot believe how easy it makes a trail feel. However, Just had to try 27.5.... bought'em, put'em on, rode a few trails, took'em off, Went right back to 29. I'm a simple rider. No trials, just minor drops and jumps, 50 years old and in no way trying to be a trickster shredder. 29 feels right in Massachusetts for an old fart like me. Rolls over all the crap that 27.5 and 26ers can get hung up on. At 5'11 , 190lbs. A Large 2020, 29er Hightower is great

[@normcook9335]

Thanks. I'm no longer a young fellow and think I'm going 29" too. I like the idea of 27.5" being a bit more agile, but will take a smoother ride overall.

[@juanjosehernandez635]

My dude go back to 27.5 it actually looks way more nimble and im guessing its not only looks but the feel as well 😂💪🏼

[@mrexon]

27.5 is the perfect size! I love my vintage 26ers but they jar you like a earthquake, the 27.5 and 27.5+ takes that away but still makes riding fun... the problem with 29ers is they are being sold to even novice folks that fly past you only to get passed by you on your 26er in a turn... I personally don’t mind 29ers I just dislike the market pushing them onto people that don’t need to be fast yet.... bring up the safety factor of a 29er and the young folks will blast you telling you they are safer then a 27.5 or 26 but I beg to differ! Biffing on a small tire bike is not that bad because you really need to commit to speed, however a 29er is just plain fast as fuck so if you biff on a big tire you know you will be doing a uncontrolled Superman over the bars at a lot faster speed and hit the ground from a lot higher distance... I would not mind a 29er my self but I still have yet to find one that I feel I can control in flight with confidence. I have riden a couple 29ers and it’s like a hotel bed verses you own bed... sure they feel comfy but nothing beats the bed you mainly sleep in... next season I will be going full tilt and buying a 29er to add to my collection from pivot, their suspension is the only thing that is making me feel it will fit my body position and riding style. But I will NEVER stop riding 26!!!!

[@mitchbloxsom5695]

I prefer 28.25 Edit: Honestly, I'm 15 and 5'9", and i like 27.5 for enduro, and 29 for xc. I think that the bigger wheels compensate for what you lack in travel, but only a bit. For trail, i think 27.5x2.35-2.6 is great, depending on you trail conditions. I live in a place where its dry and pretty loose, so a 2.6 helps with traction. But its bumpy and rocky so 29 does well there. Just depends on you preference and ride style. If you want speed and efficiency for lets say racing or you just prefer that, 29, but for fun and agility, 27.5, but i'll be racing racing enduro on 27.5 so idk.

[@williammarshall4277]

It’s pretty simple, 27.5 is more agile and quick to respond. 29r faster, better rollover. I have a 29r now but I think I’m going back 27.5. 27.5 feels more connected and your inputs matter. On my 29r every trail feels the same....keep speed and monster truck everything. It works but it’s kind boring.

[@seanroberts381]

I think this is a great summary. People want to feel like they are better than they are so going fast over small obstacles and just plowing gives them that feel. But for technical riding, and picking lines, a 27.5 gives you the control. Id rather work on my skills than lie to myself about how good I am.

[@williammarshall4277]

Sean Roberts, completely agree. Riding a 27.5 will make you a better rider as you have to choose the right line. My 29r is making me lazy. If a big root surprises me at speed I just plow over it. On the 27.5 I have to keep my head up and take the right line

[@loveistheanswer5924]

Well said. 🙂👍

[@willbennett7107]

I do dh racing and I think 27.5 is the best wheel size absolutely love it not a 29 fan

[@theedmanHD]

Would you ever try a short travel 29” like an evil following or SC tall boy? I’m pretty sold on the idea that the geometry has more of an effect on the bike rather than the wheel size. I’d be interested to see your thoughts on a modern aggressive short travel 29” bike since they’re so playful and also have great rollover

[@lokmtb8503]

I think those bikes would be great if you want to crank out many miles on chill trails, but I think vancan said he was interested in Enduro racing and a short travel trail bike is far from ideal for that type of riding.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Short travel 29er would be way underbiked on the north shore, at least on what he's riding. The stuff that he's making look easy is beyond most people's riding skills and is nearly vertical.

[@theedmanHD]

​@@lokmtb8503 From what I've seen, the evil following is very highly represented in the north shore and for those types of trails. VanCan seems to appreciate both increased rollover for chunk, and a nimble bike, coming from a BMX background. For enduro racing it doesn't make sense, I agree, but I think a short travel 29" with progressive geometry would provide the rollover he likes as well as the playful pop he always raves about in his review of smaller bikes. I've also noticed he hasn't tried any short travel 29" (most people haven't) since it's generally assumed they're XC bikes, and think he'd be surprised by how the modern ones perform.

