What is a Plus Bike and Who Should Ride One?

This video describes a Plus mountain bike, goes over the disadvantages and advantages, and finally discusses who would benefit from riding a Plus bike.

[@abbygirl0730]

At age 67 I got my first mountain bike, a 29-er with 21 gears, and hated the whole experience. Months later I traded in for a Trek PowerFly 7 with 27.5 x 2.8 tires and I love it. Between the tires and dual suspension it takes roots and bumps with ease. I feel this bike could comfortably roll over a fire hydrant! Everyone should ride what suits them, but this senior citizen wouldn't settle for anything less than the set-up I have. It's the difference between riding off-road and not.

[@stellarluna2637]

Rocky mountain Pipeline Carbon with 27.5 tires ...I'm only 51 but agree with you completely. I ride sand and loose terrain and love the comfort and cornering .

[@paveldzhurylyuk6076]

I have mad respect for you 👊. If I was 67 I would probably be doing nothing.

[@spookmore]

Doug, I agree with you.

[@youssefrochdi1994]

Senior citizen? You still have more spirit than most 20yo kids. Keep on riding, man!

[@keithwetlesen9965]

I'm 62, and ride a plus. I also race a Kinetic Sculpture bike on a fat tire bike platform. 62 going on 16. I took first place in Corvallis!

[@musketman54]

You hit the nail on the head. I just recently picked up my first 27.5+ after about 10 years on traditional width MTB tires. I absolutely love mine. I'm running 3" Maxxis with 16psi in the rear and 15psi in the front. It is perfect for the local trails here in North Georgia. Very informative video!!

[@TheForeverchanges]

Took a break from biking for years. Found this to be an excellent video with a broad amount of information. Thank you!

[@georgemallory797]

Helped relieve possible buyer's remorse over my standard MTB purchase. Thank you for a very complete and concise video. Nicely done.

[@Alsclips2013]

I am a novice rider and couldn't afford a FS bike so I bought a TREK Roscoe 7 Hardtail about 3 weeks ago. Its a 27.5+ bike with 2.8" tyres, Sram 12 x 1 drivetrain, Rockshox Judy Silver fork with 120mm of travel and transX dropper post. Awesome value IMO. I absolutely love it.

[@nicholascaptures]

I find the perfect place for plus tires is on a hardtail. That's why I bought a SC chameleon.

[@savell234]

I just got a salsa woodsmoke that can run 27.5+, 29 and even 29+. I had to get the one that came with 29er wheels for financial and logistical reasons, but I look forward to adding wheel sets in the future.

[@jackmaddesty]

Its so good to watch a video like this without shitty annoying background music.. So good I want to hug you. Great job. Love my Roscoe 8 with 2,8 noby nic tyres and it´s been a blast for two seasons. I´ll set it up for next summer with new front fork and all new upgraded parts with mullet. 27,5 rear and 29 in front. I´m exited🤓

[@betukotuko]

Im 49 and just started Mountain biking. I got a Trek Roscoe 7 with 27.5 by 2.8” and it’s great! The trails by my area are mostly desert. The tires have great grip and comfort. I recommend it! A bike that is very confortable.

[@isaks3243]

really nice to hear that you got into the sport. how is the roscoe riding? never tried a trek hardtail but i own a trek full suspension so i know they make good bikes.

[@Jabba1625]

I have the Roscoe 8, only thing I recommend is get a dt swiss 350 hub for the rear as the factory hub is awful, but love the bike otherwise. That's if you can afford it, I had to wait and save for that beautiful hub and wheel build, very awesome now

[@Sci-Fi_Fan296]

I live in AZ so his recommendation totally hits home for me!!! It confirms exactly what I've been thinking that plus will be good for me! :)

[@randomstuffwithjoe]

This was a good video. Well explained. I got back into Mtn. biking about 1.5 years ago after not riding for 15+ years. I went with a plus bike with 27.5 wheels and 3" tires. I immediately felt comfortable riding again.. and I've been having a great time exploring the sport again.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

26 riders unite! Let's start a support group! Group hug.

