The kind of trails you ride is the most important factor in finding the kind of bike and wheels you need. You always do a great job of reminding your viewers of that.
Still on my 26er. Too broke for anything new Edit: Recently purchased a 2015 Kona Fire Mountain enough clearance for 27.5 but still rocking 26. This bike makes me.moist.
Yet again, superior content. No clear winner because it depends on the trails being ridden, rider preference, the specific builds, and even a riders experience riding a given model! Thanks for posting.
I ride both a 29 and 27.5 Plus. I enjoy both bikes but the Ibis Mojo HD3 27.5 with 2.8 plus tires is my choice of bikes on technical rides or riding a new trail for the first time. I love the roller capability of a 29er, but hate sitting on the higher side. I prefer a lower BB for better handling the feeling of being glued to the trail. Pedal awareness will reduce most pedal strikes. For the most part this splitting hairs, both are excellent options.
It's easy to feel some differences between bikes when you ride them back-to-back. But, once you spend a little more time on "one bike", it becomes your "new normal". You adapt/adjust accordingly. My trail bike initially feels heavy/sluggish (especially the steering) after I've been on my XC bike(s) for a while, but after a bit of time, I adjust, and my trail bike starts to feel "normal"
I’m going through the same “soul searching” on the short-travel side. I completely agree with all of your conclusions. It all comes down to style. What’s most important, agility or bull-dozer handeling. I still don’t know. Nice job😊
I had two 27.5's and a 29er but ultimately sold the 29er. I felt I was riding too high... like I would tip over any moment, even after riding it alot for over a year. With 27.5's you feel more grounded and more playful.
I’m currently in looks of a new bike seems like the company I want a 27.5 is always sold out so I was gonna settle for a 29 but I’m looking for a fun playful air time bike and I don’t think big wheels will make it a bit more harder
Thanks for this honest and detailed comparison. My opinion to all that debate is: When you are a racer or get the most fun out of mountain bike riding when going as fast as possible, or when climbing endless fireroads, then go 29er, all others go 27.5.
Interesting conclusions. I started watching this video with great curiosity as to which way you would end up leaning. I'm a 29er guy, but some of the newer bikes I'm most interested in only seem to come as 27.5. I was actually kind of hoping you'd have some great insight as to why 27.5 was better, but it turns out no earth shattering conclusions there. Your testing actually backs up my own experience and conclusions on this. I ride a '13 Salsa Horsethief 29, which is 140/120. Despite being an older design and older school geometry, I love this bike. It seems to climb and handle well, and coming from my previous bike that was a 26er HT, this thing just monster trucks over anything in it's way. When I was first getting used to it, it kind of felt like the Queen Mary on tight turns, but I figured it out pretty quickly. As for my 27.5 experience, I was on Moab last year and rented a 27.5 Giant Trance for a day. I rode it on Captain Ahab and some of the other trails in that area. That's a climby trail, so I had lots of time to judge climbing on the Trance. It felt like it was slower with more effort than my Salsa, and I also felt like I was on a kids bike. It seemed much lower than my Salsa, and at 5'9, it's not like I'm tall. I also felt like I was hitting my pedals on everything, I had to be much more aware of that than on my 29er. On the plus side, I loved the 150/140 travel of the Trance, and that thing really descended very nicely. However, most of my local riding MA and RI is more rocky and technical, so the descents are not a big part of it. Whenever I think I like a 27.5 bike, I think of that experience in Moab and am hesitant. Which is a shame, as I really want a Canyon Spectral, but ehhhhh, 27.5. Very interesting that there's a 29" Trance again, I thought Giant had abandoned 29ers a few years back. I'll have to look for your review of it.
Love the video man! You really give great reviews without predisposition to how things "should" be. Looking forward to the trance videos. Thanks for the great content, and keeping me busy during the off season!
I've watched a few 27.5 vs 29er comparison videos and this covered all my questions where as the others didn't. Great job! The climbing advantage tidbit sold me on the 29!
I tried both this summer (2019 yeti sb130 29'' and 2017 Rocky mountain thunderbolt 27,5'') and that's pretty much what I observed. Thight turns are harder with 29, the 29'' floats over rough terrain, 27,5'' is more manoeuvrable. Overall, I chose 27,5. MTB, for me, is funner because of obstacle. If you want a bike that clears the obstacles for you, well just ride road bike (which, by the way, I do a lot), you won't have any.
Ditto, bought a 29 Trance 2 2019 because it was a great price. I had plenty of pedal strikes. Being 5'8" I'm hoping the higher seating position doesn't bother me. I haven't gotten a chance to take the bike out yet.
great review Clint. I have the 2016 Stumpy carbon 6fattie. i built up a carbon 29 and 27.5 wheelset. i swap them out depending on what trails im riding on in the Las Vegas and Phoenix areas . if im going fast i ride the 29 if im doing a lot of climbing in the cactus and sharp rocks i use the 27.5.
It seems hard to me to compare, i mea to focus on wheelsize but with 2 very different bikes that have different geometry, dif frames, shocks.. but it is still a nice review though.
29ers almost always have a longer wheelbase, because otherwise there wouldn't be enough clearance between the forward position of the pedal and the front tire to be comfortable for most people. And wheelbase length is the primary factor that determines how tight you can take a corner at low speed.
29ers rule, once you figure them out. They are easily much faster. Basically like skiing its a giant slalom versus slalom feel. The larger wheel just rolls over everything better. The torque physics alone increase your pedal strength and you feel like your energy is better used. I love the enduro world and can't say enough good things about a 29er.
@@amermeleitor Maybe not try the 29er out your more than once 165cm....... 5'5" height may actually be a positive, your center of gravity would be naturally lower between the wheels. Braking and turning on larger wheel sets is a learning curve. I personally can't believe how much better they (29 wheels) are. More power without more effort. The much smoother rolling suspension over gnarly terrain is dramatic. The only difficulty was tighter turning that requires more practice to reduce the tendency to 'stand up' in tight turns and faster turns. This where your height would help a lot. You are already going to better be able to turn faster in rough terrain naturally. PS the shear speed increase will blow your mind once you get the hang of it.
@@lorenzo6mm i had 3 29ers, a Trek marlin 2012 size 15,5", a Giant talon size 16", and a no name chinese size 16. The problem was about cruising in fire roads or something like XC, because the saddle was lower than the handlebar and in my 26 the saddle is 7 Cms higher than the handlebar. For me something like a "road bike" position is important because i can put more power in pedals and i make a lot of km in gravel roads or so. Well, i purchased another 29er, a GT Avalanche, it is the last oportunity. If the GT cannot fit with me i will look for a 27,5. I choose the GT because the low stack and long low geometry.
But some of us still like to "Mountain Bike Ride" not, *fly* downhill and get the ride overwith as fast as possible. *Fast* and *Fun* are not necessarily synonymous terms.
I ride a 29er and on the downhills my bike is just as fast as my friends who are on 27.5. The main difference is when the trail transfers from downhill to uphill. My 29er will carry much more speed and I often find myself passing my friends at the beginning of the ups. For speed 29er, for fun rowdy decents 27.5. There is no right decision except to go ride and have fun!
Clint, thank you so much for another informative video. I appreciate the perspective from a mature experienced rider. Can't wait for the Trance 29. Would also love to see the Anthem Advanced 1 (27.5). Happy Thanksgiving!