[@lokmtb8503]

@@theedmanHD I dont doubt that a short travel 29er could handle a ton of the trails in BC. I live in Idaho and I have a 29er trail bike with 140 travel and a 180/165 27.5 for gnarlier Enduro / park stuff. I have ridden my 29er on some pretty crazy trails, but after getting a bigger bike I'd definitely choose that one for spicier trails.

[@producersRus]

i have the old knolly warden (2015) and riding front range colorado its so much fun. your assessment is spot and if i could add, the bike rewards a proactive rider.

[@leightaft7763]

I’m not big on 29 unless it’s for more long ass days. 27.5 is more playful and nimble=more fun! My buddy doesn’t like to hit drop offs or little jumps. 29 is great for him. But I’m the opposite. I feel a little like the 29 is a little more in control of me sometimes on tech stuff.

[@MessieuxLion]

i really like the chillcoten 29er it make me want to own a 29 so i try some 29 er as much as possible and the chillcoten is the one i look forward to buy in the futur

[@godismeme272]

I really want to try 27.5, I'm just not motivated enough to eat bread and water for another 6 months....xc 29 is good. Always looking for that next holy Grail lol

[@baddriversofcolga]

I like the idea of a more nimble bike so I went with a 27.5, and I was coming off a 26, but I think it would be cool to be able to compare it to a similar 29er back-to-back.

[@jpxc1329]

I have 2 2015 knolly’s and their absolutely insane I love them and can’t stop riding them. Apparently they changed the frame geometry

[@shreddingwithsean5452]

Nick: Which one do you own vs. which one do you wanna own. Me: Laughs on 26" wheels

[@Tiger24kicks]

Who says you have to have one bike get a XC bike 29ers, and a Trail Bike 27.5. Both full suspension that's what I plan on doing. But Van Can if you want to go fast and do a little jumps what XC bike do you recommend.

[@mellissanash7517]

What about 27.5+, which can be good at rolling over things?

[@armata6530]

You have any thoughts on transition bikes? I’ve been looking at the new sentinel. Seems like a pretty awesome bike

[@dzastafahrai]

What's the braking sound, sounds like water container?

[@kimleith1378]

You have such great rides near you. It must have taken you many runs to dial them in the way you tear into them. Great video.

[@michael.finally]

I'm on the Knolly Warden so am totally unbiased when I say the Knolly Warden is the best bike ever ;) but seriously it's really good, I tried a few bikes from Kinetik (Santa Cruz, Transition, etc) and it was my absolute favourite in fit and feel

[@daveandmerlin]

Mega looking Trails ! To be fair it sounds like the Enduro is just to big a bike for you ? Maybe a short to Mid travel 29er ?

[@garrettpaschal5995]

Still riding my first bike that’s a 27.5x2.6 hardtail. The width doesn’t have much to do with roll over, but since I’ve got tubeless set up, I run lower pressures and feel like I’ve got max grip and the softer tires give me just a little more cushion when riding tech

[@dalelakusta8143]

Both are great and I hope 27.5 sticks around. Choose a bike for your weakness and what makes your riding more fun. I choose 29 145mm this time and don't have too radical of a head tube angle at 65.9 with a short stem so it makes it a bit easier to maneuver. I need help on Chunky stuff and pedal efficiency so I am happy. I found my goldilocks bike, I hope you do too.

[@davidthebiker2955]

Oh those trails look heavenly!!!!

[@dominikmaslanek4708]

People complain about the turning abilities of a 29er, i tried my mates 29er and didn't feel the difference was too big, thinking of switching on my next bike

[@stephenkohler3472]

I think it's like buying the right skis. There's no right ski for everyone, but there's the right ski for you. Start with were you're gonna use the thing. Multiply that with what kind of terrain you wanna go on. Devide by demoing a ton of bikes and there's your answer.

[@MartinTeerly]

How do like spank wheels ?

[@John-shreds]

If you want to do enduro racing, 29 wheels id say are the best. They carry so much speed. I personally like 27.5 and not looking to join a competitive race.

[@leonardogobbo6391]

my bike is a 26" lapierre spicy 516 and its from 2013, it costed about 600$ and for that price i really don't care what wheels it has, for me its all the same :)

[@lokmtb8503]

I agree it's better to have an old shitty bike than no bike at all.

[@tommycooperfish]

If it gets you to the same places, having the same fun (sometimes more) then it is the perfect bike, I've properly sent the living crap out of some rat ass bikes before, was it fun? Hell yeah it was fun! Would not recommend just trying it but I really liked some of those old school beaters to the point I kinda understood their flaws.

[@david029014]

Is 26" really dying??? I just brought a used but like new 2011 giant trance sl1, sweet bike. I used ride a niner wfo9 and that was a tank. Still fun to ride.

