Thanks for the hook up with LMNT! Ever since starting my new nutrition regiment (health concerns, not hype) I haven't been able to use my former fave supplement Tail Wind 😕 Hopefully these LMNT packs will be my new go-to. 🤘🏽
@9:47 I just watched this man manual UP A HILL… and now I know why his perspective on the “mullet” fad is more well founded than any other I have henceforth heard!
I currently run this setup on my Stumpy Evo. The reason I switched to mullet was to stop buzzing my backside on the back wheel. After an OTB (and fractured elbow) because of my short legs + big wheel size, the mullet has been great. Can’t say I notice a real change to the bike’s performance other than I haven’t buzzed my backside since the switch.
How tall are you guys? I'm 5, 9 and I switched to Mullet because of this reason, but some of my friends around 5' 6 or 5'7, they said they rarely feel the back wheel buzzing - I'm confused.
yeah same. im 5'5" and always hitting my back wheel on the seat with the 29wheels. but too cheap to buy another wheel/link. this was never an issue on other bikes iv own with 29wheels. I run more pressure in the shock now, helps.
I’m 5’11” but I’m all torso with short legs. I adopted 29ers early but on super steeps DHs or bigger drops I’d get Nutt Scrub that sometimes was bad enough I’d have to pull over 🤦🏻♂️
Great video as always Jeff! I did the mullet experiment on my EVO (using exact same wheel and tire just scaled down for science) and came to the same conclusions you did. I'm back on full 29 and I definitely prefer it that way. The slightly increased ease in cornering wasn't worth the loss of traction and rollover.
As per another comment. The mullet set up with the cascade link and the WRP yoke makes a huge difference to just running the straight specialized mullet link. You get all the suspension benefits and no geo change
Hey Jeff, I dig your videos. I see you coming at this from the point of a pro Mountain Biker, I come from the motocross world and the mullet set up just feels like home most of the time . I’m sure you get a bit more intuition out of the bike than I do, but there is something about a little less traction in the rear that seems more predictable to me. It seems that when setting up an MTB or a motorcycle or dirt bike, there is no wrong or right, just pic your flavor. (With in reason)
Really appreciate how you clarified what you meant after saying it made the bike more nimble. Always great to hear the specifics of what that term means to the individual
3 points: First, LMNT is really amazing. I picked up the sample pack after watching one of yr videos. As a type 1 diabetic, I've always had a tough time with hydration supplements since nearly all of them are loaded with sugars. I could only sip these at best for fear of having a blood glucose spike. On the contrary, I can drink much more of LMNT w/o issue and the increased clarity is real despite the claim sounding like sales pitch nonsense. So again, thanx for that. Second, I've been riding a Stumpy EVO since last November and went with the Speshy 27.5 link right out of the gate as I had run my previous bike (Evil Wreckoning V3) with a mixed wheel set up and really liked it. I dealt with the reduced progression which was already lower on the EVO versus the Evil, by running a Marzocchi Bomber CR with an MRP progressive spring. This has worked great and I suspect you could go do something similar by adding more tokens with the air shock. That said, I knew I wanted a coil for it's plush feeling off the top along with it's simplicity. Another way to this end is to go with the Cascade link and run it with a WRP yolk which adds progression and more travel without changing the base geometry. I have not tried that, but it is much more costly route to take than my solution. Lastly, the mixed wheel set up worked great for me in overcoming some of the issues I faced with a long travel 29er. It returns more of the playful and poppy feel I like. It allows me to bunny hop and generally get airborne easier as well as cornering better/faster and maybe most important I don't get a tire up my tuchus on hard g-outs due to my short legs. Long legged riders on long travel 29ers don't face these issues and my couple of taller friends stuck with their 29er set ups due to this. I do still think 29ers are the bomb for shorter travel (sub 150mm) bikes and hardtails for those with short getaway sticks like myself, but I'll keep the wee wheel on my battle sled. Ride on!
I went from full-29 to mullet on my FR-Enduro and my Trail-Hardtail as well. On the steep and technical forrest-trails I mostly ride, this setup made me feel so much more at home. On both bikes! A little lower BB to make it feel more composed and a little slacker headangle for more stability at speed. And the bikes now jump so perfectly predictable! No bucking over the bars anymore - just like my Dirtbike.
Dude, I've only recently got into MTB-ing.... but in my eyes, you're the best rider I've ever seen... or could have imagined.... What you do with your bike as you zip through those forests is poetry in motion... Amazing and some...Who would have believed such a ballet on wheels was even possible...
Came from an outdated 27.5 to this stumpy evo and boy oh boy you have no idea how helpful you’ve been setting my bike up! I think it’s because I like the bike feeling as you predictable and nimble! Thanks for the content Kendal 🎉
I've been running a mullet setup on my banshee titan for about a month now after swapping from a full 29er setup. I still don't really know which I prefer. They both have their pros and cons. The mullet is definitely better for the slower speed steeper terrain where I don't have to worry about the extra speed the 29er has, and the extra butt clearance is more important. However, on faster flow/jump trails and also faster tech trails the full 29 setup is definitely the way to go
Ran a 26/24 mullet on my Cannondale Gemini DH bike in the 90s. (Wasn’t called mullet then) Made sense. Running narrower rear tire, wanted slacker head tube angle when manufactures weren’t hitting that sweet spot yet and something about the looks of it solidified the “purpose built” look for a model that was not designed to race DH. Easy way to turn that free ride bike into a DH dozer!
I've mullet'd all my bikes at this point (except the gravel bike lol) I have a 29 inseam despite being 5'11 so the small wheel helps with butt buzz issues and for me it corners so much better. I have bought a Stumpy Evo LTD (pre-mullet'd from Spesh) can't wait to get some time on it. Been really enjoying the Stumpy series you have been doing!
I will second, third.. and however many before me PRAISE the Cascade link and WRP Yoke combo. I have this exact frame built having tried all the combos like you, this is the best set up for me. Been enjoying watch you go through the same process I did 😂
Running a mullet setup on a Rocky Mountain Altidude 2021 (with the MX link by Rocky). I find it to suit very well my style (very active riding, not racing, jibbing, drifting for pleasure, lots of jumps), but it comes with downsides. I'm my opinion mullet is a very niche setup for people with shorter legs (I'm 5'8'') who wants to jib their bigger enduro rigs + I do find technical manual easier due to legs' increased range of motion, easier to turn during manuals + Way more solid wheels (main reason I switched to the mullet config. + I find it better for jumping but this is really personnal choice + Less tire buzzing my rear in steep-tech terrain, which was my second reason for going mullet. Never buzzed my ass riding Mont Saint-Anne before riding 29'' bikes, on some trails it became inevitable... - Pedals will touch the ground way more (3x more in average in my case) - Technical climbs got harder. - Less grip on off cambers or flat corners. Anyway, great content from you Jeff I like your honesty.
I had a Status 160 (mullet) and have also ridden a stumpy evo 29er. I currently have a Norco sight 29er. Definitely noticed the cornering better with the mullet, but the big wheels can still turn. But more than that, with the 29er I felt the increased rollover when climbing/descending, and the better braking which is ultimately what made me sell the status and get the 29er
Just got a mixed wheel bike for the first time and I am really enjoying it. But, I think I am a pretty perfect candidate for one. I am about 5 foot 9 but have really short legs so the extra clearance makes a big difference for me. I also ride my jump bike a lot (pumptrack, BMX track, skatepark, etc.) so I think that has made me used to riding actively and moving my hips back a lot. On the full 29 setup I didn't actually buzz my butt a ton, but I had to ride steep sections in a 'bench press' position to keep my butt away from the rear wheel. It feels like I have so much space to move and find jumping the bike and riding steep/tight corners easier. If i was 6 foot, I don't think it would matter, but for shorter riders (or short-legged riders) I think it makes a big difference if you like steep, jumpy trails.
At 5'7" I ha been on a V2 Ripmo for about 2 full seasons. Last year I picked up a V4 Bronson designed specifically to be a mullet. After about 3 rides on the Bronson I sold the Ripmo happily. Why? First and foremost at my height...more freedom of movement for my rear end. No tire buzz, could get lower etc. The bike was easier to throw around and I was simply having more fun on trails I am very familiar with. Only real downside which is minor is a bit more ping ponging around of the back end in a really chunky section at speed. Minor inconvenience. Again....I'm a fairly short intermediate+ rider and the well engineered mullet just for whatever reason left me smiling more.