I’ve ridden two similar bikes back to back, one being a 29er and one being a 27.5. The 27.5 is easier to flick around but I prefer the 29er because it’s just so fast. I got used to flicking it around and I found myself going faster over tech and on flow trails. The 27.5 even had a bit more travel being 130 out back over 120 on the 29er.
You hit the nail on the head at the end- they can both do the same things, they just go about it differently. So which bike one picks really says more about the rider and their trails. If you wanna play more or come from smaller wheel sizes or have a lot of shorter ups and downs and twisties, you’ll probably prefer 27.5. If you like max speed over your ride (mind you the 27.5 will be faster in certain sections) and roll more than pop and you have trails with long slog it out climbs and long get up to speed and maintain downs, you’ll probably prefer 29ers. I call 29ers line drift the titanic effect- once they get off line it’s like trying to turn the titanic to get it back on line- you’re gonna struggle and it’s gonna take time. I found I got that a lot in slow speed rock crawling and it drove me nuts. Personally, for my east coast Appalachian twisty turny trails with a lot of short ups and downs, lots of gnar (down, up and flat) and liking to play and pop on trails, I prefer 27.5. I feel like there is less effort to make it do what I want which, at 47, is a good thing. And I come from bmx and 26 and don’t ride road to this day, so I probably have a smaller wheel bias. You can check out my channel to see my kind of trails. I’m getting a Bronson this weekend. I did a review of the 2019 Bronson and have a mini-review (really mostly trail footage) of the V2 Bronson. Great vid Clint. I always appreciate your thoughtfulness and research in your reviews. You avoid the emotional extremes so many people seem to take with these topics. Awesome riding with your son. Mine is 9 and just starting out on a little Specialized Plus bike. It’s so great to be able to ride with your kid. Have a great Thanksgiving.
I tried the 2018 Stumpjumper 29" a few months ago, good bike for climbing/descending (almost as good as my 2015 Santa Cruz 5010), but I really hated the rear shock placement... I bashed my knee 3 times on the valve cap during a 1h ride, that thing is sharp!
I can attest that a 29er will have your back when you get in the shit. We had a chunk of road missing on a ride and we had to last minute ditch to the side, which was a steep grass hill. It had just rained, so it was slick as snot. My friend on the Walmart bike went down like a sack of bricks, my friend on a Trek 27 slid a bit but made it. My Trek Gary Fisher 29er ripped the hill without breaking a sweat. A 29er is only limited by it's rider.
I think the most underrated thing about Giant Maestro suspension is it's durability. No Giant owner seems to fuss over the bearings and bushings. They never have a wobbly back end with worn pivots.
I grew up riding blankets creek 18 years ago when sixes road was a 2 lane road. Awesome memories there!!! If you go again get a video of yourself going down the downhill park!!! I miss it there.
Clint Gibbs I’m looking at getting a stunt jumper evo but can’t decide between that or the regular s/j have you rode either of those or both? Right now I’m on a specialized pitch hardtail and I love killing downhill and berms but I also need a trail bike I am worried the evo might be a badass bike but suck ass on technical climbs.
I appreciate this video and think it is well done. One thing though is that for the comparison to be really accurate, you would need to have identical bikes. Some of the differences you were feeling may have been caused by geometry / suspension differences between the two bikes and not by wheel size. I know it is impractical for most people to have access to identical bikes in both 27.5 and 29 but just wanted to make note of this. Again, well done and thank you!!
I feel like the 27,5 is a bit more fun to ride where the 29 is more clever to ride (because on dangerous trails it's more secure). Because of that reason I have personally have choosed the 27,5 🙂
Cool comparison! Since I started Mountain biking seriously I’ve only ridden *29ers* but since they feel playful enough for me and they can plow so well I don’t think I’ll be switching anytime soon
Reminds me of something a guy said to me once (because I'm right on the border between medium and large): a larger bike might feel awkward at first but you grow into it over time and you learn to appreciate the greater stability. He was talking about frame size but it seems like the same idea might apply to wheel size.
Ive been on a 29er for 8 years and was blown away by the stability and rollover that it delivers, but because I ride an extra large i was always fighting the corners.. As 29er geo progressed, shorter rear center etc, that greatly improved and i was stoked with my trek fuel ex 9.8 in 29er format.. But I just bought an ebike in 27.5 and gotta say it handles sooooo much better its mindblowing.. If I was doing xc marathons then 29er for sure but isn't it all about fun.. And I have waaaay more fun on a 27.5..
I have tried 29 wheels for the first time this year. And I have to say, I just don’t get it. I understand the fundamentals of the advantages of 29’s as they relate to speed but I have never experienced a piece of equipment (in all the sports I am into) that has such a clear advantage in a single aspect and substandard characteristics in all others. 29’s just feel dead to me; minimal feed back from the terrain and they actually feel like they hold me back when it comes to throwing the bike around. I believe I have given the 29’s a fair test but when I get back on 27.5 (and also 26)wheels its like a breath of fresh air. Speed just isn’t enough compared to handling and overall experience.
29er were created for XC and now is a marketing thing and also makes bikes more easy to ride. The few brands that are on they way and dont want to sell at any cost keep the 27.5 on the trail am and enduro bikes.
I have the specialized enduro 650b and a Scott Spark 920, 29er. I did change the rear shock of the enduro to the rockshock monarch plus rc3;. THe new sock climbs better, keeping the read pinned to the ground, while improving the shock absorption for the descents over rough terrain. I really don’t like the weak fox float shock. The Scott (for XC racing) is much more lively, and I like it better to pop off small jumps and features. My best PRs is definitely with the spark, even though it is a 29er. I don’t experience the same feeling of “on for the ride” or loose and control through corners. I do remember early in the season, I did have to get used to the way the bike handled, though the lightness of the Spark probably compensates for the difference.
I hope you and your family have a happy thanksgiving day. Worldwide cyclery sheds light on the offset forks helping the 29er climb better, it's interesting to watch. The trails I ride have many slow turn switchbacks and I'm cautious about buying a 29er but I want one real bad.
a modern 29 is definitely not as sluggish as some make them to be, but they are less fun on tight switchbacks for sure, you need to work the bike harder. There is not getting around that.
I use 155mm Cranks. I have no idea why these High Travel Bikes have cranks that are so long. I can understand short travel bike having 170mm cranks, but even then, I see no point to 170mm cranks on a Mountain Bike. I am also a 27.5 guy, the playfulness and control out trumps a "30 second gain on a 45 minute climb". If I was racing, I would probably go 29er. I have demo'd many bikes, and I am always happy to go back on my 27.5 bikes.
Completely agree with your sentiments. With the tight corner and not being used to 29 it's hard to get around tight switchbacks. There's more body english and rear tire pick up when dealing with those tight corners. I think dependent on what trail you're doing as well. For trails that are mostly smooth, flow trails with fast turns, 27.5 for sure. For everything else, 29. I can plow through rocks way easier on 29 (which is mostly what I do).
I watched your videos as I was planning on purchasing the TRANCE 2. I've loved it and had to recently replace my wheels with spank oozy trail. My bike is more stable at speed and more durable with 2.6 DHF and 2.35 WTB breakout on rear. My first bike was a 29. I visited trestles in Colorado and really liked the 27.5 on the downhill
@@keithpalacios11 I'm 6'0", but I don't think height is the prime determinant. It has some effect, but more to bike designers as it's hard to get the geometry right if the wheels are out of proportion. I think it has more to do with riding style. I am a relatively slow and cautious rider (because of age more than inclination) and the traction of the + tire means more to me than the speed of the 29. But... I have to admit that I am currently jonesing for a 29+ bike! So ask me again next year.
