[outback82]

Hi guys I've recently sold my 29 primal HT for buying a new full suspended bike. I am 174cm tall and ride all mountain trails. I was almost 100% convinced about buying a 5010 v4 because I was not so happy with 29er. Too slow and I like to play with trails. But I started to worry about the 27.5 wheels will be not so spread in the next years. Also I'm not sure mullet configuration will be the standard that is going to substitute 27.5
What do you think? Should I buy the 5010?
Also, i am attracted buy old V2 Bronson but in that case I am afraid of buying an old geometry bike.
What can u suggest?

 

[plummet]

Dont buy old geo, its just worse. Yes 27.5 is still a thing, Its more playful and better in tight and steep. The 29 rules the roost for stability and straight line plowing. Also technical uphill is typically owned by the 29er.

 

[targnik]

Mullet FTW!!

Sent from my Asus Rog 3

 

[Riled]

It's hard to predict future availability, but you can for example still buy 26" wheels and tires even now if you try hard enough. I think 27.5 will be around for a long time, but with limited options as time goes by. The trend towards mullet bikes will give 27.5 components some extra staying power. I also think there's a market for shorter riders that will hopefully keep some 27.5 supplies around indefinitely.

If you're interested in a mullet bike, or want that option available in the future, I've heard it's better to put a 29" front on a 27.5 bike than to put a 27.5 back wheel on 29" bike. They say that lifting the BB slightly rather than dropping it is preferable. One disturbing development is Fox eliminating 27.5 options in some of their new forks. I doubt that trend will continue, but I figure when I need a new fork years down the road, I will go mullet then if I have to.

I went with a 27.5 after worrying about the same thing. I've stocked up on tires that I like, just in case. I'm confident that I'm set for many years to come, and, like you, I didn't like the ride feel of 29r's. I would rather fully enjoy the next 5-10 years of riding than try to future-proof myself beyond that with a bike that I don't enjoy as much.

 

[outback82]

Mullet option is interesting but Bronson v4 costs a lot.
Also, if putting a 29 for and wheel on a bike born with 27.5bfront and rear is an option it is so nice! But unfortunately I think that mullet bikes are enginereed with dedicated geos. It is not just a 27.5!bike with a 29" front, isn't it?

 

[ugadawg]

I would get the 5010 if you have a playful riding style. If you don’t buy it because you think the 27.5 tires might not be available, it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Bike companies won’t stop making 27.5 if people keep buying them.

 

[outback82]

Thank you guys. Do you think 5010 V4 is good for all mountain?

 

[ugadawg]

Thank you guys. Do you think 5010 V4 is good for all mountain?

I ride a 5010 v3 as my all around bike. The v4 should be even more capable, so I think it would be good.

 

[mlloyd007]

Dont buy old geo, its just worse. Yes 27.5 is still a thing, Its more playful and better in tight and steep. The 29 rules the roost for stability and straight line plowing. Also technical uphill is typically owned by the 29er.

All these points are right on. OP, if you prioritize playing with the trail rather than pure speed and plowing prowess, you'll have more fun on the 27.5, especally at 174mm. I'm 178cm and have a 29er enduro, but I have a 27.5 enduro on order because they're more fun to jump and throw around. I'd say go for the 5010- it's a highly evolved and refined bike that everybody reviews as super fun to ride.

 

[natas1321]

I have both but prefer the 27.5 on most occasions as I find them more playful and nimble. Then again I prefer rocky and technical over smooth and flowy and climbing over downhill so what do I know.

Sent from my moto g(7) supra using Tapatalk

 

[outback82]

Hi guys, i just ordered the v4 5010 frame in CC version. No bikes available here in italy. Gonna build my bike by my own

 

[Nosdeho]

Dont buy old geo, its just worse. Yes 27.5 is still a thing, Its more playful and better in tight and steep. The 29 rules the roost for stability and straight line plowing. Also technical uphill is typically owned by the 29er.

The V2 Bronson was just replaced. I was not impressed with v3 because it was too stable and planted. Now they are bringing back old ideas with the mullet. I keep holding onto my V2 until I test ride something as playful as my old sled. I am big on new geo in fact my new bike is a honzo esd.

 

[outback82]

I have the last minute doubt. Was thinking about a hightower too. I think I prefer 27.5 wheels but I rode 29 wheels only on a darmoor hardtail with aluminum frame. I was thinking that hightower is a completely different bike compared to my previous dartmoor and probably I'll have more confidence on it and can make it play on trails, for sure not as 5010 does, but I could gain advantages from 29 wheels. Because i have to consider that i often ride on rocky trails in the Alps and more rear travel and 29 wheels could help

 

[outback82]

Ended up with hightower. Tested it and the feeling was so nice. I felt not being so distended as I was on my Dartmoor. I had the impression of lot more agility on the bike. Also, i think the bigger wheels and more rear excursion will make me feel more secure on all mountain rocky trails

 

[ugadawg]

I think it comes down to the terrain you’ll be riding. The hightower would be too much for my local trails, but might be perfect for what you ride.

 

[Chas128]

I am worried that 27.5 tires may be hard to replace in the future.
I had a hard time finding the 26" replacement tires I wanted last year.
I'd like to get a 27.5 bike because I think it would be better than 29 for the trails I ride. More maneuverable. I have demo'ed a 29. Yes it seemed better for climbing, but I mostly like riding twisty single track (and keep climbing to a minimum).

 

[outback82]

i bought second hand hightower v2 carbon. Im riding it for two days and im finding it a lot more maneuverable than i thought. Climbs very well and i can make it play on the trails while descending. i'm really loving it

 

[ugadawg]

I am worried that 27.5 tires may be hard to replace in the future.
I had a hard time finding the 26" replacement tires I wanted last year.
I'd like to get a 27.5 bike because I think it would be better than 29 for the trails I ride. More maneuverable. I have demo'ed a 29. Yes it seemed better for climbing, but I mostly like riding twisty single track (and keep climbing to a minimum).

I wouldn’t worry about availability since mullet bikes are becoming more popular.

 

[ttchad]

Mullet option is interesting but Bronson v4 costs a lot.
Also, if putting a 29 for and wheel on a bike born with 27.5bfront and rear is an option it is so nice! But unfortunately I think that mullet bikes are enginereed with dedicated geos. It is not just a 27.5!bike with a 29" front, isn't it?

If your not sure check out Banshee. With their dropout kit you can run long for a fat 29er or short for 27.5/29. They also allow you the ability to raise or lower your bottom bracket via chip. You can run 142 or 148.