[@bumblebee9019]

Yeah, these 29"ers think they are so cool and trendy. Wait 'till the 26"era make a comeback. Old School time!

[@Garf2O]

My broke ass is riding a 26" schwinn lets gooooo

[@Garf2O]

+The Truth i dont even fucking know, shits weird

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

Did you find any? I am running 26" but having difficulty finding sources for wider 26" tires. I can't fit full plus, but looking for wider than my stock 2.2" and 2.0" wide tires. I am not replacing my 26" bike until I break something major or wear it out.

[@20LookInside12]

Oh man, you can find Maxxis 26" x 2.35 easy peasy!! Amazon is your friend. :))

[@jemahlblack2629]

Big fan of the +size tyres! Bought a 2018 Scott Genius 740 + MTB running 2.8’s front n rear. Definitely has more advantages rolling over rocky, sandy terrains. 👍🏻

[@MrE1mil]

Great explanation, exactly what i was looking for :) THX !

[@TheModernYogi1]

Thank you for this information! It is very appreciated!

[@pvillaluna1]

Excellent review thank you very much everything you said was exactly my experience

[@sklineline]

Another big advantage is for those riders who have to ride on/through patches of sand. I live and ride in the desert and soft sand can really slow you down quick. My 27.5+ tires float over the sand like a champ. I can keep up my speed. I ride a Specialized Fuse.

[@nadeeraweerasinghe4213]

Very helpful information. Thanks! Got my second mountain bike few days back which is a hard tail tail with 27.5+ tires and can’t wait to try it out

[@grievingsage1899]

See, when you started this video I was already talking myself out of my GT Pantera 27.5+ I want but toward the end I felt a lot better about it. Thanks!

[@farmermike9262]

Hey Sage, I'm shopping for an entry level right now. Is your budget around the 500 range? What other bikes are you considering? Colorado, Raleigh tokul2 ,giant talon3? What else looks good to you?

[@jimmansi1187]

I'm 54 yrs old & have a Trek Stache 9 29 plus bike & love this thing. These bikes are awesome. Very comfortable and outstanding grip. I run 11 psi tubeless, to me it is as good as a short travel full suspension bike. This setup has given me so much more confidence in technical sections and rock gardens. It's a great trail bike but also can be raced, climbs well & is fast. I also have a Carbon Superfly that just hangs in the garage as for me it's hard to go back to the 2.1 tires. I highly recommend trying a plus bike!

[@clubmike2910]

THanks Jim

[@bharatt3655]

Jim Mansi by plus size you mean fat bike right

[@bobshuff6156]

How did you decide 29 instead of 27.5? I was set in a new 29er so don't see the reason to downsize if I go plus. Your age but mostly road rider lately. Ha, my only MTB is an old Stumpjumer. I thought about new everything on that old frame, but it would probably cost more than a new dialed in bike.

[@bradproctor6499]

how was the superfly

[@michaelfrancis4291]

Jim Mansi I have a 2016 Stache 7 and pretty much can echo what you said. My technical skills are crap, but the Stache has completely changed my riding. I'm probably not any better of a rider, but I roll over stuff that used to make me cringe. It has put the fun into mountain biking for me.

[@aiki067]

I've been riding at steel Jamis dragonslayer 27.5+ this season and I am absolutely in love with it! Its heavy and bouncy, but it shreds! I have ridden all sorts of bikes over the years, this is the the champ for sure!

[@robngoma]

Your surfing comparison is right on.Having been born and raised in HI,and surfed for 50 yrs, learning on a big stable platform is the easiest way.Unfortunately my Stance doesn't allow for much wider tires than the stock 2.25s.Thanks for sharing your wisdom! It's a great help for a newbie.

[@ccalfee03]

Gread vid and very informative. This is exactly what I needed to help with my decision. Thanks.