I just bought a Status instead of mulleting a stumpy...I find it accelerates faster and is easier to whip around. I also spend a fair amount of time on the rear tire due to my trials experience a couple decades ago, and I prefer how easy it is to hop and pedal kick on a 27.5 compared to a 29. In addition, I grew up riding a 26/24 mullet so it just *feels* right. I'm always putting down the landing gear for drops, and I reeeealy don't like buzzing my balls on the tire in the air. I'm also nowhere near the same level as our presenter, nor do I attempt to carry even half as much speed.
I prefer full 29, but mullet setup was actually MORE of a difference than I thought. For reference, flatter more rolling terrain. Pros: Quicker acceleration, more snappy turns, better on smooth climbs Cons: Rollover was super noticeable, didn’t carry speed as well, not as stable, hung up in tech 29/29 for me but could see mullet being fun on flow
Mullets exist for four reasons: 1. Small shredders 2. Protect your taint on gnarly drops 3. Ebike chain stay management 4. Protect your neck from sunburn That's it.
My first mullet(bike) was in 03'. Rigid SS 26ers where what all us shop rats where riding. When wtb started making 29er tires, we'd build them up on touring rims and run them as front wheels stuffed into suspension corrected 26" forks. The benefits on a rigid setup where obvious. The steering was....iffy but, the concept makes sense. Less giroscopic resistance below your hips on the rear wheel and a big ol front wheel for rolling over things in lieu of suspension. I appreciate your perspective on modern geometry and the traction benefits of dual 29's. Been thinking about a stumpy...you may have just helped me pull the trigger.
I agree that it’s a “parts bin” syndrome that causes people to try mullet and obviously all the different tire combos. I think the main advantage is the shorter rear end effects from a mullet. Kinda like a shorter chain stay. Like you said the tire width also matters.
I finally got around to trying my size S5 stumpy Evo with the specialized link and 27.5 rear wheel. I like it a lot. I think It benefits the handling with an XL bike. It took me about a year to finally try it out, since the 29/29 combo was so good, but I prefer the mullet.
Gotta be honest, I personally think a bike designed from factory as a mullet sounds like exactly what I want. Where I do most of my biking is very rocky and rooty, so the rollover ability of the 29er on the front would be so welcomed, but I still love my 27.5s. Most people I talk to say they've gotten used to the full 29, but the mullet seems like the perfect compromise. But for most of us that only have 1 bike, the options are limited, and it's a big investment to make on something that seems to be better in theory than what a lot of reviews say...
I have been testing all 3 set ups back to back for 3 years. Having almost identical bikes set up at the same time. I have a 34 years MTN biking and similar time , in mostly woods moto. And if you think about it, a smaller wheel and why it turns quicker at the same lean angle the arc of the wheel is tighter on the smaller tire, causing it to turn more at the same lean angle. And this I seams to feel less predictable, on a bumpy section. When you are threading the needle, trying to hold a tight accurate line. Each wheel reacts differently. I run wider tires on my 27 bike than the 29er. so they have similar traction and quickness. A 27 rear is great for not buzzing your butt on steeps, but I think Mullet bikes don't hold as good of a line on surfaces that are changing camber a lot. Which is mostly an issue when your line is very important and getting off line is a big deal- at speed with hazards. A mullet in theory will cause the rear to stand you up, because it is turning in tighter under you. .In Moto you are constantly using throttle or brake to rotate if necc, so it is factored in. I I prefer all 27 or 29, I think the fade will eventually be superseded, but you can used to it either way, and it's not that big of a deal. Jeff, you are the best!
2019 Rocky Mountain Pipeline 27.5-plus converted full 29er, and recently mullet setup. I feel like the mullet gave it the nimble handling it had before on 27.5, but definitely lost some rollover and rolling speed is only marginally slower. Had to make several small geo and suspension adjustments to make it feel right. Added an angle headset and shorter cranks, and really liking the setup now. No plans to go back anytime soon. Fun to experiment with regardless, especially on an older bike. 🤘🏻
I agree. I prefer the 29/29 for the same negatives that you described about mullet. You sacrifice traction and roll over compliance for marginal cornering quickness.
Great video! I ride an EVO as well and still am not sold on the MX wheel set up, it’s so playful the way it is with the 29’s. By the way Jeff, you have one of the best riding styles on the planet, serious talent in your technique.
Great Video, I rode mine for a month as a mullet and then went back to 29, at 5'6" the bum clearance was a little better, but it got hung up on square edges much more and it did not feel as stable.
I absolutely miss Galbraith Mountain!!!! It has been at least 2 years since I last visited there. I'm very fortunate to have relatives that live so close. From their garage door to the, Evolution and Mohawk trails...... It is a simple 6 mile trek!!! Also, I absolutely love Brown Pow!! Watching your vids just really hurts, in the sense of how much I miss Bellingham!!! When I'm done with my ride, my favorite exit route is SST to Orient Express, and a straight shot back. I can't wait to come and ride there!!!
I've had the same bike (Stumpy Evo Elite) for a little over a year and rode it as a 29er for about the first 6 months before I switched to the mullet setup. Honestly it was the first full 29er that I actually got along with handling wise, but occasional booty to tire contact was still annoying so I ordered the mullet link. For me, the mullet setup is all upside... better butt clearance and a little quicker and more intuitive lean/turn-in feel. Traction is about the same to me, BUT I did replace the stock 29" specialized rear tire with my usual 27.5" maxxis aggressor, so not apples to apples tire wise and neither tire has great traction in the loose conditions I've been riding lately anyway. Because I feel like I only gained from the switch I have zero desire to go back to full 29er mode, but not a night and day difference either.
Just came across your channel. Great work Jeff, really enjoy your content...I played around with the mullet set up back in the 90's on the N. Shore(Vancouver) and yes I'm 58 now and still riding. Back in the day we were going to a 24 on the rear with the 26 up front and the main reason was for the quicker acceleration you get from a smaller wheel. As the big N.Shore scene was developing, we spent a lot of time manual ling off of big stunts and some guys swore by the set up but I didn't like the unbalanced feel and switched back to the full 26" set up. Luckily in those days in winter riding I would go through 2-3 rear rims a winter so it didn't take long to kill the 24". V-brakes mixed with our PNW mud and soil would chew through aluminum rims like butter on a hot biscuit, plus a lot of flat landings didn't help either. Some days I'm surprised I can still walk. Motocross bikes use the same theory but with an engine involved, small rear for the quick acceleration and the 21" up front to handle riding over obstacles. Hope this helps...Cheers!
Sooooo.. I run the mullet link WITH the 29" rear wheel. 2.4 rear, 2.6 front tires. Adjust the headset angle and rear flip chip to suit what type of riding area I'm at. Gains a good amount of pedal clearance for tight, rocky northeast trails. Have ridden Sedona and other southwest areas too and still super stable at speed.
I got the mullet link for this frame out of necessity. I bought a frame only and used all the parts off of my Status which is mullet from the factory. I have changed it into a full 29 once I could afford to get my wheel relaced. I honestly haven't felt a worth while difference between the two other than a smidge more playful as a mixed setup, but it climbs a lot better now as a full 29.
I enjoy your videos Jeff, and this one is one of my favorite I like how your debunking the mullet trend you’re not being paid by any bike manufacture, an completely honest review! you nailed it! 👊🏽😎
27.5 being easier to manual is in direct reference to the ease pulling it up, as in you don't have to lean back as far/hard. My 29 fuel ex is hard hell to initiate a manual since it's so long, but once it is up it's easy to hold.
