29″ wheels – what advantage do they provide over smaller wheels?

Asked by: Nicole Sanchez

Riding a 29er will help you feel increased confidence when riding over logs, roots and technical rocky sections. Larger wheels generate greater traction with increased tire-to-dirt contact, and will excel on loose climbs and corners! One big advantage of a 29er is increased stability.

What is the advantage of 29 inch wheels?

Ride Experience



Largely because of their lower attack angle, 29ers roll over trail obstacles easier than 27.5-inch wheels. This translates to a slightly smoother ride and a bit less effort to keep the bike going.

What is the advantage of larger bike wheels?

The rolling resistance of a bicycle is inversely proportional to the diameter of the wheel, so a larger wheel will present less rolling resistance than a smaller one. These aids to speed were the reasons why bike wheels grew larger throughout the 19th century.

Do 29 inch wheels roll faster?

A 29-inch wheel in the front offers better roll-over and traction benefits while the smaller 27.5 wheel in the back helps a rider rail around turns faster.

Is it better to have bigger or smaller wheels on a bike?

There’s no definite answer. On smooth surfaces, small wheels have less aerodynamic drag due to a smaller frontal area. Smaller wheels can also be built lighter (therefore easier to propel uphill). However, larger wheels theoretically provide slightly better rolling resistance (the effect of this is incredibly small).

How tall should you be for a 29 inch bike?

5’6′

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.

Do 29ers climb better?

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.

Why is 27.5 better than 29?

Take test rides: As you consider 27.5 and 29 in. wheels, keep in mind that the best way to learn the differences is to feel them for yourself.



27.5” vs. 29er: Which Mountain Bike is Right for Me?

Can you put 29 inch wheels on a 27.5 frame?

Yes, you can do it. The diameter of a 29″ wheel & tire is slightly larger than a 27.5+ wheel & tire. The 29″ setup will raise your bottom bracket height.

What difference does wheel size make on a bike?

If this heavier wheel was spinning at the same speed as a smaller wheel, there would be more angular momentum, but bigger wheels spin slower. Think of the amount of ground the circumference of the wheel covers in one rotation. It is proportionally less for a bigger wheel, so it spins slower.

What are the pros and cons of 27.5 vs 29?

In general, 27.5-inch mountain bikes accelerate faster, are more maneuverable weigh less and are more suitable for shorter riders. 29ers accelerate a bit slower but are better at maintaining speed, have more traction, weight a bit more and are better for taller riders.

How much faster is a 29er?

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.

Are 29ers harder to jump?

29ers and 27.5 bikes tend to have comparable performance when it comes to jumping. 29ers carry more speed downhill, which offsets their slightly heavier weight on jumps. For climbing hills, 29ers may take more effort to accelerate, but they also roll over obstacles more easily, helping you maintain momentum.

What size mountain bike should a 5 7 Man ride?

Mountain Bike Size Chart

What size bike should a 5’9 Man ride?

Road bike sizing chart

What’s the difference between 29 and 29er?

29er bikes also referred to as two-niners and 29″ MTBs, are mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels. The “29” refers to the diameter of the wheels these bikes use (with a tire mounted). 29″ MTB wheels are also the same diameter as a 700c road bike wheel.

Are 29ers faster than 26ers?

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.

Can I put 29 wheels on a 27.5 frame?

Yes, you can do it. The diameter of a 29″ wheel & tire is slightly larger than a 27.5+ wheel & tire. The 29″ setup will raise your bottom bracket height.

Are 29 inch wheels the same as 700C?

29″ (ISO size 622) is actually the same rim diameter as 700C, although most 29″ tires will not fit 700C road rims because they’re too wide. 29″ tires are popular with mountain bikers; search for 29″ MTB.

What is a 29 inch wheel?

29ers or two-niners are mountain bikes and hybrid bikes that are built to use 700c or 622 mm ISO (inside rim diameter) wheels, commonly called 29″ wheels. Most mountain bikes once used ISO 559 mm wheels, commonly called 26″ wheels.

Whats better 27.5 or 29?

27.5 in. wheels have faster acceleration while 29ers are more efficient on longer rides. Smaller wheels accelerate faster than larger wheels. This is due mostly to where the weight of the wheel is distributed.

What are the pros and cons of 27.5 vs 29?

In general, 27.5-inch mountain bikes accelerate faster, are more maneuverable weigh less and are more suitable for shorter riders. 29ers accelerate a bit slower but are better at maintaining speed, have more traction, weight a bit more and are better for taller riders.