What Mountain Bike Wheel Size Is Best

Mountain bike wheels come in a variety of different sizes. The most common size is 26 inches. This size is perfect for people who are on the shorter side, or people who are just starting out. 28 inch wheels are also popular, and they allow for a more stable ride than the smaller 26 inch wheels. 29 inch wheels offer a similar experience to that of the 28 inch wheels, but they are even more stable and less likely to be affected by rough terrain.

Mountain bike wheel sizes can vary depending on what you want out of your ride. If you prefer a smoother ride with less resistance, then go with a 28 or 29 inch wheel size. If you want something that will be easier to maneuver in tight spaces, then go with a 26 inch wheel size instead!

Which wheel size is best on a mountain bike?

Our years of research have told us that 29˝ wheels are the most efficient choice for most bikes and riders.^[1]

Is 27.5 better than 29er?

27.5-inch wheels are typically quicker to accelerate when compared to 29ers, which is mainly a result of their lower weight that requires less effort to spin. This can be great if your local trails include a lot of slowing down and accelerating through tight turns and short uphill sections.^[2]

Are Bigger wheels better on a mountain bike?

In general, bigger mountain bike wheels (29’ers in particular) are better uphill and in a straight line over rough terrain. The smaller wheels tend to be more nimble and have more suspension travel. One isn’t necessarily better than the other and a lot of rider preference and terrain choice is going to come into play.^[3]

Are 27.5 wheels better than 26?

27.5″ versus 26″ Wheels Larger wheels hold more speed than smaller wheels due to rotational inertia, making the 27.5″ a faster ride than a conventional 26″ wheel. Once you get moving, it’s easier to stay moving.^[4]

What height is a 27.5 inch bike for?

A 27.5-inch bike is good for what height? A mountain bike with 27.5” wheels is typically the right size for riders between 5’5” and 6’0”. The 27.5” tire and wheel size has become the new standard across quality mountain bikes because of its increased traction and speed over the older 26” wheels.^[5]

Is 29er good for uphill?

29ers are better up hills. Bigger wheels are heavier which works against you when climbing, so in this respect it’s a myth. However, if the climb is littered with rocks and steps, the bigger wheel will roll over these momentum sapping obstacles with less effort.^[6]

Do I really need a 29er?

29ers are often better suited to taller riders. wheels affect the overall geometry of a bike frame more drastically than 27.5 in. wheels. This can make it difficult for shorter riders (especially those shorter than 5 ft. 6 in.) to find a 29er that fits well.^[7]

Who needs a 29 inch bike?

If you’re 5’6′ or taller, you should be able to find a 29er model to fit you. Riders more than 6′ tall can rejoice: You’ll definitely enjoy a more natural riding position with the size and frame geometry of a 29er.^[8]

Is 27.5 or 29 better for trail riding?

Simply put, a 29er offers more speed, efficiency and stability, while a 27.5-inch bike offers a snappier trail feel. So unless you are particularly tall or small then the choice of wheel size very much depends on the trail you ride and your personal preference for the ride feel.^[9]

Is 29er faster than 26?

In the end, the 29ers came in 7.5 seconds ahead of the 26ers—a 2.4-percent speed increase—without making the riders work harder, as there were no differences in power output, cadence, time spent coasting, work, or heart rate.^[10]

Is 26 inch bike good for what height?

A 26-inch bike works well for people who are 4’10-5’7, or 147 cm to 170 cm. Also, it works well for people whose leg inseam is 25-30 inches, or 63-76 cm. However, the frame size may need adjustment depending on your height.^[11]

Which is better 26er or 29er?

While 26ers definitely accel when it comes to acceleration, 29ers are undoubtedly better at maintaining speed. In fact, a 29er can feel considerably faster once you’re up to speed. This is due to a few reasons, almost all stemming from the fact that 29ers have additional rotating mass.^[12]