Also can totally agree that mullet bikes handle different off the lip and in the air, I'm thinking it has to do with the rotational mass off the larger front wheel creating a dropping front feel. Almost like hitting the brake in the air
I think alot of people that don't get the mullet setup are just "not short enough". I (and a lot of other mullet riders) dont ride mullets because it's inherently better than a 29er setup - it is actually objectively worse in some instances - but that doesn't matter at all, because I am just not tall enough to maneuver a 29er rear wheel the way I want while riding rowdy trails. So for me ot's just a size thing (I'm 5,7 with short legs and long torso). You also see that, when you look at worldcup dh racers: sure, there are some taller guys that run a mullet, but there are no short guys (5,8 and under) that ride full 29ers... Oh, and it's pretty annoying hearing taller riders go "yeah mullet is just a hype thing" because they don't get it, since they have no problems with 29ers
Great video! Currently on a Bronson V4 w/ cascade link - love it. I’m wondering if testing a purpose built mullet (rather than Frankenstein build or link conversion) would improve your mullet ride experience. Also perhaps running a stickier back tire (maybe a dissector DD maxxgrip) to tune & improve your rear wheel traction. I run the Assegai/Aggressor combo on my mullet bike and definitely notice the rear end has less traction (which I like) compared to previous dissectors or DHR2 that I’ve used. I find the latter two tires make the rear end have more predictable drifts. Aggressor can be a little more skid-dish, especially in damp conditions.
I'm not on a stump jumper, but my bike (orange Switch 6) came as a mullet standard. I demoed the 29" 'version' the stage 6 before purchasing mine and although I think I was probably faster overall on the full 29, the mullet is more fun and in the tight stuff, the extra manoeuvrability is very noticeable. I don't know if this is to do with it being a purpose built mullet but I love it, no complaints.
Oh man the hype beasts aren't going to like this one. Great video, one of the first honest ones with a rider that understands geometry and how changes effect how they ride.
Don't know about the EVO but buddy of mine has been riding mullets for 4 years now and he prefers the responsiveness to small input over the 29. His cornering had improved a lot and he manages the bike quicker than a 29. He also has comparatively short legs and tends to ride off the back a little. He's nowhere near pro level but for him, I see a real improvement in his riding a mullet vs 29. Also: he seems to destroy less rear wheels since he swapped to 27.5. He might have just been on wheels that are too light before but I'm sure the smaller diameter also helps there. He's a heavy dude that's rough on wheels
I’m running a mullet on my Enduro because I’ve killed two 29” rear wheels in the last few months and I didn’t have that problem on my old 27.5” bike a few years ago. Noticed the same easier to slide the rear into a turn which I do like, sometimes 😂
I bought this bike specifically because it had the mixed wheel link option. For me it was never about some magical feeling. It’s all about being 5’5” and needing all the tire clearance I can get. 29 on the back hurts me.
I'm short, 5 7, so wanted to get something that would mullet without geo changes. I got the EVO, loved it, tried the mullet and I found it to be harsh w the 275. I couldn't figure out how to soften it without making the suspension feel sleepy. I was all hyped up on the mullet but couldn't get it to feel right. Seems like your beef with it is different than mine but the good news is that it's super fun as a 29er!
If you’re using the specialized mullet link, that’s your problem. It negatively impacts suspension kinematics, they didn’t do a good job. The WRP mullet yoke solves this problem
I have the Stumpy Evo alloy and run it with the mullet link and have tried it as a 29er as well. At 5'8 I find it lets me drop into steep rollers with a bit more butt clearance which is nice. I also find it enters and exits the turns quicker. I'm wondering if your lack luster experience has something to do with the 170mm fork?
As a short rider I prefer a dedicated Mixed wheel bike. For me, being short, the full 29 bikes felt like wagon wheels and were very difficult to manage in corners, in the air and negotiating trail features. It felt like I was riding wheels and not a bike. The mx set feels much more intuitive and responsive, but I am riding a dedicated mx wheel bike not a converted 29. That my two pennies anyway
At 215lbs the lack of progressivity on the mullet link was awful. Cascade all the way. And the bike didn't have any advantages like you mentioned. I've always been a big fan of 27.5 so that's saying a lot.
@@MarioXcore1 Progressivity in the kinematics give extra ramp at the end. Not sure what you mean. At 215 lb I had to run a shock full of volume spacers even with the stock link. The mullet link made it impossible to get enough ramp up at the end because of the reduction in progressivity. With the Cascade I've been able to reduce volume spacer size in half and have tons of ramp up. It's very nice 👍
The advantage of a mullet is being able to run a shorter chain stay. Just putting a 27.5 in place of a 29 is not going to make a big difference to any one but the marketing department.
I like the mullet setup personally. I have had 2 of them. First one was a specialized status it was very fun and the cornering was noticeably better than my 29er. But it was a terrible pedaling bike. Just bought a trance x 27.5 and swapped all my parts from the status to it and I love it. Is it as fast as a 29er in the chunk? Probably not but the big wheel in front takes care of the big stuff while the small wheel make it fun and snappy. Just my 2 cents.
29in wheel measures 24.5in (622mm) and a 27.5in wheel measures 23in (584mm) so the difference is 1.5in (38mm). Whereas a 26in wheel measures 22in (559mm) which is only 1in (25mm) less than a "27.5in" wheel. You can reduce the difference in diameter by running a plus rear tyre.
Good insight. I just got the carbon frame of this and I'm having it built up to a mullet...mostly because my previous frame (2014 specialized Enduro) was mulleted due to my mechanic not having another compatible 29er wheel at the time for my GX Eagle I put on there and I wanted to try it out as a mullet anyways...I also don't have the desire to spend even more money on another 29er wheel at the moment 😋Mulleting my 2014 enduro helped my downhill game alot since slackened the geometry from its stock and now archaic 67.5 and the lesser weight and traction on the back felt like to give my front more priority making me and my very average technique a bit less prone to front wheel washouts. Definitely felt snappier overall and only only a little harder on climbing (which is low priority for me anyways since my uphill tennis elbow pain turned me into more of a downhiller). I might post another comment once this bike is built up but I don't know if I'll be going back to full 29er any time soon.
Just swaped my maxxis tyers for the new specialized butcher T9 and eliminator T7 on my old 2019 enduro. They are so good. Don't think i will go for maxxis any time soon. Rols faster and supprisingly i have a better control over the bike when i corner. Uphills were faster and easier as well.
I think going from a full 29” front and rear configuration to a mullet is different from going from a 27.5” front and rear then swapping to a 29” front. I definitely felt an improvement when going to a 29” front because of the “roll over” factor…but the turning felt slower almost sluggish, but now that I’m used to it I’d never go back to a 27.5” setup. Mullet for me
@@MrTakefootoff i wouldn’t say better…I’d say more noticeable. I was going to mention that Jeff did the exact opposite of what my experience was. He swapped the rear tire, I swapped my front tire. Coming off a 29” bike you definitely have a better “roll over or monster truck” of a bike. The tires just fill in more and get through tricky stuff so I could see that putting a 27.5” rear wouldn’t really make a big difference. But from going from a 27.5” setup and then Changing the front to a 29” you are going to notice how now that front end eats up everything in the path and gives you more confidence to just go wild without much concern. In my experience the only thing I didn’t like (at first) was the steering felt slower and you had to lean back into the bike for corners, but once I figured it out the mullet setup is awesome.
Going Mullet on my '18 Reign 27.5 definitely added a bunch of high speed stability and smoothness through chattery small bumps. I just lowered the stem a bit afterwards, and it honestly feels better just about everywhere.
I bought the bike because of the geometry adjustment, I like the option of the mullet but they wasn't the reason for buying the bike. Also got a great deal on it.
Bought this bike for my wife because it could me mullet. Stand over and bum buzz are real issues for her. OEM Mullet link makes the bike to linear iMO. Even chalk full of volume spacers. Wrp link in heading across the sea now, Cascade link is already in hand. Hopefully that will solve the progression issue. BTW, I much prefer the full 29 setup. Rear whee traction is my #1 complaint when I go from my mullet Levo, to my specialized Enduro.
Hey Jeff! I would really like to get your perspective on a bike that is designed specifically as a mullet like the transition patrol. It would really be interesting to see your take on a frame optimized for mixed wheel sizes, instead of having that option be kind of an afterthought like the stumpy. Cheers mate!
Jeff, the big advantage is in shorter riders like myself. At 5’5” the 27.5 allows me to ride with more confidence especially on the steeps/tech stuff without buzzing my tire. But for xc/ trail I prefer full 29er.
