The Wheel Dilemma, Solved!
The Wheel Dilemma, Solved!
The Wheel Dilemma, Solved!
If you’ve ever wondered, ‘Which wheel size is right for me?’ we’re here to help you decide. Perhaps you’re coming from a 27.5-inch wheel bike and ready to reap the benefits of bigger wheels, or wondering about the advantages of a mixed wheel platform. Every wheel size has its merits, its own characteristics, and depending on who you are and what you want to get from your riding there’s likely going to be a wheel size that most suits you.
29-inch: Fast and Smooth
29-inch is the biggest wheel size, with monster trucking ability to roll over trail obstacles with less effort. The reduced rolling resistance and larger footprint of 29-inch wheels inspires confidence and helps riders cover ground efficiently. So for racers looking to maximize their speed for chasing podiums or bragging rights, or riders looking for climbing efficiency, 29-inch is the obvious choice. It’s also a fantastic choice for riders who want more trust when terrain is unpredictable because it can provide a more stable base of support.
MX: Traction and Agility
A relatively new option is mixed wheel (aka ‘mullet’). The leading 29-inch wheel creates a large contact patch that generates a lot of traction and lowers the rollover resistance. While the smaller diameter 27.5-inch rear wheel gives more butt clearance (a factor for some shorter riders) and creates a quicker handling bike. The result is a bike that still feels composed like a 29er but requires less energy to lean over or place the rear wheel where necessary. Riders who are chasing fun at speed or always adding a little flair to their riding style find it to be the perfect balance of traction and agility.
