Author Topic: What's the fastest wheel size 26er, 27.5 or 29er? An extensive scientific test.  (Read 2118 times)

Carbon_Dude

Fun to watch this 2 part series.



2019 Stumpjumper Expert 29/27.5+
2017 Santa Cruz Stigmata
2017 Trek Stache 9.8 (29+)
2016 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Carbon Comp 6Fattie (27.5+) (Sold)
2016 Trek Stache 9 (29+) w/upgrades (Sold)
2014 -036 Full Suspension Chiner (Sold)
2013 -057 Hardtail Carbon Chiner (Sold)
Atlanta, GA

JohnnyNT

Very interesting video, only thing that concerns me though is that they used FS bikes for the test. Most people ride hardtail, where the effect of bigger wheels "swallowing" obstacles more easily, with their smaller angle of incidence, is more profound. FS partially alleviates this difference.

Carbon_Dude

At the trails I ride, there is a good mix of hard tail and FS.  I think the test is very controlled and well thought out.  All the bikes were of the same suspension design, they did a very good job of trying minimize other effects not related to wheel size.  Even though statistically they say there is no difference, the 29er coming in 12s faster on average around the loop is pretty significant.

I know when I got my 29er, I would finish my normal 10 mile loop faster than I ever did on my 26er or 69er.
« Last Edit: February 01, 2015, 11:03:04 AM by Carbon_Dude »
2019 Stumpjumper Expert 29/27.5+
2017 Santa Cruz Stigmata
2017 Trek Stache 9.8 (29+)
2016 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Carbon Comp 6Fattie (27.5+) (Sold)
2016 Trek Stache 9 (29+) w/upgrades (Sold)
2014 -036 Full Suspension Chiner (Sold)
2013 -057 Hardtail Carbon Chiner (Sold)
Atlanta, GA

Andy

Man I'm glad I sold my 27.5 and went with a 29!   Thanks for the link CD!
Andy   :)
IP036
LTK023