@13:39 you mention experimenting with parts from parts bins may have lead to the mullet. Well, in/around 2002 Specialized introduced the world to the Big Hit, 26/24 wheel setup, perhaps the first factory mullet(?) The inspiration at that time came from the MotoX world. I love me a mullet, particularly because my frame is too large and my legs are too damn short.
I think there are 2 kinds of mullet bikes. Ones like stumpy, mullet does not change much that it’s still have 29 all mountain bike characteristics. Mullet is more like a flip chip to those. There’s also mullet bikes that designed to replace 27.5 bikes. The characteristics would be much different
Shorter rider here at 5'8 and i would buzz my ass every time i was in the steeps or jumping/bunnyhopping or doing steep rolls. 29/29 just felt like too much bike for me to be throwing around and im a huge fan of the mullet set up for clearance and handling. I dont know if id ever ride 29/29 outside of a XC/tame trail riding scenario.
I've converted 2 bikes into a mullet for 2 different reasons. The first was a 27.5 trail bike that lacked head tube angle for steeper terrain. Swapping the 140mm 27.5 fork for a 140mm 29er fork slackened the front and helped with rollover. The second was a full 29er GG Gnarvana with a really long chainstay. Converting the rear to 27.5 and getting a shorter seatstay really helped the bike swing around corners... especially in the tighter/steeper PNW terrain. In both instances, the mullet helped the bike, however, I probably would have kept the full 29er had the chainstay been shorter. Keep the videos coming bro!
I did a short mullet test on my Chameleon. I rode that bike for four seasons as a 27.5. It has a 29 er 36 set at 150mm travel as it was originally set up as a plus bike. I didn’t care for plus tires. I bought a set of We Are One 29 wheels and started riding that a lot. Since I had the smaller wheels at hand I went out with both wheels and rode a 20 minute loop back to back. The. I did it again a few months later. I really didn’t detect much difference. I’m not tall at 5’4" and I get butt buzz sometimes on any wheel size. I wonder if a rider gets a different experience changing a 29 to a mullet versus changing a 27.5 to a mullet?
Finally someone saying the mullet isn’t the best thing since sliced bread. I keep two identical sets of wheels for my bike. A 29 set and a 27.5+ set. When I go to a trail system that’s tight and technical or I want more fun I use the 27.5s. When I’m going somewhere with more downhill or I’m trying to keep up with a fast friend I use my 29s. Mixing the two didn’t help me do either thing better. It didn’t make tight stuff easier or more fun and it didn’t make me faster. I thought I was the weird one that didn’t like the mullet setup. But now I have someone else that agrees. Love your content man. Keep it going 😊
Love this video, in fact, all your videos. I described you as the most honest feedback mtb videos you'll find on the internet to my friends. Not mullet-related questions, but since you swap the coil fork on and said the coil fork is excellent for wet conditions. My obvious assumption is that coil fork is more supple on very more bump sensitivity, but since it is consistent with no ramp-up, is traction better for medium size trail obstacles and braking bumps? does it make the bike much less poppy as it would with rear shocks? Would love to see a video from you comparing air vs coil fork just like you did on rear shock on the firebird video.
The advantage is that you can continue to regurgitate industry platitudes like playful and lively instead of learning how to understand geometry and properly setup your suspension for the performance you desire while still clinging to that edgy "I'm no conformist swallowing that garbage from mtb marketing!" facade. Oh yeah, and instead of riding and getting better, you can spend all that time explaining to everybody you encounter "Yeahhhh, it's a mullet, so best of both worlds!" instead. On a serious note, appreciate the video and your always candid opinions.
My hardtail is 27.5 front and rear, went mullet with a fork change and 29 front wheel obviously. Bike geometry was exactly the same. Ended up with a slower turning bike, and slightly unpredictable bike. I didn’t like it. I have been riding for 35 plus years so my style is very active and mobile on a bike because back in the day my only suspension was me. Both my hardtail and full sus are 27.5. I had hoped mullet would solve the reason I struggle with 29ers, constant back wheel buzzing my butt, it’s not the answer for me. I ride for fun and like a quick steering lively bike and dont really care if it’s 3 seconds slower down a 2 minute trail.
Mullets have generally worked for me, but i've always built off a 27.5 frame. between tire buzz, and feeling less joyful (to me) it works for me. To each their own. Arguing about this stuff is silly but may be Jeff you should mullet a 27.5 through a fork change and offer thoughts on that. You're always hunting for content right?
Probably been stated before somewhere, by someone, but 70's enduro motos had 21" front and 18" rear, well my Yamaha did. But the idea was used by off road racers on the Factory level. Not foreign to me. For the underwhelming suspension tech of the time, it did help with front end tracking, which was a good thing. I suppose I should add that my mtb riding has never pushed me toward the mullet setup. Factory designers and engineers know a bit more than I do about their products than I do. BUT, if I ever decided to use it for some other purpose than it was designed for? All bets are off . . . just sayin'.
I’m going to mullet this evo for one reason- I have a status that I’ll be using to build an evo alloy frame. But if I was buying the full bike I wouldn’t bother.
It seems that with any size mullet and proper geometry, "flickable" is an understatement. Surprised mullet-bikes are not more popular. Spot with the tree, video looks like you had more weight to the rear. The mullets do that.
I just finally made the switch from 26” to 27.5 and I feel like I’m riding an oversized limousine !! Ahahaha… A little behind the times, looking forward to a proper 29” new trail bike..but I need an enduro bike too… and a new trials bike… and a… 😂
Literally just made my propain rage cf into a mullet last night , was 27.5 but put 29 on the front because i missed the bigger wheel. I dont think i would take a 29er and put a 27.5 on the back
I think mullet only makes sense if it's to get shorter chainstays. Turning a 29er into a mullet won't do that, nor frankly will turning most 27.5 bikes into mullets or even factory mullets. But there are a few short chainstay 27.5 frames that would make good mullets.
I wonder, could you use the normal (or cascade) link and set the headset to -1degree to compensate? I love my mullet with really low bottom bracket and short cranks to make it extra twisty.
Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to www.DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
I always use LMNT. They are very cool and have hooked me in the past. Delicious too…except for the chocolate 🥴
Thanks for the hook up with LMNT!
Ever since starting my new nutrition regiment (health concerns, not hype) I haven't been able to use my former fave supplement Tail Wind 😕
Hopefully these LMNT packs will be my new go-to. 🤘🏽
@@SimplePleasuresMTB It's weird drinking cold chocolate water 😂 Mind F***. I'm sure they were meant to be mixed in coffee or hot chocolate.
@@SimplePleasuresMTB Try the chocolate hot with a little Mike's Hot Honey
@@los1379 sounds good👍🏻
@9:47 I just watched this man manual UP A HILL… and now I know why his perspective on the “mullet” fad is more well founded than any other I have henceforth heard!
I currently run this setup on my Stumpy Evo. The reason I switched to mullet was to stop buzzing my backside on the back wheel. After an OTB (and fractured elbow) because of my short legs + big wheel size, the mullet has been great. Can’t say I notice a real change to the bike’s performance other than I haven’t buzzed my backside since the switch.
That’s why I ride dual 27s or mullets as well, short legs and off the Back riding style I’ve buzzed my backside too many times.
How tall are you guys? I'm 5, 9 and I switched to Mullet because of this reason, but some of my friends around 5' 6 or 5'7, they said they rarely feel the back wheel buzzing - I'm confused.
I'm 5'8
yeah same. im 5'5" and always hitting my back wheel on the seat with the 29wheels. but too cheap to buy another wheel/link. this was never an issue on other bikes iv own with 29wheels. I run more pressure in the shock now, helps.
I’m 5’11” but I’m all torso with short legs. I adopted 29ers early but on super steeps DHs or bigger drops I’d get Nutt Scrub that sometimes was bad enough I’d have to pull over 🤦🏻♂️
Great video as always Jeff! I did the mullet experiment on my EVO (using exact same wheel and tire just scaled down for science) and came to the same conclusions you did. I'm back on full 29 and I definitely prefer it that way. The slightly increased ease in cornering wasn't worth the loss of traction and rollover.