Great clip! I'm on a 27.5 Lapierre Zesty with 150mm F+R. Love the bike but in a few years I'll have to test some 29ers when I'm bike shopping again. My father in law just picked up a 29er trek slash, see how he likes it!
The comparison was awesome, great insight. I thought you did a great job as always. Looking forward to the true battle of the next two, both being 29ers🤘🏽👍🏽🤙🏽!!! Live-Life-Loud🤙🏽 Hopefully we can ride some trails soon🤘🏽
Yeah I agree that 29ers are a little harder in tight turns/switch-backs (depending on many variables of course) but that's where technique comes in to play. I really don't think you can blame wheel size for "taking it's own line" either. You have full control of the bike so don't blame anything or anyone except yourself for choosing the wrong line haha! I own both sizes and just can't go back now I've ridden 29ers for 6 months - I just love them. I don't think you had enough time to adjust to a larger wheel size so I recommend you only ride 29ers for 1 month and then try the 27.5's again and see what your opinion is. Everyone has their own preferences of course...
It's like everything else, you put enough time into something eventually you will get the hang of it and or master it. I went from riding a 26" Fuel ex9 to a 29" Hightower and I like it for my riding style both climbing and descending it rolls great! At first yeah I had to get use to the 29" wheels on switchbacks and small jumps but now I'm a happy trail rider on my 29" wheel bike!!
Great review. Thanks. I'm finally, finally, about to build a new bike, and wasn't quite sure whether my decision on the 29 was the right one. I still can't believe I've held off since 2007. There are so many improvements since then. Yay.
I went from 26er to 29er so can get the 'on for the ride' description you give. I'm now riding a 27.5 with 2.6 tyres and I'm doing everything I have done on the 29er and I can throw it around more. It seems to be better on the jumps too.
i love your vids clint... You are one of my go to channels for anything mtb'ing .. I even started using Heed products after i saw ur video on em.. and also went and got carbon rims after another vid of urs on them. The Heed products are awesome and i can't say enuff about how awesome the carbon rims are, they dig in and make their own lines, i LOVE them. Thanx for that. :) Your a really smart guy and i always appreciate any of your advice and sharing of your overall knowledge. And i dont say that often to anyone...!!! (Now that being said!!!!) hope u get that line....!!! ;) lol Your the man clint thanx for all the time u take to do your vids...
Outside of fire roads 29+ TOTALLY sucks. Literally, everything about the design sucks. Couldn't believe how horrible the bike performs on trails. Any review that has anything positive to say about a stache was paid off! Better off with a any Farley 9.* with 3.8 tires. Build it light enough and it will compete with all but the fastest on any xc race ( depending on the person of course). Does incredibly well on all but the most aggressive trails to. Trek really knocked it out of the ballpark with the Farley 9.*'s. Super versatile. Worth every penny.
165mm length cranks used to be the standard length for road bikes with the 170mm not being specified very often. I think 170mm length cranks are a good length for most off the shelf Mountain bikes.. The way standardization for bicycles has been thrown out the window in the last twenty years is a concern. Bottom brackets being an example. And we have the electrification boom arriving with Hybrids taking the lead.....👍
I’ll keep my 27.5. I really think it all depends on what part of the country your in. I’m out in Moab/Colorado and found from my experience the 27.5 handles the trail much better then the big tire 29. When riding in Dallas Texas area the 29 is great.
Rider height is another consideration in the 29 v 27.5 debate, I think. I'm 6'2" and have loved 29ers since I first got one in 2008, but my not-so-tall friends really like 27.5. Having ridden some 27.5 bikes, I can certainly testify to their better agility, but I still prefer the balance and roll-over of 29. Of course, some 29ers can also be nimble. The Ibis Ripley LS, which I tested last summer, was amazingly flickable and "BMX"-ey feeling -- the most so of any full-sus 29er I've ridden.
I was thinking about a Specialized 29er ... either Stump Jumper or Epic for my next bike. So I've subscribed and been watching your vids for the last month or so ... very well done! You really hit on key issues for the every-day rather than some of the 'sales pitch' type videos I've seen elsewhere. Really enjoying your thoughts on the Revolt also ... I currently have a Specialized Diverge Comp with an up-spec'ed 105 Crank - for road work!! I found I like the feel of Gravel geometry and spec more than the dedicated road set up considering the state of our suburban roads here in Perth, Western Australia. It'd be interesting to see you compare the current Specialised Diverge Comp (Ultegra) against the Revolt at some point if that is even possible. Keep it up man!
I put a Megneg on my Rockshox deluxe it helps with the mid stroke support so there for it rides higher in the travel when pedalling. Less pedal strikes 👍
@@JulianoGSF No, as he said you're not doing any sort of comparison which focuses on *only the difference in the wheel sizes,* you'd have to use 2 Santa Cruz Hightowers, or 2 Pivot Switchblades, etc. to compare the wheel size difference and *not have the results skewed by the other differences* in the two completely different bikes.
Hi, great video. I'm also a big fan of Giant/Maestro, you helped me out with my Anthem. The feel of the trail and performance is well known in MTB nowadays. Could make a video of the same comparison in a longer, all day trail? I think 27.5 would have a better outcome.
Great vid I went from a 26er to 29er and that was like night and day I’m still getting used to the 29er. But man does it feel crazy fast on downhill sections I’m also able to pump the heck out of it and get even more speed. But those are two gorgeous bikes you have!
I've had both sizes and I've ended up with 27.5, the 29er whilst it beats a 27.5 climbing and sometimes on downhills on the rocky trails where I live just doesn't have the control on the tighter trails that I ride mostly, feels like the wheels want to keep going off the trail on corners and sometimes they do, what I would say is if you want to get out and do a mixed day with many types of surface and distance is the objective then 29er all the way.
As a beginning mountain biker, I never understood why Giant (and others) put road-sized, long crank arms on mountain bikes with 27.5" wheels. Getting hung up on rocks from pedal striking is one of the most frustrating things for a beginner.
Ultimately it appears that the 29" er is the better rim/ tire combo overall.. especially for enduro style racing/ riding.. i have an Avalanche G.T. and it's in 29" er configuration {large frame} it's a 20" frame and then u add 29" tires and u get a big beefy bike. i dig it alot it's excellent.
Love to see a direct to consumer brand like canyon or YT versus giant or specialized..the bike you get from these direct brands for the price vs major brands is far less expensive for a similar spec bike..love to see your input Clint
Or Bikes Direct. I bought two for my young sons to see if they would like mtb, and the quality was as good as anything I have ever owned from Trek, Giant or DBack. In fact, better than DBack. And those Bikes Direct bikes were low spec rides, but the build quality was just so good. We rode them all over northern N Mexico, Southern Colo and Moab, with not a single adjustment required the entire time. My DBack had to have the cassette tightened, still has a nasty rumble in the rear hub, and the handlebars were twisted ever so slightly. Twisted. How is that possible? So when its time to buy a new ride for myself, I will give Bikes Direct all the respect I would give any other good maker. As everyone with any time spend in MTB already knows, there is a ton of markup in MTB parts, and most of that markup goes into marketing, not into making parts that justify the price differential.