[@nickmorrison5856]

Now you got to do a mullet video! Put the knolly rear on the enduro

[@ubnaka1]

Nick Morrison No... you gotta but the Enduro front on the Knolly! Geo works better that way.... 😉

[@tunaman4u2]

I'm 40, just want to survive trails like that. Better off with the roll over of a 29" or the nimbleness of the 27.5? I won't be going fast... Will be doing state park loops more than starting from the tops of hills 5'9" tall

[@TheDHJunkie]

i honestly feel like it would be better to pick a wheel size based off of your height.

[@monkeyfighterides3153]

27.5

[@mathewmccabe2658]

27.5+

[@th_js]

I have a Pole Stamina 180 (29") and a Canyon Spectral (27.5"). The big bike is definitely faster pretty much everywhere and can do everything the 27.5 can. The small bike can do everything the big bike can, but it gets more nervous and it's slower, but then again it bunnyhops higher, manuals easier and turns slightly better, but I can definitely live with just the 180mm bike, since it has such a good geo that it climbs good and descends insanely good.

[@tylerobrien5416]

GT force mullet setup

[@andrewgreenwood8727]

Have you Ridden the Transition sentinel gx build 29 2020 or the Transition Scout GX build 2020 please let me know ! Would love to see you demo both bikes being one 29 & 27.5 Great vid by the way 👍👌

[@VanCan]

Not yet!

[@googlekorisnik3875]

love your vids! keep it up

[@alexashford2693]

me on 26s reading the title 👁👄👁

[@cataliniobaj4358]

i have a 2008 demo 8 and im riding 26 inch, i dont have any problems:D

[@Planet9_music]

How you getting this crazy good audio it's so clear? My audio is shocking😂

[@VanCan]

Mostly just using a wind cover

[@Simon__T]

I think (as you propaly heard very often) a mullet Bike would be perfect

[@tacticalpotato5665]

can you check out some pedals? They're called supacaz smash dh and they're composite flat pedals.

[@crisj920]

I own 29ers and love them but want to try 27.5

[@mjakovski]

Im 176 cm, 5’9 in height, y’all think I should get a L sized 2018 Giant Glory 27,5 or look for something else ?

[@puncturefilms6186]

My friend has a L giant glory and he is 5’10 and he loves it

[@mrvwbug4423]

Well, you already got your enduro race machine. But sounds like you're trying to convince yourself to get a second bike. I think a rowdy 27.5 like that Knolly would be a great addition to the stable, definitely keep the enduro though.

[@MrTurbocobra]

The obvious and best choice given your local is yet to be contumplated, 27.5 single speed rigid.

[@jakecaine4371]

Why can’t you get into that enduro race scene on the 27.5?

[@olliechub7931]

I would love to see you riding this bike full time, I hope you get it for your next one.

[@zebwhelchel4393]

Hey man, I really enjoy your videos, I’m looking at the 27.5 Commencal Mets am v4.2 and id like to know if y’all think it would be a good buy

[@siggma220]

2:39 relatable edit point! Even on my 27.5 I have trouble getting my back wheel around that woodwork.

[@xavierstow9580]

Nice bike

[@ntinospis8703]

If you ride smaller than large size, maybe a 27.5 is better choice for you

[@a.k2156]

12:40 Rare sighting of a skinny-goblin

[@akxeu5331]

Lol didn’t see it

[@MM-nf9zp]

Aki me neither

[@a.k2156]

@@akxeu5331 on the left side skinny

[@akxeu5331]

A.K still don’t see anything lol

[@a.k2156]

@@akxeu5331 I recommend seeing an eye doctor

[@zooromain]

OG riders do up 27.5, mellow modern riders hit up 29ers

[@Brumancheese]

What rear wheel is that please respond

[@harryfindlay4682]

You need to make up your mind on wheel size

[@jasper_of_puppets]

Why does he need to? Ride that fence!

[@monkeyfighterides3153]

Mullet!?

[@patriceschafer849]

Literally only makes videos complaining about 29ers ArE 27.5eRs tOo SmALL?

[@ChasingChevy]

I don't mind the idea of making videos discussing tire sizes, it's just the clickbait-y titles that irk me.

[@panchobrown7562]

Agree with you, 27.5 vs 29 with no real conclusion. Why not just ride and have fun. Tired of this conversation

[@timbrassinne719]

Anybody in the know knows that a kona stinky with a 175mm monster T is the best for north shore.

[@tonyjofenig6833]

No way, the 2001 VPS Shore with a Monster T. Mullet bike with 24" back, 26" front and the frame has a built in bear bell. Of course it needs to be run with Gaz 3.0 front and 2.6 rear.

[@rickweber2556]

@@tonyjofenig6833 I have an old Rocky Mountain RM6 with a 26" front and a 24" rear. Still love that bike for straight up free riding!

