27.5+ HT vs 29 FS?

Personlly historically, think most people got 29ers hardtails because it was an economical way to get on the trails and not be riding a 26er hardtails through the rocks. 26er full suspension was more of an investment.

If you are comparing 29 vs 27.5 hardtail through the rock gardens, 29 is going to have an advantage.

Thoughts on that may differ if you throw 1 or 2 full suspension bikes into the mix.
 
nj6964 said:
Sorry my last question was a bit misleading. I'm asking regular 27.5 vs 29, how do they fare in rock gardens. Are most north jersey people riding 29ers for that reason?
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Dude, we were riding through those rock gardens on hard tails, 60mm forks, and 2.1" tires. These days with out newer bikes, we ride the same rock gardens, but just a little faster. You need to learn how to ride them first. The difference between 27.5 vs. 29 is that with 29, you may make it 2 feet further in before you dab or go over the bars.
 
nj6964 said:
Sorry my last question was a bit misleading. I'm asking regular 27.5 vs 29, how do they fare in rock gardens. Are most north jersey people riding 29ers for that reason?
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There isn't a huge difference, the benefits of 27.5 to a 29er at least to me is that it's more nimble for the most part, depending on your height it might be better suited then a 29er. Also if you are looking at lower spec bikes the 27.5 will have less rolling resistance because the wheel and tire combo are lighter. I have owned both, then I tried 27.5plus and never looked back... as many already said and will tell you, go test ride a bunch of bikes to see what you like the best...
 
skyrokz said:
There isn't a huge difference, the benefits of 27.5 to a 29er at least to me is that it's more nimble for the most part, depending on your height it might be better suited then a 29er. Also if you are looking at lower spec bikes the 27.5 will have less rolling resistance because the wheel and tire combo are lighter. I have owned both, then I tried 27.5plus and never looked back... as many already said and will tell you, go test ride a bunch of bikes to see what you like the best...
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Thanks! Is your 27.5 plus a HT or full sus? Do you find the plus size tire gives you any added squish? I see a bunch of 27.5 plus HTs on the market for decent prices. Maybe I'll wait a while til I find one used. I think I'm gonna ride what I have until a great deal presents itself.
 
nj6964 said:
Thanks! Is your 27.5 plus a HT or full sus? Do you find the plus size tire gives you any added squish? I see a bunch of 27.5 plus HTs on the market for decent prices. Maybe I'll wait a while til I find one used. I think I'm gonna ride what I have until a great deal presents itself.
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I think that's the right approach. In 1-2 years there will be many more choices and with that comes lower prices. Also there will be more people off-loading their old stuff. If it doesn't happen, it will be a niche product and support and things like tire choices will forever be limited.
 
nj6964 said:
Thanks! Is your 27.5 plus a HT or full sus? Do you find the plus size tire gives you any added squish? I see a bunch of 27.5 plus HTs on the market for decent prices. Maybe I'll wait a while til I find one used. I think I'm gonna ride what I have until a great deal presents itself.
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Both my bikes are full squish but I did just order a China carbon ridgid frame that accepts 27.5+ and 29+ wheels just for shits and giggles and to do road rides with the buddies, since I will be switching all the components from one of my full suspension bikes it's not costing me much. One of my bikes is a specialized Enduro 29er that I converted to 27.5+, while as a 29er it was a great bike, it is 10 times better as a 27.5+, the tires do absorb the tiny bumps, on climbs they just wrap around everything and nearly never loose traction ofcourse as long as the engine doesn't run out of steam that is. Since I still consider my self a beginner/noob these tires increase your confidence by three fold as they grip and rip through everything, the bike feels livelier and you just want to hop over everything. The only way to really compare is to get on one of these bikes and try it out for your self. Now if you are an XC hammerhead looking for more speed then I wouldn't recommend +
 
I got the sobato frame, it's pretty much the trek Stache. 579.00 shipped with a carbon fork. Got a spare 29 wheelset so I figure if I don't like it on trails it will be my city rider
 
nj6964 said:
Looks like an awesome bike. You get the 1 or the 2? Also how do you like the WTB tires?
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I got the 1. It has a great geometry and feels much more nimble and lighter than it looks. I actually have (on limited data) rode faster than some of my best times even though I am in horrible beginning of the season shape.

So far, the WTB tires have been good - the hook up well and corner well. I'm running them at about 12 psi tubeless.
 
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