The YT Jeffsy frame looks a lot like the enduro side by side. Though the Capra is the YT's enduro bike. Someone did a review of those 2 bikes about 6 months ago and I was shocked at how close the 2 bikes were to each other. I tried to find the vid, but can't find it atm.
Hey Clint, just curious about the corner/ switchback at 3:01 you couldn’t make on the stumpy 29’er, just wondering if the ST stump jumper 29’er would be able to make it? I’m seriously considering the same Stumpjumper you tested, but in vegas I ride a lot of tight, rocky technical trails where I would need the agility! Do you think the short travel version of the stumpjumper would be a better mtb for my area? Thank you for your videos, you are definitely my go-to for anything I need help with!!!
I'm absolutely loving the trance 29. I think it has the perfect amount of travel for most riding. So I think the ST version is going to be very versatile. For whatever reason, I made it around that turn first time no problem on my transition sentinel which has a slacker head angle! Not sure if it was the bike or just a good day.
I ride a stump jumper 27.5 + it allows me to ride all the stuff that everybody cautions on the trail like roots and valleys with no worries Totally agree w you on the 29er climbing better. Try fat tires it makes sense 4x4 style
I have 2 bikes and didn't realize that one had 170mm cranks. The one with the 175mm cranks always felt like I had the seat set to high and felt unnatural. I changed the cranks out to 170mm and just feels right!
My Hightower always felt weird, kinda tall and like the front end was way out there, like a tractor. Got on the Switchblade and felt like I grew up on it.
that's my thought... I'm rocking a 2011 Non-goose 26er. steel fork, coil shock;) Entering the true MTB sport seriously so the above bike is just what I had in the garage, something I bought for a transportation necissicity in 2011... I will be spending $2500 next month on a bike and still unsure what to get. Used FS or New FS? New Alloy NX/Deore? Used X01 Carbon? ... New may be slacker longer lower... Wheel size? I'm lightweight 140lbs 5'8". **I WILL be jumping and manualing the shit out of whatever I get. I come from Motocross and BMX free ride style. I WILL be riding in rain, water, snow, sand, ice, roots, leaves. all terrain and weather. Any suggestions for a bike for me?? Will a mid-fat 27.5 be the best bet, maybe one I can use both size tires?
If you can, you should compare the same bike model that has both a 27.5 and a 29 frame, but not just switching the wheel from a 29 to 27.5 on the same frame. I know the stumpjumper used to have both sizes but I also heard quite a lot of negative things about this new stumpjumper geo. I know its getting tougher as manufacturers are making their models one wheel size only. With this video, I feel like its comparing apples and oranges, different brands, geometry, suspension, tires, etc. Where what you need to compare is a smaller apple against the larger apple. A lot of these new 29ers are starting to feel as nimble as 27.5s, I think its all dependent on which model you go for that can make it or break it.
i feel that you made a honest review... when you said about the susp. system (giant has a more "advanced" system...) those 2 links made a progression rear axle and a floating link.. in spz they a single pivot (with some tweeks)... and you describe the feeling very well..haha note: i think 29" are not the best in all categories.. but overal.. they are better.
I’ve decided to go for a 29er. Going to be a wake up call coming from a 26er for the last 20 years. My way of thinking for it was, I’m coming into my 40’s. I’ve noticed I’m slowing down so I’m no longer looking for the real aggressive turns. I still like my speed so having the 29ers should take on the rough terrain better, more grip. I’m pretty tall as well so these could be perfect? Well here’s hoping anyway.
really interesting video, the new Stump looks like a great "do it all bike" as does the new Trance. Cant help but feel you are comparing two different bikes more than wheel size. Going back and forth between my 29 Camber and friends 27.5 Camber I couldn't really feel much of a difference. Like you on the Stump I find on my Camber the rear shock is a bit progressive for my liking... never use the last 15mm over travel and even getting that low is from g-outs not drops. * less shock pressure and I sit to far into the travel and small bumps get more harsh so lowering that isn't the issue. On the fence with new stump, if I stick with my Camber for another season I may try and get the shock tuned. Looking forward to your Giant review
I ride a 27.5, i love that it's lighter and it murders the trails. I find i am faster on the 27.5 uphill than the 29ner but i guess it really depends on the rider.
Clint.. your channel is amazing!! I never get tired of watching your videos. Question for you.. lets say that Giant just says to go a head and keep those two “demo” bikes. I think you will be doing a lot of bike selling. I have a feeling your going to love that giant 29er!! More than the stumpy.
Never thought I would go for a 29er, however after riding a shop demo, loved it. Bought a Specialized 29er absolutely sold on it. I do ride mainly flowing trails with fairly long rides of around 40km at a time The roll is incredible, the ride less tiring
The kind of trails you ride is the most important factor in finding the kind of bike and wheels you need. You always do a great job of reminding your viewers of that.
Still on my 26er. Too broke for anything new
Edit: Recently purchased a 2015 Kona Fire Mountain enough clearance for 27.5 but still rocking 26.
This bike makes me.moist.
:) same boat
My 27,5 MTBs I preferred my deleted 26inch with 3x10 and they call it modern geometry 2020 MTBs WTF
HAAAAA
Just bought an epic carbon s works 26, skint or not they’re the better wheels in my mind
Same but im switching to 29 this year
Good video but the best test would be between a 29 and 27.5 bike of the same model ie the Stumpy rather than different bikes
I think you need a 28.25
Whoever makes the first 28.25 is gunna kill it..
@@spiral99able yes been say that lol
Nah that's stupid bro he needs 33.3
LMAO, they may build in future
Nah ! John deere 65er
Yet again, superior content. No clear winner because it depends on the trails being ridden, rider preference, the specific builds, and even a riders experience riding a given model! Thanks for posting.
I ride both a 29 and 27.5 Plus. I enjoy both bikes but the Ibis Mojo HD3 27.5 with 2.8 plus tires is my choice of bikes on technical rides or riding a new trail for the first time. I love the roller capability of a 29er, but hate sitting on the higher side. I prefer a lower BB for better handling the feeling of being glued to the trail. Pedal awareness will reduce most pedal strikes. For the most part this splitting hairs, both are excellent options.
It's easy to feel some differences between bikes when you ride them back-to-back. But, once you spend a little more time on "one bike", it becomes your "new normal". You adapt/adjust accordingly. My trail bike initially feels heavy/sluggish (especially the steering) after I've been on my XC bike(s) for a while, but after a bit of time, I adjust, and my trail bike starts to feel "normal"
I’m going through the same “soul searching” on the short-travel side. I completely agree with all of your conclusions. It all comes down to style. What’s most important, agility or bull-dozer handeling. I still don’t know. Nice job😊
I'm new to MTB, which size is better for handling?
I had two 27.5's and a 29er but ultimately sold the 29er. I felt I was riding too high... like I would tip over any moment, even after riding it alot for over a year. With 27.5's you feel more grounded and more playful.
Great way to put it. I feel exactly the same.
@@BB-rs2ib yes that's me too on 650b 26inch were great with.3x10
Wait, did *I* write that? lol
Agreed!
I’m currently in looks of a new bike seems like the company I want a 27.5 is always sold out so I was gonna settle for a 29 but I’m looking for a fun playful air time bike and I don’t think big wheels will make it a bit more harder
The deleted 26inch even more so
Thanks for this honest and detailed comparison. My opinion to all that debate is: When you are a racer or get the most fun out of mountain bike riding when going as fast as possible, or when climbing endless fireroads, then go 29er, all others go 27.5.