As per another comment. The mullet set up with the cascade link and the WRP yoke makes a huge difference to just running the straight specialized mullet link. You get all the suspension benefits and no geo change
Hey Jeff, I dig your videos. I see you coming at this from the point of a pro Mountain Biker, I come from the motocross world and the mullet set up just feels like home most of the time . I’m sure you get a bit more intuition out of the bike than I do, but there is something about a little less traction in the rear that seems more predictable to me. It seems that when setting up an MTB or a motorcycle or dirt bike, there is no wrong or right, just pic your flavor. (With in reason)
Really appreciate how you clarified what you meant after saying it made the bike more nimble. Always great to hear the specifics of what that term means to the individual
3 points: First, LMNT is really amazing. I picked up the sample pack after watching one of yr videos. As a type 1 diabetic, I've always had a tough time with hydration supplements since nearly all of them are loaded with sugars. I could only sip these at best for fear of having a blood glucose spike. On the contrary, I can drink much more of LMNT w/o issue and the increased clarity is real despite the claim sounding like sales pitch nonsense. So again, thanx for that. Second, I've been riding a Stumpy EVO since last November and went with the Speshy 27.5 link right out of the gate as I had run my previous bike (Evil Wreckoning V3) with a mixed wheel set up and really liked it. I dealt with the reduced progression which was already lower on the EVO versus the Evil, by running a Marzocchi Bomber CR with an MRP progressive spring. This has worked great and I suspect you could go do something similar by adding more tokens with the air shock. That said, I knew I wanted a coil for it's plush feeling off the top along with it's simplicity. Another way to this end is to go with the Cascade link and run it with a WRP yolk which adds progression and more travel without changing the base geometry. I have not tried that, but it is much more costly route to take than my solution. Lastly, the mixed wheel set up worked great for me in overcoming some of the issues I faced with a long travel 29er. It returns more of the playful and poppy feel I like. It allows me to bunny hop and generally get airborne easier as well as cornering better/faster and maybe most important I don't get a tire up my tuchus on hard g-outs due to my short legs. Long legged riders on long travel 29ers don't face these issues and my couple of taller friends stuck with their 29er set ups due to this. I do still think 29ers are the bomb for shorter travel (sub 150mm) bikes and hardtails for those with short getaway sticks like myself, but I'll keep the wee wheel on my battle sled. Ride on!
I went from full-29 to mullet on my FR-Enduro and my Trail-Hardtail as well. On the steep and technical forrest-trails I mostly ride, this setup made me feel so much more at home. On both bikes!
A little lower BB to make it feel more composed and a little slacker headangle for more stability at speed.
And the bikes now jump so perfectly predictable! No bucking over the bars anymore - just like my Dirtbike.
Dude, I've only recently got into MTB-ing.... but in my eyes, you're the best rider I've ever seen... or could have imagined.... What you do with your bike as you zip through those forests is poetry in motion... Amazing and some...Who would have believed such a ballet on wheels was even possible...
Came from an outdated 27.5 to this stumpy evo and boy oh boy you have no idea how helpful you’ve been setting my bike up! I think it’s because I like the bike feeling as you predictable and nimble! Thanks for the content Kendal 🎉
I've been running a mullet setup on my banshee titan for about a month now after swapping from a full 29er setup. I still don't really know which I prefer. They both have their pros and cons. The mullet is definitely better for the slower speed steeper terrain where I don't have to worry about the extra speed the 29er has, and the extra butt clearance is more important. However, on faster flow/jump trails and also faster tech trails the full 29 setup is definitely the way to go
Ran a 26/24 mullet on my Cannondale Gemini DH bike in the 90s. (Wasn’t called mullet then)
Made sense. Running narrower rear tire, wanted slacker head tube angle when manufactures weren’t hitting that sweet spot yet and something about the looks of it solidified the “purpose built” look for a model that was not designed to race DH. Easy way to turn that free ride bike into a DH dozer!
I've mullet'd all my bikes at this point (except the gravel bike lol) I have a 29 inseam despite being 5'11 so the small wheel helps with butt buzz issues and for me it corners so much better. I have bought a Stumpy Evo LTD (pre-mullet'd from Spesh) can't wait to get some time on it. Been really enjoying the Stumpy series you have been doing!
I will second, third.. and however many before me PRAISE the Cascade link and WRP Yoke combo. I have this exact frame built having tried all the combos like you, this is the best set up for me. Been enjoying watch you go through the same process I did 😂
Running a mullet setup on a Rocky Mountain Altidude 2021 (with the MX link by Rocky). I find it to suit very well my style (very active riding, not racing, jibbing, drifting for pleasure, lots of jumps), but it comes with downsides. I'm my opinion mullet is a very niche setup for people with shorter legs (I'm 5'8'') who wants to jib their bigger enduro rigs
+ I do find technical manual easier due to legs' increased range of motion, easier to turn during manuals
+ Way more solid wheels (main reason I switched to the mullet config.
+ I find it better for jumping but this is really personnal choice
+ Less tire buzzing my rear in steep-tech terrain, which was my second reason for going mullet. Never buzzed my ass riding Mont Saint-Anne before riding 29'' bikes, on some trails it became inevitable...
- Pedals will touch the ground way more (3x more in average in my case)
- Technical climbs got harder.
- Less grip on off cambers or flat corners.
Anyway, great content from you Jeff I like your honesty.
Thanks for the review! The only thing left to test is the mullet set-up with the WRP yoke and WRP yoke + cascade link.
You definitely need to try the Cascade link with the WRP mullet yoke should give you the progression your looking for.
Couldn’t agree more. I love mine with this set up.
this. black magic stuff
Any downsides. I have the cascade on now. I have the WRP link and a carbon 27.5 wheel but haven’t used them yet
Yes! I’d love to see this test.
Totally agree on the Cascade / WRP combo if you Mullet as tried the specialized version afterwards on another EVO and it was nowhere as good
I had a Status 160 (mullet) and have also ridden a stumpy evo 29er. I currently have a Norco sight 29er. Definitely noticed the cornering better with the mullet, but the big wheels can still turn. But more than that, with the 29er I felt the increased rollover when climbing/descending, and the better braking which is ultimately what made me sell the status and get the 29er
Just got a mixed wheel bike for the first time and I am really enjoying it. But, I think I am a pretty perfect candidate for one. I am about 5 foot 9 but have really short legs so the extra clearance makes a big difference for me. I also ride my jump bike a lot (pumptrack, BMX track, skatepark, etc.) so I think that has made me used to riding actively and moving my hips back a lot. On the full 29 setup I didn't actually buzz my butt a ton, but I had to ride steep sections in a 'bench press' position to keep my butt away from the rear wheel. It feels like I have so much space to move and find jumping the bike and riding steep/tight corners easier. If i was 6 foot, I don't think it would matter, but for shorter riders (or short-legged riders) I think it makes a big difference if you like steep, jumpy trails.
How short is really short legs? I am 5'9" with 30-31 inch inseam
@@timothykobara6329 I’m 28 or so.
At 5'7" I ha been on a V2 Ripmo for about 2 full seasons. Last year I picked up a V4 Bronson designed specifically to be a mullet. After about 3 rides on the Bronson I sold the Ripmo happily. Why? First and foremost at my height...more freedom of movement for my rear end. No tire buzz, could get lower etc. The bike was easier to throw around and I was simply having more fun on trails I am very familiar with. Only real downside which is minor is a bit more ping ponging around of the back end in a really chunky section at speed. Minor inconvenience. Again....I'm a fairly short intermediate+ rider and the well engineered mullet just for whatever reason left me smiling more.
I just bought a Status instead of mulleting a stumpy...I find it accelerates faster and is easier to whip around. I also spend a fair amount of time on the rear tire due to my trials experience a couple decades ago, and I prefer how easy it is to hop and pedal kick on a 27.5 compared to a 29. In addition, I grew up riding a 26/24 mullet so it just *feels* right. I'm always putting down the landing gear for drops, and I reeeealy don't like buzzing my balls on the tire in the air.
I'm also nowhere near the same level as our presenter, nor do I attempt to carry even half as much speed.
I prefer full 29, but mullet setup was actually MORE of a difference than I thought. For reference, flatter more rolling terrain.