[@dirtycommtroop]

I went from a full suspension 26" to a hardtail 27.5+ and I absolutely love it.

[@christopherbowers2009]

I bought a hardtail last with 27+, I still have my 26 full sus and hoping to jump between both, depending on what trails I fancy etc. But knowing you love it makes me feel better as I was not sure if I was doing the right thing 😊 But only 1 way to find out.

[@dirtycommtroop]

@@christopherbowers2009 I'm glad to hear! I must tell you that a couple weeks ago I needed new tires and I went with 2.6. I have to say that is the sweet spot for agility and comfort!

[@christopherbowers2009]

@@dirtycommtroop my pefect outcome would be a 2nd set of rims 29ers but I think the 2.6 is a good/cheaper option. Thank you for the advice.

[@masonfreedman]

As a relatively new rider looking to get my first decent bike, I found that plus tires gave me a lot of confidence on the trails. After trying out a bunch of different models I settled on the Trek Stache. 29+ tires are big, but there's so much traction. Thanks for the videos Clint, they have been really helpful for new riders like me.

[@xsamitt]

i agree...i have the stache 9.8.....love that bike

[@philiproberts94]

Good video! Informative. I’ve been looking at the Trek Stache for a couple years... this video makes me want it more!

[@jayefyve9212]

Very helpful Clint! :) I have a Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 plus and think it's perfect for an older beginner like myself.

[@peterwor]

Great great video. Really helpful. I’m 64 and just getting back into mt biking but ride hardtop a fair amount too, looking to buy a new bike and I’ve only ridden 29ers but se a lot of bike’s in my price range using 27.5s. This was REALLY helpful and I love your style... Please make more videos !

[@anthonylivelli5880]

as always Clint gives great insight into plus bikes. i have a Trek Stache 9.8 29 plus bike and I love this machine super fun

[@6Midnite6Raven6]

My brother and I used to had a dh bikes back in Peru w/ 3” tires. Mine was dual suspension w/ a metal frame, his was alum. Was fun going down the trail with wide tires. It helps a lot.

[@grantadamson3478]

Lots of great information. Thanks.

[@Tequila628]

Thanks for making the video, Clint.

[@mikieson]

bought my first real mountain bike a couple weeks back..2017 GT Pantera Comp 27.5+..love it so far..

[@antonm7217]

nice! was looking at buying one, super nice bike, but the 141x9 rear hub put me off. Are you planning on putting in a 29er wheelset at any stage?

[@mikieson]

honestly I didnt know it was able to support 29? BUT i doubt ill mess with it. I really dont have $ to spend on things like that. Totally lucky i was able to save up and get the bike..lol..Ill just say...Im around 250lbs loaded up on the bike. So far its doing quite well. Ive taken it on a super rooty trail in LBL called Canal Loop. It handled it well..ive done a couple others trails that it did fine on. Im a really weak rider as far as hills go. Im huffin and puffin almost as I get on the bike but the stock bike is doing ok by me. I would totally recommend it to anyone on a budget but looking for a good quality bike..

[@antonm7217]

yeah, plus bikes are awesome! not to sound all doom and gloom, but at this stage, only Marin and GT make bikes with 141x9 hubs, and you can't buy replacement hubs aftermarket. Worth talking to your lbs and seeing what options you do have, because if that hub dies, it's gonna get really expensive.

[@mikieson]

oh really? humm..didnt know that.IM going to sound really stupid here and sorry for it..BUT can you tell me what 141x9 hubs are? lol..i only know so much about these kind of bikes as im pretty new to them..

[@MySideWinch]

mikieson Just ordered one myself. 6'1" 290lbs. Looking forward to getting out there & learning the sport.

[@DDGreyduck]

Great video I love my plus size hard tail! Super fun on the trails and I have a 29er wheelset with schwalbe G one tires for riding bike paths with the kids. Also I got my 8 year old a specialized hard rock with 24 X 2.8. Great platform to learn on as a first mountain bike. Super stable and friendly.