Great video, had a question for Clint, DMd him on instagram and had an answer in less than two minutes. Great guy, keep up the quality videos!
Definitely my next mountain bike Stumpjumper 29". Awesome video series Clint, really enjoyed them and has helped me make my decision 👍🏻😎
Interesting conclusions. I started watching this video with great curiosity as to which way you would end up leaning. I'm a 29er guy, but some of the newer bikes I'm most interested in only seem to come as 27.5. I was actually kind of hoping you'd have some great insight as to why 27.5 was better, but it turns out no earth shattering conclusions there.
Your testing actually backs up my own experience and conclusions on this. I ride a '13 Salsa Horsethief 29, which is 140/120. Despite being an older design and older school geometry, I love this bike. It seems to climb and handle well, and coming from my previous bike that was a 26er HT, this thing just monster trucks over anything in it's way. When I was first getting used to it, it kind of felt like the Queen Mary on tight turns, but I figured it out pretty quickly.
As for my 27.5 experience, I was on Moab last year and rented a 27.5 Giant Trance for a day. I rode it on Captain Ahab and some of the other trails in that area. That's a climby trail, so I had lots of time to judge climbing on the Trance. It felt like it was slower with more effort than my Salsa, and I also felt like I was on a kids bike. It seemed much lower than my Salsa, and at 5'9, it's not like I'm tall. I also felt like I was hitting my pedals on everything, I had to be much more aware of that than on my 29er. On the plus side, I loved the 150/140 travel of the Trance, and that thing really descended very nicely. However, most of my local riding MA and RI is more rocky and technical, so the descents are not a big part of it. Whenever I think I like a 27.5 bike, I think of that experience in Moab and am hesitant. Which is a shame, as I really want a Canyon Spectral, but ehhhhh, 27.5.
Very interesting that there's a 29" Trance again, I thought Giant had abandoned 29ers a few years back. I'll have to look for your review of it.
Love the video man! You really give great reviews without predisposition to how things "should" be. Looking forward to the trance videos. Thanks for the great content, and keeping me busy during the off season!
That ending was killer, definitely better than reruns of friends, lol.
I've watched a few 27.5 vs 29er comparison videos and this covered all my questions where as the others didn't. Great job! The climbing advantage tidbit sold me on the 29!
Pedal strikes. I didn’t think about that! Good comments!
Get a 27.5+ bike with good clearance and buy a nice set of 29er tires. Win win
what?
I tried both this summer (2019 yeti sb130 29'' and 2017 Rocky mountain thunderbolt 27,5'') and that's pretty much what I observed. Thight turns are harder with 29, the 29'' floats over rough terrain, 27,5'' is more manoeuvrable. Overall, I chose 27,5. MTB, for me, is funner because of obstacle. If you want a bike that clears the obstacles for you, well just ride road bike (which, by the way, I do a lot), you won't have any.
Exlent video Clint. Ive Been considering a 29 trail bike after ridding a 27.5 bikes for years. Thanks for your contribution and happy Thanksgiving.
Ditto, bought a 29 Trance 2 2019 because it was a great price. I had plenty of pedal strikes. Being 5'8" I'm hoping the higher seating position doesn't bother me. I haven't gotten a chance to take the bike out yet.
great review Clint. I have the 2016 Stumpy carbon 6fattie. i built up a carbon 29 and 27.5 wheelset. i swap them out depending on what trails im riding on in the Las Vegas and Phoenix areas . if im going fast i ride the 29 if im doing a lot of climbing in the cactus and sharp rocks i use the 27.5.
It seems hard to me to compare, i mea to focus on wheelsize but with 2 very different bikes that have different geometry, dif frames, shocks.. but it is still a nice review though.
29ers almost always have a longer wheelbase, because otherwise there wouldn't be enough clearance between the forward position of the pedal and the front tire to be comfortable for most people. And wheelbase length is the primary factor that determines how tight you can take a corner at low speed.
@@teamramrodmtb Except the Stumpjumper 29er wheelbase is less than 27.5. In large, 1201mm for 29er and 1212mm for 27.5??
29ers rule, once you figure them out. They are easily much faster.
Basically like skiing its a giant slalom versus slalom feel.
The larger wheel just rolls over everything better.
The torque physics alone increase your pedal strength
and you feel like your energy is better used.
I love the enduro world and can't say enough good things about a 29er.
But i'm 165cm height so 29er is not an option... :(
@@amermeleitor Maybe not
try the 29er out your more than once
165cm.......
5'5" height may actually be a positive, your center of gravity would be naturally lower between the wheels. Braking and turning on larger wheel sets is a learning curve. I personally can't believe how much better
they (29 wheels) are.
More power without more effort.
The much smoother rolling suspension over
gnarly terrain is dramatic.
The only difficulty was tighter turning that requires more practice to reduce the tendency to 'stand up' in tight turns and faster turns. This where your height would help a lot. You are already going to better be able to turn faster in rough terrain naturally.
PS the shear speed increase will blow your mind once you get the hang of it.
@@lorenzo6mm i had 3 29ers, a Trek marlin 2012 size 15,5", a Giant talon size 16", and a no name chinese size 16. The problem was about cruising in fire roads or something like XC, because the saddle was lower than the handlebar and in my 26 the saddle is 7 Cms higher than the handlebar. For me something like a "road bike" position is important because i can put more power in pedals and i make a lot of km in gravel roads or so. Well, i purchased another 29er, a GT Avalanche, it is the last oportunity. If the GT cannot fit with me i will look for a 27,5. I choose the GT because the low stack and long low geometry.
But some of us still like to "Mountain Bike Ride" not, *fly* downhill and get the ride overwith as fast as possible. *Fast* and *Fun* are not necessarily synonymous terms.
I think from a rider height of 170cm and up it’s possible to ride 29. Feels like wagon wheeling otherwise.
I ride a 29er and on the downhills my bike is just as fast as my friends who are on 27.5. The main difference is when the trail transfers from downhill to uphill. My 29er will carry much more speed and I often find myself passing my friends at the beginning of the ups. For speed 29er, for fun rowdy decents 27.5. There is no right decision except to go ride and have fun!
How does it feel on berms?
Clint very valuable insight thanks for making this video.
Clint, thank you so much for another informative video. I appreciate the perspective from a mature experienced rider. Can't wait for the Trance 29. Would also love to see the Anthem Advanced 1 (27.5). Happy Thanksgiving!
I’ve ridden two similar bikes back to back, one being a 29er and one being a 27.5. The 27.5 is easier to flick around but I prefer the 29er because it’s just so fast. I got used to flicking it around and I found myself going faster over tech and on flow trails. The 27.5 even had a bit more travel being 130 out back over 120 on the 29er.
I just got a bike I’m so excited to take it on the trails
Awesome review! Thank you for recording this.
You hit the nail on the head at the end- they can both do the same things, they just go about it differently. So which bike one picks really says more about the rider and their trails. If you wanna play more or come from smaller wheel sizes or have a lot of shorter ups and downs and twisties, you’ll probably prefer 27.5. If you like max speed over your ride (mind you the 27.5 will be faster in certain sections) and roll more than pop and you have trails with long slog it out climbs and long get up to speed and maintain downs, you’ll probably prefer 29ers.
I call 29ers line drift the titanic effect- once they get off line it’s like trying to turn the titanic to get it back on line- you’re gonna struggle and it’s gonna take time. I found I got that a lot in slow speed rock crawling and it drove me nuts.
