Looking for input on what people think of 29 vs 27.5 rear wheel.
2023 and newer come with the 27.5, anyone switch to the 29?
Any comments?
2023 and newer come with the 27.5, anyone switch to the 29?
Any comments?
Levo SL riders, 27.5 or 29 rear wheel?
Tree
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
Joined
·
4,071 Posts
I had the gen 1 Levo SL with full 29 and now have the Levo gen 3 w/27.5 rear.
The motor overcomes the disadvantages of the smaller rear wheel. My Levo is so much more agile than my Levo SL ever was even though the latter had shorter chain stays and a shorter wheelbase.
I don't think I'd like the reverse mullet setup on my Stumpjumper, but on the Levo, it's pretty great.
The motor overcomes the disadvantages of the smaller rear wheel. My Levo is so much more agile than my Levo SL ever was even though the latter had shorter chain stays and a shorter wheelbase.
I don't think I'd like the reverse mullet setup on my Stumpjumper, but on the Levo, it's pretty great.
Joined
·
412 Posts
I ran 27.5 over the summer then changed to 29 for the winter (mainly so I can run my studded tires and gain a little bit of extra BB clearance). The 27.5 is definitely more agile and playful feeling and is so great for fast, quick turns. The 29 feels faster overall and is better for rolling over really bumpy and rooty stuff but definitely lacks some of the spunk.
One oversight on Specialized's part is users can't change the wheel size in the software so speeds and distances are off once you change to 29. It apparently can be done by a dealer, but it seems like it should be a simple check box option in the app.
One oversight on Specialized's part is users can't change the wheel size in the software so speeds and distances are off once you change to 29. It apparently can be done by a dealer, but it seems like it should be a simple check box option in the app.
I've got mates with both.
Both love them and height isn't the key factor as they're within 3" of each other.
27.5" more agile, feels more fun.
29" super balanced, calmer and faster.
The one who has it as 29" did ride the 27.5" option and preferred 29".
I just think it's highly subjective and personal preference.
Both love them and height isn't the key factor as they're within 3" of each other.
27.5" more agile, feels more fun.
29" super balanced, calmer and faster.
The one who has it as 29" did ride the 27.5" option and preferred 29".
I just think it's highly subjective and personal preference.
Joined
·
360 Posts
I prefer the full 29 set up with the technical climbing on a lot of the trails I ride. The rear wheel doesn’t hang up as much as it did with the 27.5. Less pedal strikes climbing through rock gardens as well.
While the 27.5 did feel a bit more “nimble” descending, I still prefer the feel of the 29er descending as well.
My home trails are in CO, so lots of sustained climbing and descending on natural technical trails. No real park riding or jump trails.
While the 27.5 did feel a bit more “nimble” descending, I still prefer the feel of the 29er descending as well.
My home trails are in CO, so lots of sustained climbing and descending on natural technical trails. No real park riding or jump trails.
I'm really digging the 27.5 on my full-fat Levo. I prefer downhill-performance over any perceived minor feeling of a wheel hang-up while climbing. Yes, there are a few more pedal-strikes to be had but you just have to be careful and time those pedal strokes in the techy stuff.
And I'm a diehard 29 guy when it comes to my Amish bikes.
And I'm a diehard 29 guy when it comes to my Amish bikes.
I've tried both wheel options on my 23 Levo SL and I agree with what others are saying. My usual trails are mostly rocky, with chunky technical climbs and I've found that I prefer the 29" to maintain momentum and buy me just a little bit of additional clearance to pedal strikes. When the trail becomes more flowing with fast successive turns, the 27.5" shines here.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