[@RXTOOC]

Can't stand 29ers feels like a motor bike to much, I'm sticking with 27.5ers

[@LorieMTB]

That bike frame makes its wheels look so small

[@martinjurik6067]

Would you actually notice if someone changes your wheel instead 29 to 27.5 at night and you go for a ride ..do you think you would actually notice ? 🤔😂

[@mtbguy3886]

i like 29's

[@downhillgroovy5859]

That's what she said

[@JFTM_]

Me: *sees title* ‘this guy can’t frickin make his mind up’

[@mathias3068]

Plus this debate is about 2 years too late, usually I love the content from this channel but this stuff just makes me make my eyes roll

[@Rasakson]

@@mathias3068 same, if he goes further with this debate then I'm going to leave

[@bisforbroke4233]

Mullet could possible be the best of both worlds

[@TheNik604]

Nope, 29 is too big

[@AzogDefilerFromMordor]

Wondering what happened to that forest that it looks to be in such a bad shape.

[@mikemcmahon1836]

That forest was logged off many decades ago and never replanted. It has just come back on its own, and yes, its kind of rough looking. It should look better in a century or so. Too bad we won't be around to enjoy it. lol!

[@jerrymtb988]

Just get a mullet bike- but 27.5 for me

[@sams_sends6267]

I have a 26 inch dh bike 😂🤣

[@truegopnik2456]

Bruh i ride 26

[@coreyjohnson9548]

27.5 is way better, unless you’re a climbing nerd

[@joealcock3605]

Mullet, best of both

[@brennanjrim]

#26aintdead

[@skillsn_8288]

I prefer 20.10.30

[@scz9048]

Nah 27.5 is perfect

[@marinberndt4049]

Man changing his mind about wheelhouse every video lol

[@leviwilliams4961]

He’s gonna get sponsored by knolly

[@maximosmorgan9727]

Yes, I see him slow rolling us into his new sponsor as well.

[@antoanangelov5672]

simply... NO! No questions asked

[@harzenduro]

No, it's not.

[@BMfins]

Are you a dentist?

[@derektaylor2845]

There is no difference just preference. 1. There are those who like to be an extention of the bike. 29ers. 2. Those who like their bike to be an extention of them. 27.5ers

[@bene__mtb]

Its a controversial thing i admit, but if you could get to a point in the videos were you talk about tech und that stuff would be nice, talking for like 15 minutes about one thing is some kind a boring and after all im not smarter than before

[@pb8582]

Never ever ride a 29 unless you are 85 years old or you German and you mesure 2.10m

[@christiane3276]

Literally every video is "derp 27.5 iz good because this... *but i like 29* but derp it can't do this and 27.5 can". Please do all of your subs and viewers a favour and stop boring them with this wheel size debate for at least a year and come up with something new and interesting for your videos..

[@goodpools]

No. It’s not too small.

[@JasonChambersPhoto]

Maybe try a Forbidden Druid in a mullet configuration? Could be a great option👍

[@Max-xl3ml]

Biggest thing that's kept me away from 29ers is how awkward they look bunnyhopping, doing trials moves, and jumping. Long travel is kind of does the same thing, but the extra butt clearance and lower gyroscopic effect of smaller wheels is undeniable. If I was a racer it would be a different story. I was planning on racing this summer but thank god I didn't buy a race bike because not only would that have been a bad investment but racing is canceled lol.

[@ethannakkash1132]

27.5" is the way to go!

[@sebastiendoucet06]

I ride 26 lol and I have never had 29 pr 27.5, but I think I would prefer 27.5

[@Bristecom]

I started with a 26 (like everyone who's been mountain biking for a while), then got a 27.5 when they became popular in 2013, then ended up with a 29er in 2016. I thought 27.5 would be right for me but the 29ers just roll over things and keep their momentum noticeably better than a 27.5. Even in climbing, I noticed I could clear bumpy/tricky climbs better, despite the extra rotating mass of a 29er. Yes, when you are going fast it is a little harder to maneuver and it's not as good for those who like to jump around and do crazy stuff but for me a 29er (with good geometry) is the better option.

[@flyingnorseman]

Ive been riding mtbs for 25 years. First bike was a fully rigid, bright yellow GT Karakorum (26 inch wheels). I've likely owned 10 different mtbs over this time frame. Full suspension was #1 advancement. 29er is a very close 2nd. I am 6-4 tall and live in SE USA. Our trails are rocky, rooty, twisty and tight. The climbing is usually punchy and steep. The downhills arent very long. Its true XC country. Every time I ride I am thankful for the 29er because rows of roots and rocks that used to take very specific lines, body english and a ton of energy are generally just plowed over now. The 29er has given me the ability to ride longer and faster which means more fun.