Personally, for my east coast Appalachian twisty turny trails with a lot of short ups and downs, lots of gnar (down, up and flat) and liking to play and pop on trails, I prefer 27.5. I feel like there is less effort to make it do what I want which, at 47, is a good thing. And I come from bmx and 26 and don’t ride road to this day, so I probably have a smaller wheel bias.
You can check out my channel to see my kind of trails. I’m getting a Bronson this weekend. I did a review of the 2019 Bronson and have a mini-review (really mostly trail footage) of the V2 Bronson.
Great vid Clint. I always appreciate your thoughtfulness and research in your reviews. You avoid the emotional extremes so many people seem to take with these topics. Awesome riding with your son. Mine is 9 and just starting out on a little Specialized Plus bike. It’s so great to be able to ride with your kid.
Have a great Thanksgiving.
26er for life😃
Good report I’ve owned both but 27.5 rocks
Why? Funner? Trying to make the decision now.
I tried the 2018 Stumpjumper 29" a few months ago, good bike for climbing/descending (almost as good as my 2015 Santa Cruz 5010), but I really hated the rear shock placement... I bashed my knee 3 times on the valve cap during a 1h ride, that thing is sharp!
I can attest that a 29er will have your back when you get in the shit. We had a chunk of road missing on a ride and we had to last minute ditch to the side, which was a steep grass hill. It had just rained, so it was slick as snot. My friend on the Walmart bike went down like a sack of bricks, my friend on a Trek 27 slid a bit but made it. My Trek Gary Fisher 29er ripped the hill without breaking a sweat. A 29er is only limited by it's rider.
Only a good example if all tires were the same kind
That was a neat apples to potatoes anecdote.
I think the most underrated thing about Giant Maestro suspension is it's durability. No Giant owner seems to fuss over the bearings and bushings. They never have a wobbly back end with worn pivots.
Finally someone that doesn't just trash my beloved Stumpy right out of the box
I grew up riding blankets creek 18 years ago when sixes road was a 2 lane road. Awesome memories there!!! If you go again get a video of yourself going down the downhill park!!! I miss it there.
There a few days ago. My son was killing it on the jump park.
Clint Gibbs I’m looking at getting a stunt jumper evo but can’t decide between that or the regular s/j have you rode either of those or both? Right now I’m on a specialized pitch hardtail and I love killing downhill and berms but I also need a trail bike I am worried the evo might be a badass bike but suck ass on technical climbs.
I appreciate this video and think it is well done. One thing though is that for the comparison to be really accurate, you would need to have identical bikes. Some of the differences you were feeling may have been caused by geometry / suspension differences between the two bikes and not by wheel size. I know it is impractical for most people to have access to identical bikes in both 27.5 and 29 but just wanted to make note of this. Again, well done and thank you!!
I feel like the 27,5 is a bit more fun to ride where the 29 is more clever to ride (because on dangerous trails it's more secure).
Because of that reason I have personally have choosed the 27,5
🙂
Thank you for this video it was very informative, keep up the great work, I'll be watching!
Great comparison and review Clint! More great work! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!
29”-2,6” seems to be the combination of wheel dimensions that are most offered for 2020.
It’ll be interesting to compare it with my current 27,5”-2,3”
I'm waiting for a 39er
The SuperBike Tour been done. 26 on rear 29 up front. Was done around 2010ish
Cool comparison! Since I started Mountain biking seriously I’ve only ridden *29ers* but since they feel playful enough for me and they can plow so well I don’t think I’ll be switching anytime soon
Reminds me of something a guy said to me once (because I'm right on the border between medium and large): a larger bike might feel awkward at first but you grow into it over time and you learn to appreciate the greater stability. He was talking about frame size but it seems like the same idea might apply to wheel size.
keeping if fresh by riding different wheel sizes is great. ive done 26, 29, 27.5 and now 27.5 mid plus. next bike will def be a 29
26er
26 for life!
The classic
Indeed. This is all a fad!
Ive been on a 29er for 8 years and was blown away by the stability and rollover that it delivers, but because I ride an extra large i was always fighting the corners.. As 29er geo progressed, shorter rear center etc, that greatly improved and i was stoked with my trek fuel ex 9.8 in 29er format.. But I just bought an ebike in 27.5 and gotta say it handles sooooo much better its mindblowing.. If I was doing xc marathons then 29er for sure but isn't it all about fun.. And I have waaaay more fun on a 27.5..
Was really confused between the two. Now I am clear. Thank you
I have tried 29 wheels for the first time this year. And I have to say, I just don’t get it. I understand the fundamentals of the advantages of 29’s as they relate to speed but I have never experienced a piece of equipment (in all the sports I am into) that has such a clear advantage in a single aspect and substandard characteristics in all others. 29’s just feel dead to me; minimal feed back from the terrain and they actually feel like they hold me back when it comes to throwing the bike around. I believe I have given the 29’s a fair test but when I get back on 27.5 (and also 26)wheels its like a breath of fresh air. Speed just isn’t enough compared to handling and overall experience.
Definitely nice to have options. While I like stability and speed of 29 over really chunky terrain, I sometimes miss 27.5.
29er were created for XC and now is a marketing thing and also makes bikes more easy to ride. The few brands that are on they way and dont want to sell at any cost keep the 27.5 on the trail am and enduro bikes.
Thanks for the comment! 🙂
I have the specialized enduro 650b and a Scott Spark 920, 29er. I did change the rear shock of the enduro to the rockshock monarch plus rc3;. THe new sock climbs better, keeping the read pinned to the ground, while improving the shock absorption for the descents over rough terrain. I really don’t like the weak fox float shock. The Scott (for XC racing) is much more lively, and I like it better to pop off small jumps and features. My best PRs is definitely with the spark, even though it is a 29er. I don’t experience the same feeling of “on for the ride” or loose and control through corners. I do remember early in the season, I did have to get used to the way the bike handled, though the lightness of the Spark probably compensates for the difference.
I hope you and your family have a happy thanksgiving day. Worldwide cyclery sheds light on the offset forks helping the 29er climb better, it's interesting to watch. The trails I ride have many slow turn switchbacks and I'm cautious about buying a 29er but I want one real bad.
a modern 29 is definitely not as sluggish as some make them to be, but they are less fun on tight switchbacks for sure, you need to work the bike harder. There is not getting around that.
@@piciu256 Thanks man, the GT sensor is what I have in mind ( the 2 grand model ) for lightweight fast single track
I use 155mm Cranks. I have no idea why these High Travel Bikes have cranks that are so long. I can understand short travel bike having 170mm cranks, but even then, I see no point to 170mm cranks on a Mountain Bike. I am also a 27.5 guy, the playfulness and control out trumps a "30 second gain on a 45 minute climb". If I was racing, I would probably go 29er. I have demo'd many bikes, and I am always happy to go back on my 27.5 bikes.
Quality stuff, mate. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience!
Completely agree with your sentiments. With the tight corner and not being used to 29 it's hard to get around tight switchbacks. There's more body english and rear tire pick up when dealing with those tight corners. I think dependent on what trail you're doing as well. For trails that are mostly smooth, flow trails with fast turns, 27.5 for sure. For everything else, 29. I can plow through rocks way easier on 29 (which is mostly what I do).
Penny farthings are the newest thing for next year.