[@theguitarclubonline]

I run 2.6 tires on my ebike... I have no complaints BUT in the UK nowhere stocks them but shipping from Germany is super quick! : )

[@mathewbriggs6667]

Bro same just built my 2kwt ebike and i can fly up 50÷ hills but the tire slips out so i got these

[@pinecone76]

Just last week I upgraded my 13 year old from a regular 27.5 (2015 Diamondback Lux) to a 27.5+ bike (2017 Diamondback Rely Trail). She loves the beefy tires (Chaoyang Big Daddy 27.5x3.5) and the entire bike has proven to be almost immediately much more confidence inspiring. Around the neighborhood she is already clearing some small stairs and curbs; something she has never attempted on her old bike. Cannot wait for the actual trip to the trail. Just like you mention, I like the versatility and the option to add the 29 wheel/tire combo (just need to find a good deal on a set matching the BOOST spacing for both front and rear). Thanks for a great video, as always. Cheers!

[@ClintGibbs]

+PineCone76 nice!!!

[@bsmithhammer]

Good overview. I love riding hardtails, and 'plus' has totally transformed the experience of a hardtail. I ride a lot of loose, rocky, rooty, tech terrain in the northern Rockies and it's my favorite way to go. I get the precision and power transfer of a hardtail with far more traction than a 2.2" ever offers, and without a lot of the chatter-y deflection that happens with skinnier tires on loose descents. I can't really see any reason t go back to skinny tires.

[@alejandrosilvalorens4028]

nice video, honest and clever. cheers from Chile.

[@crzydude92152]

I live in East valley, AZ and can confirm that my 2.8" tires have helped me far more than they have hurt me. Great for loose, loose over hard and you float over sand so it's great for all the washes you run into out here!

[@mickeyodonal]

Jack G. I'm in the east valley as well what tires are you running?

[@crzydude92152]

mickeyodonal I'm running maxxis rekons and they're my favorite tire that I've tried so far. Great, aggressive sides knobs with the rolling surface still being somewhat low profile for less rolling resistance

[@johnnnewmex]

I live in the desert too and could see the advantage of a +size on the loose stuff. However I think similar results can be achieved with a 2.4-2.6 tire and the right rim and pressure. You don't have to go out and buy a new bike to change the handling of your ride. But it is nice that we have so many options these days!

[@Sci-Fi_Fan296]

I'm also an East Valley AZ resident and I'm thinking that these larger, wider tires would help me in my trail riding as well. Glad to have seen your comment! :)

[@smallnuts2]

@@Sci-Fi_Fan296 I'm in Phoenix. Looking for a mt bike that won't go flat from goat heads and stickers

[@deeshunt4228]

Nice job! Keep up the good work. I've been riding a Santa Cruz Hightower 27.5+ and it rips.

[@Eltoca21]

Watching this I realize that Clint is the friend I wish I had to help me navigate through the do's and don't and pitfalls and common mistakes of buying a full suspension mountain bike.

[@obsidianjay8877]

Hit the trails. You'll meet a few people

[@johnbehneman1546]

Great video and a great education. I am new to the field, and Plus Bike looks like fun. With many options for upgrades. I see it as a great starting point. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnmurray9746]

Loved the video. In my experience, plus tires are awesome for riding packed snowy singletrack. You get awesome traction, but have more agility than on a fat bike. Super fun.

[@mjcrites1738]

Good video. Plus bikes are great for here in Central Wisconsin do to sandy soils. With studded tires they also make for good winter commuters.