Pros: Quicker acceleration, more snappy turns, better on smooth climbs
Cons: Rollover was super noticeable, didn’t carry speed as well, not as stable, hung up in tech
29/29 for me but could see mullet being fun on flow
Mullets exist for four reasons:
1. Small shredders
2. Protect your taint on gnarly drops
3. Ebike chain stay management
4. Protect your neck from sunburn
That's it.
Point 3 in particular.
As a tall rider who finds the mullet set up to make cornering tight switchbacks a lot easier on my XL frame, I disagree with your list.
@@JesseStarrPhoto mullet has no effect on wheelbase. What you're feeling is likely a lower BB, which makes it easier to balance below 3mph.
My first mullet(bike) was in 03'. Rigid SS 26ers where what all us shop rats where riding. When wtb started making 29er tires, we'd build them up on touring rims and run them as front wheels stuffed into suspension corrected 26" forks. The benefits on a rigid setup where obvious. The steering was....iffy but, the concept makes sense. Less giroscopic resistance below your hips on the rear wheel and a big ol front wheel for rolling over things in lieu of suspension. I appreciate your perspective on modern geometry and the traction benefits of dual 29's. Been thinking about a stumpy...you may have just helped me pull the trigger.
I agree that it’s a “parts bin” syndrome that causes people to try mullet and obviously all the different tire combos. I think the main advantage is the shorter rear end effects from a mullet. Kinda like a shorter chain stay. Like you said the tire width also matters.
I finally got around to trying my size S5 stumpy Evo with the specialized link and 27.5 rear wheel. I like it a lot. I think It benefits the handling with an XL bike. It took me about a year to finally try it out, since the 29/29 combo was so good, but I prefer the mullet.
how tall are u??
I’m 6’1, short legs, long torso. S5 evo and I’m converting to mullet because it makes the very large bike feel a little easier to corner.
@@JesseStarrPhoto I'm on same size and similar build. The mullet is more fun on tight trails, the 29er has the edge on big chunky rock features.
Gotta be honest, I personally think a bike designed from factory as a mullet sounds like exactly what I want. Where I do most of my biking is very rocky and rooty, so the rollover ability of the 29er on the front would be so welcomed, but I still love my 27.5s. Most people I talk to say they've gotten used to the full 29, but the mullet seems like the perfect compromise. But for most of us that only have 1 bike, the options are limited, and it's a big investment to make on something that seems to be better in theory than what a lot of reviews say...
I have been testing all 3 set ups back to back for 3 years. Having almost identical bikes set up at the same time. I have a 34 years MTN biking and similar time , in mostly woods moto. And if you think about it, a smaller wheel and why it turns quicker at the same lean angle the arc of the wheel is tighter on the smaller tire, causing it to turn more at the same lean angle. And this I seams to feel less predictable, on a bumpy section. When you are threading the needle, trying to hold a tight accurate line. Each wheel reacts differently. I run wider tires on my 27 bike than the 29er. so they have similar traction and quickness. A 27 rear is great for not buzzing your butt on steeps, but I think Mullet bikes don't hold as good of a line on surfaces that are changing camber a lot. Which is mostly an issue when your line is very important and getting off line is a big deal- at speed with hazards. A mullet in theory will cause the rear to stand you up, because it is turning in tighter under you. .In Moto you are constantly using throttle or brake to rotate if necc, so it is factored in.
I I prefer all 27 or 29, I think the fade will eventually be superseded, but you can used to it either way, and it's not that big of a deal. Jeff, you are the best!
2019 Rocky Mountain Pipeline 27.5-plus converted full 29er, and recently mullet setup. I feel like the mullet gave it the nimble handling it had before on 27.5, but definitely lost some rollover and rolling speed is only marginally slower. Had to make several small geo and suspension adjustments to make it feel right. Added an angle headset and shorter cranks, and really liking the setup now. No plans to go back anytime soon. Fun to experiment with regardless, especially on an older bike. 🤘🏻
I agree. I prefer the 29/29 for the same negatives that you described about mullet. You sacrifice traction and roll over compliance for marginal cornering quickness.
Great video! I ride an EVO as well and still am not sold on the MX wheel set up, it’s so playful the way it is with the 29’s. By the way Jeff, you have one of the best riding styles on the planet, serious talent in your technique.
Great Video, I rode mine for a month as a mullet and then went back to 29, at 5'6" the bum clearance was a little better, but it got hung up on square edges much more and it did not feel as stable.
I absolutely miss Galbraith Mountain!!!! It has been at least 2 years since I last visited there. I'm very fortunate to have relatives that live so close. From their garage door to the, Evolution and Mohawk trails...... It is a simple 6 mile trek!!!
Also, I absolutely love Brown Pow!! Watching your vids just really hurts, in the sense of how much I miss Bellingham!!! When I'm done with my ride, my favorite exit route is SST to Orient Express, and a straight shot back.
I can't wait to come and ride there!!!
I've had the same bike (Stumpy Evo Elite) for a little over a year and rode it as a 29er for about the first 6 months before I switched to the mullet setup. Honestly it was the first full 29er that I actually got along with handling wise, but occasional booty to tire contact was still annoying so I ordered the mullet link.
For me, the mullet setup is all upside... better butt clearance and a little quicker and more intuitive lean/turn-in feel. Traction is about the same to me, BUT I did replace the stock 29" specialized rear tire with my usual 27.5" maxxis aggressor, so not apples to apples tire wise and neither tire has great traction in the loose conditions I've been riding lately anyway.
Because I feel like I only gained from the switch I have zero desire to go back to full 29er mode, but not a night and day difference either.
Just came across your channel. Great work Jeff, really enjoy your content...I played around with the mullet set up back in the 90's on the N. Shore(Vancouver) and yes I'm 58 now and still riding. Back in the day we were going to a 24 on the rear with the 26 up front and the main reason was for the quicker acceleration you get from a smaller wheel. As the big N.Shore scene was developing, we spent a lot of time manual ling off of big stunts and some guys swore by the set up but I didn't like the unbalanced feel and switched back to the full 26" set up. Luckily in those days in winter riding I would go through 2-3 rear rims a winter so it didn't take long to kill the 24". V-brakes mixed with our PNW mud and soil would chew through aluminum rims like butter on a hot biscuit, plus a lot of flat landings didn't help either. Some days I'm surprised I can still walk. Motocross bikes use the same theory but with an engine involved, small rear for the quick acceleration and the 21" up front to handle riding over obstacles. Hope this helps...Cheers!
Sooooo.. I run the mullet link WITH the 29" rear wheel. 2.4 rear, 2.6 front tires. Adjust the headset angle and rear flip chip to suit what type of riding area I'm at. Gains a good amount of pedal clearance for tight, rocky northeast trails. Have ridden Sedona and other southwest areas too and still super stable at speed.
I got the mullet link for this frame out of necessity. I bought a frame only and used all the parts off of my Status which is mullet from the factory. I have changed it into a full 29 once I could afford to get my wheel relaced. I honestly haven't felt a worth while difference between the two other than a smidge more playful as a mixed setup, but it climbs a lot better now as a full 29.
I agree it seems to add more to a 27.5 inch bike and takes away from a full on 29er.
I enjoy your videos Jeff, and this one is one of my favorite I like how your debunking the mullet trend you’re not being paid by any bike manufacture, an completely honest review! you nailed it! 👊🏽😎
27.5 being easier to manual is in direct reference to the ease pulling it up, as in you don't have to lean back as far/hard. My 29 fuel ex is hard hell to initiate a manual since it's so long, but once it is up it's easy to hold.
Also can totally agree that mullet bikes handle different off the lip and in the air, I'm thinking it has to do with the rotational mass off the larger front wheel creating a dropping front feel. Almost like hitting the brake in the air
I think alot of people that don't get the mullet setup are just "not short enough". I (and a lot of other mullet riders) dont ride mullets because it's inherently better than a 29er setup - it is actually objectively worse in some instances - but that doesn't matter at all, because I am just not tall enough to maneuver a 29er rear wheel the way I want while riding rowdy trails. So for me ot's just a size thing (I'm 5,7 with short legs and long torso). You also see that, when you look at worldcup dh racers: sure, there are some taller guys that run a mullet, but there are no short guys (5,8 and under) that ride full 29ers...
