How to Choose Mountain Bike Wheel Size | 27.5' vs 29'

Not sure which mountain bike wheel size is best for you? We're here to help!

These days, almost all new mountain bikes come with either 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels. Each wheel size has its own set of benefits that will impact your ride. In this video, we'll cover the pros and cons of each, and we’ll also get into what happens when you mix wheel sizes. By the end of this video, you’ll have all the information you need to decide which mountain bike wheel size is best for you.

So who wins the 29er vs. 27.5 debate? That comes down to your preference as a rider. In general, bigger mountain bike wheels (29’ers in particular) are better uphill and in a straight line over rough terrain. Meanwhile, smaller wheels tend to be more nimble and easier to maneuver both on the ground as well as in the air. One isn’t necessarily better than the other and a lot of rider preference and terrain choice are going to come into play.

If both of these options sound great and you still can’t decide, maybe you should be looking for a mixed wheel or "mullet’ bike". As the new kid on the block, mixed wheel/mullet bikes feature a twenty nine inch wheel in the front and twenty seven five inch wheel in the back.

Still asking yourself what mountain bike wheel size should I ride? Check out our MTB Wheel Size Guide:

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0:00 – 0:32 – Intro
0:33 – 0:58 – 26" Wheels
0:59 – 1:36 – 29" Wheels
1:37 – 2:07 – 27.5" Wheels
2:08 – 2:23 – How to Choose
2:24 – 3:04 – Rollover
3:05 – 3:25 – Traction
3:26 – 4:01 – Maneuverability
4:02 – 4:28 – Size & Fit
4:29 – 5:07 – Style
5:08 – 6:07 – Mixed Wheel Sizing / Mullet Bikes
6:08 – 6:35 – Outro

[rextilian]

thorough, unbiased and well presented. thank you.

[heyRex]

Mullet style sounds like the best of both!

[joehebert]

Would you recommend a mangoose mountain bike 21 speed?

[hadimasrour]

Dear Skylar, I have watched your clip, I thank you very much for your cute and nice description, I am a fan of cycling sport.
I have a question from you.
I am 177 cm, which wheel size fit better for me? As you mentioned in your clip "feel more natural" I want this situation.

[jmguevarra]

What do you recommend for a Full Suspension Medium 27.5 or Small 29er? I currently use a Hardtail Medium 27.5 by the way my height is 5'6

[chrysr]

The 27+ wheels size (2.8 to 3.0) was not factored into most of the analysis presented here, and it has an effect that can be very much like a 29 for some things while still having many of the benefits you describe for 27.5 wheels. The fact that 27.5+ has been pretty much abandoned by bike companies is a shame.

[philtudor]

why are you not looking into the camera?

[cosybike]

Who is she talking to over my right shoulder?

[adlar]

So, which wheel size are you getting? Me - A Santa Cruz !

[joehebert]

I am 510 I'm looking for my first bike. I haven't wrote a bike since I was 12 years old since it got stolen. My friend's want to go by writing I bought a bike rack. I am looking at 27 5 point mangoose what is your opinion?
It has the shock's front and rear the shock are under the seat for the rear.
Is that a good bike? I'm looking at $400 for the bike. Is that a good price for a Mongoose.