[@NewThoughtMediaNetwork]

I've been on Mt bikes since before there were even front shocks..Think New Hampshire in the late 80's...and I love my new 27.5+ Trek Fuel EX 8 Best Ride I have ever been on....I'll never go back to a 26" wheel. Thanks for the video..great explanations

[@thesuccessfulbarber]

Robert Brzezinski i just moved to nh. laconia

[@ponymoore6140]

Well, I beat the lot of you, I am 72 years of age and still riding an old Cannondale Jekkll 600 :) I like what I am hearing here from fellow oldies as I am thinking of buying a new bike and sounds like a plus bike may suit me

[@volksquadman]

40 yrs of off road riding, i have always had better results, rides and wins off road on wider tyres- in 6 months exactly from your comment i bought a plus sized bike and a skinny tyred bike in every condition in 5 European countries.- Guess which tyre has done Everything better! - from a fellow fast oldie.

[@ponymoore6140]

@@volksquadman WOW! Thank you

[@ponymoore6140]

You didn't beat me, I'm 721/2 LOL

[@thomasfoley1699]

Great job! Thank you, Sir.

[@jesparon]

Now I understand what they mean. Thank you for the explanation. Nice. 2 thumps up.

[@mosescenteno3149]

IM 62 and love my 27.5 plus bike and the effert make me feel like a kid,plus I made my bike a 1 X 7 . like your video

[@olliehanimation]

I’ve been riding a whyte 905 with 2.8’s. After taking a break from trial riding for a few years, the 2.8’s give a really stable feel, and definitely helped getting my riding confidence back. Also helps you keep up the full suspension mtb’’s on downhill sections, soaking up some of the bumps! Not sure if you can get whyte bike in the US but would recommend if ya based in the Uk. Informative video cheers.

[@markortiz104]

you do a great job explaining and clearing the confusion. thanks. BTW you look like Jim Harbaugh.

[@wilkbor]

Great video. THanks for your insight.

[@carlosalmanzar2775]

Love your videos. Keep it up. I have a bad habit 3.0 after 25 years without riding. My friends has the 2.8 on an levo. Which comparing the 2 I also think 2.6 is the sweet spot. I live in Jersey where it's rocking.

[@JZMartinez]

Thanks for the video. Gave a like and subscribed. I test rode a Trek Roscoe and Stache. I had no expectations of going plus. Was trying to hit my $1K budget and these were on sale and clearance, respectively. Both were base models. The Stache was the winner hands down for $100 more. Your points about versatility ring true with me. I like the option to go 29+, 27.5+,or 29 on the Stache. This will be my one quiver bike until it's not. In North Texas, I don't have mountains to bomb down and we don't ride the mud. I have single track and technical trails. Like most bikes, mt skills are well within the limits. If you are on a budget and can find one on clearance, it's a steal vs a plain-Jane hardtail. Trek Stache 5 has decent noobie kit and about 28.5lbs when you lose the tubes vs 33lbs (no tubes) on the Roscoe 6. It's a great time to be mountain biking. Liked & Subscribed & Notified - please keep up with the content.

[@yeahbaby8715]

Thanks for the video! I raced XC in the 90´s uses the Panaracer smoke/dart combo on 26inch wheels, I loved a 2.1inch tire in the front and a 1.95inch in the rear, the bigger tire upfront had better grip and took bumps better, the best of both worlds for different conditions!. I loved this combo so much that I had a Marzzocci xc100 fork modified to accommodate the “huge” front tire lol !! Now fast forward to 2018, I’m shopping for a new bike, I’ve tried 29ers and can’t believe they are the new standard in xc.. they took bumps fine, but manoeuvrability on climbs and especially downhills felt a tad sloppy. Now the 27.5 might just be the sweet spot I’m looking for! Who known we might be seeing 29ers front 27.5 rear or even 27.5 front and 26 rear in the future.?!

[@sorryociffer]

Bought my first new MTB in 20 years... 27.5"/2.8".... Awesome. Like it so much more than the thinner tires.