Oh, and it's pretty annoying hearing taller riders go "yeah mullet is just a hype thing" because they don't get it, since they have no problems with 29ers
Love the Irish music drop on St-Paddy’s!
Thanks!
Thanks for this. My bike came with a mullet link and after watching this, I think I'll leave it as a 29er.
Great video! Currently on a Bronson V4 w/ cascade link - love it.
I’m wondering if testing a purpose built mullet (rather than Frankenstein build or link conversion) would improve your mullet ride experience.
Also perhaps running a stickier back tire (maybe a dissector DD maxxgrip) to tune & improve your rear wheel traction.
I run the Assegai/Aggressor combo on my mullet bike and definitely notice the rear end has less traction (which I like) compared to previous dissectors or DHR2 that I’ve used. I find the latter two tires make the rear end have more predictable drifts. Aggressor can be a little more skid-dish, especially in damp conditions.
I'm not on a stump jumper, but my bike (orange Switch 6) came as a mullet standard. I demoed the 29" 'version' the stage 6 before purchasing mine and although I think I was probably faster overall on the full 29, the mullet is more fun and in the tight stuff, the extra manoeuvrability is very noticeable. I don't know if this is to do with it being a purpose built mullet but I love it, no complaints.
Oh man the hype beasts aren't going to like this one. Great video, one of the first honest ones with a rider that understands geometry and how changes effect how they ride.
Don't know about the EVO but buddy of mine has been riding mullets for 4 years now and he prefers the responsiveness to small input over the 29. His cornering had improved a lot and he manages the bike quicker than a 29. He also has comparatively short legs and tends to ride off the back a little. He's nowhere near pro level but for him, I see a real improvement in his riding a mullet vs 29.
Also: he seems to destroy less rear wheels since he swapped to 27.5. He might have just been on wheels that are too light before but I'm sure the smaller diameter also helps there. He's a heavy dude that's rough on wheels
I’m running a mullet on my Enduro because I’ve killed two 29” rear wheels in the last few months and I didn’t have that problem on my old 27.5” bike a few years ago. Noticed the same easier to slide the rear into a turn which I do like, sometimes 😂
I bought this bike specifically because it had the mixed wheel link option. For me it was never about some magical feeling. It’s all about being 5’5” and needing all the tire clearance I can get. 29 on the back hurts me.
Good to know. My Trek can be converted to Mullet (Would need a new fork, though).
WRP yoke with mullet link and low/long chainstay is amazing.
I'm short, 5 7, so wanted to get something that would mullet without geo changes. I got the EVO, loved it, tried the mullet and I found it to be harsh w the 275. I couldn't figure out how to soften it without making the suspension feel sleepy. I was all hyped up on the mullet but couldn't get it to feel right. Seems like your beef with it is different than mine but the good news is that it's super fun as a 29er!
If you’re using the specialized mullet link, that’s your problem. It negatively impacts suspension kinematics, they didn’t do a good job. The WRP mullet yoke solves this problem
I have the Stumpy Evo alloy and run it with the mullet link and have tried it as a 29er as well. At 5'8 I find it lets me drop into steep rollers with a bit more butt clearance which is nice. I also find it enters and exits the turns quicker. I'm wondering if your lack luster experience has something to do with the 170mm fork?
As a short rider I prefer a dedicated Mixed wheel bike. For me, being short, the full 29 bikes felt like wagon wheels and were very difficult to manage in corners, in the air and negotiating trail features. It felt like I was riding wheels and not a bike. The mx set feels much more intuitive and responsive, but I am riding a dedicated mx wheel bike not a converted 29. That my two pennies anyway
Tire buzz is 99% of the reason I prefer one. I never get tire buzz on a mullet and get it often on a 29er, which have resulted in crashes.
At 215lbs the lack of progressivity on the mullet link was awful. Cascade all the way. And the bike didn't have any advantages like you mentioned. I've always been a big fan of 27.5 so that's saying a lot.
Progressivity is overrated, it’s just easier to set up, every suspension feels fine if there is a wall or ramp at the end. Set it up right maybe
@@MarioXcore1 Progressivity in the kinematics give extra ramp at the end. Not sure what you mean. At 215 lb I had to run a shock full of volume spacers even with the stock link. The mullet link made it impossible to get enough ramp up at the end because of the reduction in progressivity. With the Cascade I've been able to reduce volume spacer size in half and have tons of ramp up. It's very nice 👍
@@MrChadLedfordI understand now, makes sense. Nice 👍
The advantage of a mullet is being able to run a shorter chain stay. Just putting a 27.5 in place of a 29 is not going to make a big difference to any one but the marketing department.
I like the mullet setup personally. I have had 2 of them. First one was a specialized status it was very fun and the cornering was noticeably better than my 29er. But it was a terrible pedaling bike. Just bought a trance x 27.5 and swapped all my parts from the status to it and I love it. Is it as fast as a 29er in the chunk? Probably not but the big wheel in front takes care of the big stuff while the small wheel make it fun and snappy. Just my 2 cents.
29in wheel measures 24.5in (622mm) and a 27.5in wheel measures 23in (584mm) so the difference is 1.5in (38mm). Whereas a 26in wheel measures 22in (559mm) which is only 1in (25mm) less than a "27.5in" wheel. You can reduce the difference in diameter by running a plus rear tyre.
Good insight. I just got the carbon frame of this and I'm having it built up to a mullet...mostly because my previous frame (2014 specialized Enduro) was mulleted due to my mechanic not having another compatible 29er wheel at the time for my GX Eagle I put on there and I wanted to try it out as a mullet anyways...I also don't have the desire to spend even more money on another 29er wheel at the moment 😋Mulleting my 2014 enduro helped my downhill game alot since slackened the geometry from its stock and now archaic 67.5 and the lesser weight and traction on the back felt like to give my front more priority making me and my very average technique a bit less prone to front wheel washouts. Definitely felt snappier overall and only only a little harder on climbing (which is low priority for me anyways since my uphill tennis elbow pain turned me into more of a downhiller). I might post another comment once this bike is built up but I don't know if I'll be going back to full 29er any time soon.
Just swaped my maxxis tyers for the new specialized butcher T9 and eliminator T7 on my old 2019 enduro. They are so good. Don't think i will go for maxxis any time soon. Rols faster and supprisingly i have a better control over the bike when i corner. Uphills were faster and easier as well.
I think going from a full 29” front and rear configuration to a mullet is different from going from a 27.5” front and rear then swapping to a 29” front. I definitely felt an improvement when going to a 29” front because of the “roll over” factor…but the turning felt slower almost sluggish, but now that I’m used to it I’d never go back to a 27.5” setup. Mullet for me
In your experience then, starting with a 27.5" platform to mullet is better than 29" platform to mullet?
@@MrTakefootoff i wouldn’t say better…I’d say more noticeable. I was going to mention that Jeff did the exact opposite of what my experience was. He swapped the rear tire, I swapped my front tire. Coming off a 29” bike you definitely have a better “roll over or monster truck” of a bike. The tires just fill in more and get through tricky stuff so I could see that putting a 27.5” rear wouldn’t really make a big difference. But from going from a 27.5” setup and then Changing the front to a 29” you are going to notice how now that front end eats up everything in the path and gives you more confidence to just go wild without much concern. In my experience the only thing I didn’t like (at first) was the steering felt slower and you had to lean back into the bike for corners, but once I figured it out the mullet setup is awesome.
Going Mullet on my '18 Reign 27.5 definitely added a bunch of high speed stability and smoothness through chattery small bumps. I just lowered the stem a bit afterwards, and it honestly feels better just about everywhere.
I bought the bike because of the geometry adjustment, I like the option of the mullet but they wasn't the reason for buying the bike. Also got a great deal on it.
Bought this bike for my wife because it could me mullet. Stand over and bum buzz are real issues for her.
OEM Mullet link makes the bike to linear iMO. Even chalk full of volume spacers.
Wrp link in heading across the sea now, Cascade link is already in hand. Hopefully that will solve the progression issue.
BTW, I much prefer the full 29 setup. Rear whee traction is my #1 complaint when I go from my mullet Levo, to my specialized Enduro.
anyone know the celtic tune Jeff uses at the beginning of the video?