I watched your videos as I was planning on purchasing the TRANCE 2. I've loved it and had to recently replace my wheels with spank oozy trail. My bike is more stable at speed and more durable with 2.6 DHF and 2.35 WTB breakout on rear. My first bike was a 29. I visited trestles in Colorado and really liked the 27.5 on the downhill
The Trance 2 is one of the best values in mountain biking. And I still love 27.5 wheels on down hills!
I'm on a 27.5+ and it's right for me. I'm just glad we have a choice.
How do you like it? I'm 5"9.
@@keithpalacios11 I'm 6'0", but I don't think height is the prime determinant. It has some effect, but more to bike designers as it's hard to get the geometry right if the wheels are out of proportion. I think it has more to do with riding style. I am a relatively slow and cautious rider (because of age more than inclination) and the traction of the + tire means more to me than the speed of the 29. But... I have to admit that I am currently jonesing for a 29+ bike! So ask me again next year.
@@Arfonfree Lol. Will do.
Great clip! I'm on a 27.5 Lapierre Zesty with 150mm F+R. Love the bike but in a few years I'll have to test some 29ers when I'm bike shopping again. My father in law just picked up a 29er trek slash, see how he likes it!
The comparison was awesome, great insight. I thought you did a great job as always. Looking forward to the true battle of the next two, both being 29ers🤘🏽👍🏽🤙🏽!!! Live-Life-Loud🤙🏽 Hopefully we can ride some trails soon🤘🏽
Great info. Especially for someone getting back into trail riding after a long break. I.E. myself
Yeah I agree that 29ers are a little harder in tight turns/switch-backs (depending on many variables of course) but that's where technique comes in to play.
I really don't think you can blame wheel size for "taking it's own line" either. You have full control of the bike so don't blame anything or anyone except yourself for choosing the wrong line haha!
I own both sizes and just can't go back now I've ridden 29ers for 6 months - I just love them. I don't think you had enough time to adjust to a larger wheel size so I recommend you only ride 29ers for 1 month and then try the 27.5's again and see what your opinion is.
Everyone has their own preferences of course...
Love your reviews. Great job.
Great Video! Very professionell analysis! Greetings from Europe.
It's like everything else, you put enough time into something eventually you will get the hang of it and or master it. I went from riding a 26" Fuel ex9 to a 29" Hightower and I like it for my riding style both climbing and descending it rolls great! At first yeah I had to get use to the 29" wheels on switchbacks and small jumps but now I'm a happy trail rider on my 29" wheel bike!!
Great review. Thanks. I'm finally, finally, about to build a new bike, and wasn't quite sure whether my decision on the 29 was the right one. I still can't believe I've held off since 2007. There are so many improvements since then. Yay.
Great comparison video! I went from 29 to 27.5 an now back to 29er. 29ers now are so good.
I went from 26er to 29er so can get the 'on for the ride' description you give. I'm now riding a 27.5 with 2.6 tyres and I'm doing everything I have done on the 29er and I can throw it around more. It seems to be better on the jumps too.
i love your vids clint... You are one of my go to channels for anything mtb'ing .. I even started using Heed products after i saw ur video on em.. and also went and got carbon rims after another vid of urs on them. The Heed products are awesome and i can't say enuff about how awesome the carbon rims are, they dig in and make their own lines, i LOVE them. Thanx for that. :) Your a really smart guy and i always appreciate any of your advice and sharing of your overall knowledge. And i dont say that often to anyone...!!!
(Now that being said!!!!) hope u get that line....!!! ;) lol Your the man clint thanx for all the time u take to do your vids...
Dude you sound just like Kevin Costner!! MTBer with Wolves! 🤣. Great video. Always appreciate your detail and orderly presentation
Dances with Mountain Bikes thanks you for your comment. How!
Be very interesting to see a 29x3 (29+) comparison.
Outside of fire roads 29+ TOTALLY sucks. Literally, everything about the design sucks. Couldn't believe how horrible the bike performs on trails. Any review that has anything positive to say about a stache was paid off! Better off with a any Farley 9.* with 3.8 tires. Build it light enough and it will compete with all but the fastest on any xc race ( depending on the person of course). Does incredibly well on all but the most aggressive trails to. Trek really knocked it out of the ballpark with the Farley 9.*'s. Super versatile. Worth every penny.
165mm length cranks used to be the standard length for road bikes with the 170mm not being specified very often.
I think 170mm length cranks are a good length for most off the shelf Mountain bikes..
The way standardization for bicycles has been thrown out the window in the last twenty years is a concern.
Bottom brackets being an example.
And we have the electrification boom arriving with Hybrids taking the lead.....👍
I’ll keep my 27.5. I really think it all depends on what part of the country your in. I’m out in Moab/Colorado and found from my experience the 27.5 handles the trail much better then the big tire 29. When riding in Dallas Texas area the 29 is great.
Solid comparison and completely helpful. Thanks!
Rider height is another consideration in the 29 v 27.5 debate, I think. I'm 6'2" and have loved 29ers since I first got one in 2008, but my not-so-tall friends really like 27.5. Having ridden some 27.5 bikes, I can certainly testify to their better agility, but I still prefer the balance and roll-over of 29.
Of course, some 29ers can also be nimble. The Ibis Ripley LS, which I tested last summer, was amazingly flickable and "BMX"-ey feeling -- the most so of any full-sus 29er I've ridden.
I was thinking about a Specialized 29er ... either Stump Jumper or Epic for my next bike. So I've subscribed and been watching your vids for the last month or so ... very well done! You really hit on key issues for the every-day rather than some of the 'sales pitch' type videos I've seen elsewhere. Really enjoying your thoughts on the Revolt also ... I currently have a Specialized Diverge Comp with an up-spec'ed 105 Crank - for road work!! I found I like the feel of Gravel geometry and spec more than the dedicated road set up considering the state of our suburban roads here in Perth, Western Australia. It'd be interesting to see you compare the current Specialised Diverge Comp (Ultegra) against the Revolt at some point if that is even possible. Keep it up man!
I put a Megneg on my Rockshox deluxe it helps with the mid stroke support so there for it rides higher in the travel when pedalling. Less pedal strikes 👍
That’s just you and where you’re at in your riding on a 29er! I Ride a 29er, and I don’t feel like I’m just going along for a ride.
Dude, you are Not comparing the wheelsizes, you are comparing two diferent bikes.
And just calling one the 29r and the other one the 27.5.
While that is true, he's not wrong about many of the aspects.
It's still a gd comparison
@@jw-vx8im I don't accept that, different angles & geometry, kinetics, wheelbase, etc. - No way.
That was the whole point, to compare two very different bikes
@@JulianoGSF No, as he said you're not doing any sort of comparison which focuses on *only the difference in the wheel sizes,* you'd have to use 2 Santa Cruz Hightowers, or 2 Pivot Switchblades, etc. to compare the wheel size difference and *not have the results skewed by the other differences* in the two completely different bikes.
Hi, great video. I'm also a big fan of Giant/Maestro, you helped me out with my Anthem. The feel of the trail and performance is well known in MTB nowadays. Could make a video of the same comparison in a longer, all day trail? I think 27.5 would have a better outcome.
Great vid I went from a 26er to 29er and that was like night and day I’m still getting used to the 29er. But man does it feel crazy fast on downhill sections I’m also able to pump the heck out of it and get even more speed. But those are two gorgeous bikes you have!