[@moparmtb360]

I have a 26 inch wheel fat bike. I run 50 mm surly rabbit hole rims and 26x4.0 schwalbe jumbo jim tires. Those rims pull the tires in to 3 3/8" wide and keeps the rim and sidewall out of the way of rocks. I love it. I also love 27.5 plus.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Excellent insights, and when I buy my MTB, I am going make sure the rims are designed to handle plus sized tires.

[@SuperClown1979]

26x 3.0 is the old school DH, this days is been " rebranded " as 26+ ... justo to name a few Nokian, Gazzalloddi or duro leopard ...

[@TheGuyWho3415]

Good ol' Clint Gibbs, gibbing the honest consumer's opinion! No paid promotion, no preconceived hate!

[@eugenegutierrez5106]

I agree with you to a certain extent about the width of the tires. That's why companies out there are making plus tires with fast rolling resistance to accommodate the pedalling. I've come from normal size tires and switching to plus made my riding less tiring and fatigued to my body. As far as pedalling I've never had any problem. DO more compounding exercise like squat or deadlifts. Or loose more weight. Everyone is always concerned about weights of the bike. It's all about technique when it comes to pedalling.

[@scottewers9507]

Wow, that was a great informative video. I ride a plus bike and I agree with Clint on most points. Swing weight is an issue on these bikes, but there are a few light weight tires out there that work great in the plus size. The other important thing to consider is tire pressure. Experiment to see what tire pressure works with your body weight, riding conditions, riding style. Yes, I found tire pressures above 15psi the ride does get a little bouncy. Once you find the right tire pressure, it's a dream... Definitely consider tires with tougher sidewalls if riding sharp rocky conditions (Schwalbe Snake Skins???). I also switched rim widths, was riding 50mm, switched to 45mm, less swing rate on 45's, and the tires rides a little higher. I'm also getting allot less snake bites (rock-rim impacts). Love my plus bike... Great video Clint...

[@asselinpower]

Very good video! I bought a + bike this summer. I love it , however you need good tires if you want to enjoy it. I changed my tires for some Maxxis Reckon +. They completely changed the bike.

[@JonPrevost]

At 6'4" and 190 I'm just so happy a MTB was made for me before I get too old :) (Cannondale Bad Habit 1) Wet roots on a long climb? No problem. On poorly kept trails these plus tires keep it fun.

[@deepakdewangan]

Very informative and direct!!

[@common-sense-is-dead]

I still love riding a hardtail so the plus size tires really absorb the impact while riding rougher trails and I definitely notice the better cornering and traction. I was a little apprehensive when i bought my Cannondale Beast of the East because i had never ridden plus size tires but that was soon laid to rest. That bike with some Maxxis Minion 2.8's are a blast on the trails.

[@TechWingsWildThings]

Just sold my old Haro 26inch and got a Norco FS Fluid 27.5+ in 2.8in...... Love it!! Tire pressure can easily be changed for either comfort or speed and at low pressure it is a grip monster and a plush ride. Tried a few 29ers and didn't like how slow they were to manoeuvre. Try a 27.5+ you won't be disappointed!!

[@smiler2934]

Really useful info,had both full sus and hardtail,definitely looking for something different,this route maybe the answer,cheers.

[@kimrice394]

Very good analysis!

[@macrisostu4980]

Great video thanks for sharing.

[@tustain5179]

Very good video, informative and easy to understand 👍

[@knordberg]

Thanks. Very informative without overdoing it with rabbit trails. Cool video.

[@truebrownstyle1362]

Kris Nordberg boss pls give me mtb pls its ok 2ndhand pls

[@bikingwithchris6860]

The big manufacturers also benefit from plus size to add another size of tires that can have an overinflated price :) Trials/all mountain would be easier, as long as the frame has also been beefed up. I agree it is better for new riders because of the stability and they usually are not as concerned about the weight , usually coming from 50 pound department store bikes. good video! a lot of good information!

[@TtheSilverStacker]

Thanks for the info!

[@flpirate45]

Thanks for the review

[@glensmall9194]

Good video. Thank you. I want a plus bike!!!!