I think we just need a new 31” front wheel and a 29” for the rear 🎉
im going with wagon wheel up front and skate board wheel in the back
I'm sure it's on the bike industry's "Next Big Thing" list as a way to persuade the customers they need yet another new bike
Hey Jeff! I would really like to get your perspective on a bike that is designed specifically as a mullet like the transition patrol. It would really be interesting to see your take on a frame optimized for mixed wheel sizes, instead of having that option be kind of an afterthought like the stumpy. Cheers mate!
now try WRP's mullet yoke + the cascade link!
This! ☝️
Jeff, the big advantage is in shorter riders like myself. At 5’5” the 27.5 allows me to ride with more confidence especially on the steeps/tech stuff without buzzing my tire. But for xc/ trail I prefer full 29er.
Another great vid. This also got me wondering how you’d like the Specialized Status? Perhaps you could get a hold of one🤔
Good video! I liked the music in the beginning. Sorry no comment on Evo. I ride a Ibis Ripmo Af for my full sus. I love 29 inch wheels!
I have a stumpy mullet wheel setup without the mullet link, how much of a difference does the link make?
We are in the same boat, do you already know the answer?
@13:39 you mention experimenting with parts from parts bins may have lead to the mullet. Well, in/around 2002 Specialized introduced the world to the Big Hit, 26/24 wheel setup, perhaps the first factory mullet(?) The inspiration at that time came from the MotoX world.
I love me a mullet, particularly because my frame is too large and my legs are too damn short.
Can you review pivot Shadowcat as well? Want to see how it performs on the trails
I think there are 2 kinds of mullet bikes. Ones like stumpy, mullet does not change much that it’s still have 29 all mountain bike characteristics. Mullet is more like a flip chip to those. There’s also mullet bikes that designed to replace 27.5 bikes. The characteristics would be much different
Shorter rider here at 5'8 and i would buzz my ass every time i was in the steeps or jumping/bunnyhopping or doing steep rolls. 29/29 just felt like too much bike for me to be throwing around and im a huge fan of the mullet set up for clearance and handling. I dont know if id ever ride 29/29 outside of a XC/tame trail riding scenario.
I've converted 2 bikes into a mullet for 2 different reasons.
The first was a 27.5 trail bike that lacked head tube angle for steeper terrain. Swapping the 140mm 27.5 fork for a 140mm 29er fork slackened the front and helped with rollover.
The second was a full 29er GG Gnarvana with a really long chainstay. Converting the rear to 27.5 and getting a shorter seatstay really helped the bike swing around corners... especially in the tighter/steeper PNW terrain. In both instances, the mullet helped the bike, however, I probably would have kept the full 29er had the chainstay been shorter.
Keep the videos coming bro!
I did a short mullet test on my Chameleon. I rode that bike for four seasons as a 27.5. It has a 29 er 36 set at 150mm travel as it was originally set up as a plus bike. I didn’t care for plus tires. I bought a set of We Are One 29 wheels and started riding that a lot. Since I had the smaller wheels at hand I went out with both wheels and rode a 20 minute loop back to back. The. I did it again a few months later. I really didn’t detect much difference. I’m not tall at 5’4" and I get butt buzz sometimes on any wheel size. I wonder if a rider gets a different experience changing a 29 to a mullet versus changing a 27.5 to a mullet?
I trust the product managers to spec a complete package. Stock for me regardless of wheel size.
Finally someone saying the mullet isn’t the best thing since sliced bread. I keep two identical sets of wheels for my bike. A 29 set and a 27.5+ set. When I go to a trail system that’s tight and technical or I want more fun I use the 27.5s. When I’m going somewhere with more downhill or I’m trying to keep up with a fast friend I use my 29s. Mixing the two didn’t help me do either thing better. It didn’t make tight stuff easier or more fun and it didn’t make me faster. I thought I was the weird one that didn’t like the mullet setup. But now I have someone else that agrees. Love your content man. Keep it going 😊
Love this video, in fact, all your videos. I described you as the most honest feedback mtb videos you'll find on the internet to my friends. Not mullet-related questions, but since you swap the coil fork on and said the coil fork is excellent for wet conditions. My obvious assumption is that coil fork is more supple on very more bump sensitivity, but since it is consistent with no ramp-up, is traction better for medium size trail obstacles and braking bumps? does it make the bike much less poppy as it would with rear shocks?
Would love to see a video from you comparing air vs coil fork just like you did on rear shock on the firebird video.
The advantage is that you can continue to regurgitate industry platitudes like playful and lively instead of learning how to understand geometry and properly setup your suspension for the performance you desire while still clinging to that edgy "I'm no conformist swallowing that garbage from mtb marketing!" facade. Oh yeah, and instead of riding and getting better, you can spend all that time explaining to everybody you encounter "Yeahhhh, it's a mullet, so best of both worlds!" instead.
On a serious note, appreciate the video and your always candid opinions.
My hardtail is 27.5 front and rear, went mullet with a fork change and 29 front wheel obviously. Bike geometry was exactly the same. Ended up with a slower turning bike, and slightly unpredictable bike. I didn’t like it. I have been riding for 35 plus years so my style is very active and mobile on a bike because back in the day my only suspension was me. Both my hardtail and full sus are 27.5. I had hoped mullet would solve the reason I struggle with 29ers, constant back wheel buzzing my butt, it’s not the answer for me. I ride for fun and like a quick steering lively bike and dont really care if it’s 3 seconds slower down a 2 minute trail.
Love the format, really enjoying it. But I want to ask, thoughts on the Stumpy vs your Knolly? Thanks!
Mullets have generally worked for me, but i've always built off a 27.5 frame. between tire buzz, and feeling less joyful (to me) it works for me. To each their own. Arguing about this stuff is silly but may be Jeff you should mullet a 27.5 through a fork change and offer thoughts on that. You're always hunting for content right?
Probably been stated before somewhere, by someone, but 70's enduro motos had 21" front and 18" rear, well my Yamaha did. But the idea was used by off road racers on the Factory level. Not foreign to me. For the underwhelming suspension tech of the time, it did help with front end tracking, which was a good thing. I suppose I should add that my mtb riding has never pushed me toward the mullet setup. Factory designers and engineers know a bit more than I do about their products than I do. BUT, if I ever decided to use it for some other purpose than it was designed for? All bets are off . . . just sayin'.
Moto enduros still have 21/18 setup and it works great :)
I’m going to mullet this evo for one reason- I have a status that I’ll be using to build an evo alloy frame. But if I was buying the full bike I wouldn’t bother.
It seems that with any size mullet and proper geometry, "flickable" is an understatement. Surprised mullet-bikes are not more popular. Spot with the tree, video looks like you had more weight to the rear. The mullets do that.
I just finally made the switch from 26” to 27.5 and I feel like I’m riding an oversized limousine !! Ahahaha… A little behind the times, looking forward to a proper 29” new trail bike..but I need an enduro bike too… and a new trials bike… and a… 😂
You had me at dad groans and flight of the conchords!
Literally just made my propain rage cf into a mullet last night , was 27.5 but put 29 on the front because i missed the bigger wheel. I dont think i would take a 29er and put a 27.5 on the back
Great vid! That's quite the flap hat! Bring back the handlebar stache!!!
Thanks for this video! Do you happen to know if the carbon and alloy frames use the same mullet link?
On analog bikes, I like full 29. On my ebikes, I like mullet. On ebikes with weight and motor, I can get a shorter chainstay.
Thoughts on a 150 mm fork of the 2022 alloy? Maybe upgrading to Marzocchi front and rear?
I think mullet only makes sense if it's to get shorter chainstays. Turning a 29er into a mullet won't do that, nor frankly will turning most 27.5 bikes into mullets or even factory mullets. But there are a few short chainstay 27.5 frames that would make good mullets.
I live in a desert and I mullet to put 2.8 tire in the rear so it is easier to ride on sand patches.
I wonder, could you use the normal (or cascade) link and set the headset to -1degree to compensate? I love my mullet with really low bottom bracket and short cranks to make it extra twisty.
Would be nice to see a video of the Stylus in mullet!