I've had both sizes and I've ended up with 27.5, the 29er whilst it beats a 27.5 climbing and sometimes on downhills on the rocky trails where I live just doesn't have the control on the tighter trails that I ride mostly, feels like the wheels want to keep going off the trail on corners and sometimes they do, what I would say is if you want to get out and do a mixed day with many types of surface and distance is the objective then 29er all the way.
Happy Thanksgiving, Very interesting, I can’t wait stumpjumper vs trance 29er kudos
As a beginning mountain biker, I never understood why Giant (and others) put road-sized, long crank arms on mountain bikes with 27.5" wheels. Getting hung up on rocks from pedal striking is one of the most frustrating things for a beginner.
What would you recommend instead that’s a good think I could change
Ultimately it appears that the 29" er is the better rim/ tire combo overall.. especially for enduro style racing/ riding.. i have an Avalanche G.T. and it's in 29" er configuration {large frame} it's a 20" frame and then u add 29" tires and u get a big beefy bike. i dig it alot it's excellent.
Love to see a direct to consumer brand like canyon or YT versus giant or specialized..the bike you get from these direct brands for the price vs major brands is far less expensive for a similar spec bike..love to see your input Clint
Or Bikes Direct. I bought two for my young sons to see if they would like mtb, and the quality was as good as anything I have ever owned from Trek, Giant or DBack. In fact, better than DBack. And those Bikes Direct bikes were low spec rides, but the build quality was just so good. We rode them all over northern N Mexico, Southern Colo and Moab, with not a single adjustment required the entire time. My DBack had to have the cassette tightened, still has a nasty rumble in the rear hub, and the handlebars were twisted ever so slightly. Twisted. How is that possible? So when its time to buy a new ride for myself, I will give Bikes Direct all the respect I would give any other good maker. As everyone with any time spend in MTB already knows, there is a ton of markup in MTB parts, and most of that markup goes into marketing, not into making parts that justify the price differential.
Jerry W Davis just another victim of the low cost bike industry.
The YT Jeffsy frame looks a lot like the enduro side by side. Though the Capra is the YT's enduro bike. Someone did a review of those 2 bikes about 6 months ago and I was shocked at how close the 2 bikes were to each other. I tried to find the vid, but can't find it atm.
Hey Clint, just curious about the corner/ switchback at 3:01 you couldn’t make on the stumpy 29’er, just wondering if the ST stump jumper 29’er would be able to make it? I’m seriously considering the same Stumpjumper you tested, but in vegas I ride a lot of tight, rocky technical trails where I would need the agility! Do you think the short travel version of the stumpjumper would be a better mtb for my area? Thank you for your videos, you are definitely my go-to for anything I need help with!!!
I'm absolutely loving the trance 29. I think it has the perfect amount of travel for most riding. So I think the ST version is going to be very versatile. For whatever reason, I made it around that turn first time no problem on my transition sentinel which has a slacker head angle! Not sure if it was the bike or just a good day.
Good video. Looking forward to more. Take care.
I ride a stump jumper 27.5 + it allows me to ride all the stuff that everybody cautions on the trail like roots and valleys with no worries
Totally agree w you on the 29er climbing better. Try fat tires it makes sense 4x4 style
47 views by 6:15 am EST on Thanksgiving Day! Wow Clint
1pm here, no thanksgiving. :)
Wait..you mean not everybody wakes up at 6 to watch a Clint Gibbs video with their morning coffee? LOL
180 views by 7am EST......
The first two comments show us Americans how “non-global” our thinking is 😆
Here it's 14:27 here now
I have 2 bikes and didn't realize that one had 170mm cranks. The one with the 175mm cranks always felt like I had the seat set to high and felt unnatural. I changed the cranks out to 170mm and just feels right!
Seriously!!! Its too hard to decide... just pick a bike you like to look at and that's it
I have to agree I have short legs and unless you like smashing your private parts the 27.5 is way better for me.
@@robertdutton2603 I'm 6.4 everyone said get a 29er having long legs.. tried both and went the 27.5. My bike is xl so its already a big bike
My Hightower always felt weird, kinda tall and like the front end was way out there, like a tractor. Got on the Switchblade and felt like I grew up on it.
Best comment on here
that's my thought... I'm rocking a 2011 Non-goose 26er. steel fork, coil shock;)
Entering the true MTB sport seriously so the above bike is just what I had in the garage, something I bought for a transportation necissicity in 2011...
I will be spending $2500 next month on a bike and still unsure what to get.
Used FS or New FS?
New Alloy NX/Deore?
Used X01 Carbon?
...
New may be slacker longer lower...
Wheel size?
I'm lightweight 140lbs 5'8".
**I WILL be jumping and manualing the shit out of whatever I get. I come from Motocross and BMX free ride style.
I WILL be riding in rain, water, snow, sand, ice, roots, leaves. all terrain and weather.
Any suggestions for a bike for me??
Will a mid-fat 27.5 be the best bet, maybe one I can use both size tires?
If you can, you should compare the same bike model that has both a 27.5 and a 29 frame, but not just switching the wheel from a 29 to 27.5 on the same frame. I know the stumpjumper used to have both sizes but I also heard quite a lot of negative things about this new stumpjumper geo. I know its getting tougher as manufacturers are making their models one wheel size only. With this video, I feel like its comparing apples and oranges, different brands, geometry, suspension, tires, etc. Where what you need to compare is a smaller apple against the larger apple. A lot of these new 29ers are starting to feel as nimble as 27.5s, I think its all dependent on which model you go for that can make it or break it.
i feel that you made a honest review... when you said about the susp. system (giant has a more "advanced" system...) those 2 links made a progression rear axle and a floating link.. in spz they a single pivot (with some tweeks)... and you describe the feeling very well..haha note: i think 29" are not the best in all categories.. but overal.. they are better.
I’ve decided to go for a 29er. Going to be a wake up call coming from a 26er for the last 20 years. My way of thinking for it was, I’m coming into my 40’s. I’ve noticed I’m slowing down so I’m no longer looking for the real aggressive turns. I still like my speed so having the 29ers should take on the rough terrain better, more grip. I’m pretty tall as well so these could be perfect? Well here’s hoping anyway.
really interesting video, the new Stump looks like a great "do it all bike" as does the new Trance. Cant help but feel you are comparing two different bikes more than wheel size. Going back and forth between my 29 Camber and friends 27.5 Camber I couldn't really feel much of a difference. Like you on the Stump I find on my Camber the rear shock is a bit progressive for my liking... never use the last 15mm over travel and even getting that low is from g-outs not drops. * less shock pressure and I sit to far into the travel and small bumps get more harsh so lowering that isn't the issue. On the fence with new stump, if I stick with my Camber for another season I may try and get the shock tuned. Looking forward to your Giant review
I ride a 27.5, i love that it's lighter and it murders the trails. I find i am faster on the 27.5 uphill than the 29ner but i guess it really depends on the rider.
Def depends on the rider. I can kill it in the trails with my good old cannondale 26er
Clint.. your channel is amazing!! I never get tired of watching your videos. Question for you.. lets say that Giant just says to go a head and keep those two “demo” bikes. I think you will be doing a lot of bike selling. I have a feeling your going to love that giant 29er!! More than the stumpy.
Love this assessment! thank you!
Never thought I would go for a 29er, however after riding a shop demo, loved it. Bought a Specialized 29er absolutely sold on it.
I do ride mainly flowing trails with fairly long rides of around 40km at a time
The roll is incredible, the ride less tiring