[@9909surfer1]

Great information thanks

[@niccopolo]

Excellent explanation !

[@brucejackson5484]

Thanks for the info, looking to buy a bike and was looking at the plus but now I think I would rather go for the 2.60 tire

[@pauljs75]

These and fat bikes tend to be popular in beach towns, overlapping in use with cruisers. Even paved trails have sections where loose sand blows over, and these bikes go right over that with no problem. Narrow tire bikes tend to get squirrely, and if the sand is deep enough you end up having to walk them.

[@Tony_Seed]

I’ve got a 27.5 x 2.8 hard tail , nukeproof scout 275 , love it

[@derektaylor2845]

Love my sb140 27.5x2.6. Best bike I've ever ridden.

[@righteousone8454]

Here is my brief experience with mountain bikes and how they feel, I am no expert at that, but here is what I gathered. I have 2 bikes, 1 bike is Specialized Rockhopper that has 2.3 mountain bike tire on the front (Ground Control Sport), and 2.1 tire on the back (Ground Control Sport). 29" Also have a BMW Cruise bike that has 2.0 road tires on front and back. (Schwalbe City Plus) 26" What I realize now is that the smaller tire is not always worse. Reason is simple, smaller tire is more agile. I had changed Rockhopper from 2.1 front to 2.3, and 2.0 back to 2.1, and even at that I felt the difference. The grip is better with bigger tires, but the weight is more substantial, the cushioning on bigger tires is greater, but the weight is substantially greater per tire, requiring more force to pedal. For a downhill situation bigger tires work nicely, but require substantially more force to pedal on even ground, or MUCH harder to go uphill. The bigger the tire, the more it applies. My BMW Cruise bike with a road/hybrid tire is way faster off the line, but can't really do dirt for obvious reasons, and will slide in rocks. I highly suggest driving with bigger tires before buying a bike, you may not like it. For downhill I would do bigger tires, but for general non-rocky trails, even a 2.0 tire is better. Think of this as a gun, 40 caliber sounds appealing, until you realize it has a massive amount of recoil, but packs more impact per shot, requiring harder recoil mitigation. Even a 9mm will be more manageable, but the bullet is almost the same size. Same for bikes, smaller is more agile, and easier to control, but each terrain is different. Even a type of tire makes a ton of difference. I had Fast Trak tire by Specialized on the back., and I would slide and lose control on the back, but the front gripped good with Ground Control tire. In the end I just changed it to Ground Control on front and back, and even though the tire is heavier, the bike is more stable. So thread pattern of the tire makes a big difference as the size of the tire. But everything is subjective to feel. Some people love Fast Trak tire, me...I want safe riding as I am going downhill at 35 mph. Also bigger tires usually grip a whole lot better downhill so you get safety for that. Climbing uphill with big tires can be difficult, of course how big is subjective. I thought fat bikes were cool, but many people I talked to suggest against it, because the bike is heavy for that same reason. I almost went 2.1 front and 2.1 back, but left 2.3 at the front. Stay safe, and try tires if you can before buying. It's a tricky subject. Smaller could be best for you. You should have a balance between Comfort and Control. Either in between, or leaning more towards one or another. Comfort and Control, 2 factors. Comfort may have less Control, and Control may have less Comfort. Mixing tires can also make a huge difference, speedy tire on the back, grippy tire on the front for an example. But please be safe. Fast Trak on the back almost tipped my bike when I simply did a 30 degree turn on concrete, but Ground Control on the front with bigger grip saved me from flipping on the side. Bigger knobs for riding dirt, lesser knobs for driving road.

[@PARABOLA1966]

Nice comparison, but please stay away from firearm's, since you really don't know much about such, mate. I have 45 caliber, but my everyday carry is a 40 cal M&P 2.6 Smith And Wesson, and recoil is minimal... I can shoot it all day long.

[@PJSinohin]

Just converted my 29er into 27.5 x3.0, learning from this series. I was waiting for the skid but its not happening. Will enjoy this setup while its not yet rainy season in the Philippines. Cheers!

[@rrrseajay]

Love my Santa Cruz Hightower 27.5 with 2.8. Fun and Forgiving. It lets me ride bigger terrain than my skills allow.

[@matthewsierra314]

I am a new rider. I had a hard tail with standard tires. It was difficult, I had a few crashes. I sold it and bought a plus size hard tail and it changed my confidence as a rider. Plus size tires is the way to go for new riders.

[@Jabba1625]

I have a Roscoe 8, I love the plus size. I'm starting to worry about the bike industry changing their minds and killing off these awesome sized tyres. I ride casual nowadays and love how it ploughs through everything, like a jacked up 4wd

[@randolphpatterson5061]

Great explanation!

[@waterboxer87]

I have a lot of bikes, but lately, I've been riding my Surly Lowside equipped with three-inch knobbies. Ninety-five percent of my cycling is done on dirt roads. My favorite trail is a two-mile descent that features lots of loose sand, rocks, uneven terrain, animal trails and some hardpack. The big three-inch tires roll over everything that would swallow anything smaller. When I maneuvering around obstacles, I feel like I'm fifteen years old again...that was 52 years ago.

[@ClintGibbs]

Loving and enjoying mountain biking at 67… I love it!

[@jackgarner7818]

Clint, I really like the pros & cons of +s size tires. I ride a Giant FS w/27.5 x 2.4, but my fat bike 26 x 4.8 rules the trail for me! I absolutely think everyone should ride what makes them happy, been mountain biking since 1989. The fat bike has been an awesome & thrilling new challenge....

[@rickybosephus2036]

Thanks for the video! I used to be an excellent xc rider...then I dropped down to 'very good', now I pretty much am lame. Looking forward I just want a fun solo ride on a bike that loves me...i'm currently refitting my xc/trail bike with plus fork, rim and tire. I have to do 2.3 max, maybe 2.5 in the rear due to chainstays. Gonna add a dropper post next and just enjoy!

[@jeffgothro1147]

I have a 2016 Trek Stache 5 29+, my frame also accepts standard 29, and 27.5 size wheels. So, no big disadvantages here, including rotational weight. A wheel swap and my bike is in the same class as ultra elite xc 27.5 and 29er bikes. Cool videos, and like myself, you seem pretty knowledgeable about bikes. SUBSCRIBED!

[@chrisduke3251]

Great vid! To the point! I'm leaning to the 27.5 for several reasons for mountain bikes, and I think you just hit them all in this one shot. New subscriber, and adding your link to my website. Thank you.

[@jamesc6137]

Helpful breakdown

[@SavedbyHim]

Still happy on my 26'' wheels :)

[@josephjachem1241]

Gr

[@fsilvp]

That's what I used to say until I met my 27.5

[@jasonswift7098]

No one uses 26" wheels anymore they went out 5+ years ago.

[@BlkwtrPrk]

I ended up putting slicks on my 26er and use it as a sort of road bike. I like it a lot actually.

[@rage9one]

I still ride my specialized P1 26'' but I fell in love with 27.5 plus bikes and that's what I'll be getting next :)

[@HoundDogHats]

Good video.. Things go in cycles for sure. Back in the day (2000ish) I use to ride a foes DH slammer, I had a Godzilla front tire 3" on the front. Now the plus tires are coming back..

[@hamzafox2000]

thanks for this useful video

[@georgiaguardian4696]

Very informational!

[@andykramer]

I have been riding a Giant Talon for a month now and couldn't be happier! If I ran my tires at 15 psi though, the rear would slip out from under me. The stock Maxxis tires on my bike recommend minimum 30 psi and being a heavier rider, I run them at 35. That makes them a lot more grippy in the corners.

[@JoseSanchez-ww2fl]

Thanks for the video